Brixham Town Design Statement 2011 - 2015 - Torbay Council

Conclusion
In a town wholly enclosed by and partly contained within an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, Brixham needs to pursue what Gordon Cullen, in his book ‘Townscape’, calls the ‘Art of
the Environment’. This concerns itself with the right relationship between buildings, spaces,
trees and other features, creating a pleasant place for people to live. It is not just some esoteric
concept to be analysed and defined by experts, it is at the very heart of good planning. The
people of Brixham, by their responses to the Town Plan workshop, showed that they understand
this, and manifested a desire that the ‘Art of the Environment’ should be put into practice in any
future development of the town. It is not enough to make narrow ad-hoc decisions on individual
planning applications, these should all be viewed in relation to their neighbours, the preservation
of the essential character of the town and its unique place in the Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty.
Brixham Lifeboat
All planning applications will be viewed in the context of the preservation of the essential character of the town. This will only be possible if
the development actually enhances the environment, is sensitive to the neighbouring dwellings and open spaces and recognises the importance
of trees in creating the natural beauty of the town. Brixham will welcome good design, interesting variety and the use of sustainable
construction techniques and traditional materials in any new building.
New projects should include an adequate supply of affordable housing of the size
and type, which allows local first-time buyers to remain in their home town. It is
recognised that buyers looking for a holiday home (non letting) in Brixham poses
a problem that affects the town’s vitality and the viability of local business.
It is proposed that a group continues to operate as a revising and updating
committee to monitor the effect of this Design Statement. It should encourage
partnership working between residents, the Town Council and developers to
improve the quality, design, construction and sustainability of proposed projects.
New development should avoid the destruction of the mix of buildings and open
areas, which have emerged over the last 400 years or more years.
Battery Gardens
Brixham Town Design Statement 2010 - 2015 Page 35