Urban design baseline report

15Townscape qualityQuality here is defined principally in terms of thematurity of the soft landscape, cohesiveness,legibility and clarity of street layouts,distinctiveness of architectural style and form,attention to architectural detail and use ofnatural materials. Areas which display thesecharacteristics are considered to be of highquality. Areas where such characteristics arelacking are considered to be of average or lowquality.• Within the immediate vicinity of Daedalus, theresidential area to the east of the Waterfront area,together with the centre of Lee-on-the-Solent,have the greatest townscape quality. This area ischaracterised by a clear perimeter block layout withsignificant mature vegetation and attractive greenspaces and a higher density of development focusedon the High Street and seafront. The layout providesviews towards the sea and a variety of clear local routes.Some of the positive characteristics of this area willbe applicable to the development of Daedalus andintegration between the site and this area will be crucial.• Despite its generally strong townscape quality, thenorthern stretch of the centre of Lee-on-the-Solentsuffers from a poor quality public realm. It will beimportant for development at Daedalus to reinforcethis existing centre rather than competing with it.• The northern part of the Waterfront area currentlyhas low townscape quality, with poorly defined routesand a discordant mix of buildings. It will therefore benecessary to establish a more coherent townscapestructure in this area.• The seafront is an important part of the publicrealm, offering open space, long views, recreationalopportunities and an important route towards thecentres of Lee-on-the-Solent and Stubbington.The development of Daedalus should aim to maximiseand protect these benefits.• The majority of positive buildings in the vicinity arelocated within Lee-on-the-Solent and the Waterfrontarea. These buildings are of attractive proportions,relate successfully to streets and spaces, andbenefit from careful architectural detailing and goodquality materials. Industrial buildings in other partsof the Daedalus site are simpler and less detailed.Nevertheless they have a certain functional characterand those in prominent positions form significant locallandmarks.Saint Faith’s Church – a local landmarkPoor quality temporary modular buildings in the northernpart of the Waterfront areaSeafront housing on Marine Parade.Café on Marine Parade