Deposit Draft Local Development Plan - Rhondda Cynon Taf

10.Open space is provided in accordance with the Fields in TrustStandards;11.A high level of connectivity and accessibility to existing centers,by a wide range of modes of sustainable transport;12.Schemes incorporate a flexibility in design to allow changes inuse of buildings and spaces as requirements and circumstanceschange;13.The development reflects and enhances the cultural heritage ofRhondda Cynon Taf.14. The design protects and enhances the landscape and biodiversity;15.The development promotes energy efficiency and the use ofrenewable energy, and16. The design promotes good water management, includingrainwater storage, sustainable urban drainage, porous paving etc.Proposals for 5 dwellings and over; commercial schemes of 1000m2and over; and any other scheme, regardless of size, where the Councilconsider there are design implications, must be accompanied by aDesign Statement.Developers will be required to submit comprehensive masterplansfor residential proposals of 50 dwellings and over; for commercialdevelopments of 10,000m2 and over; and for schemes where theCouncil considers the issue of place making can only be fullyconsidered through the submission of a masterplan. Masterplansmust have regard to the need to create high quality, sustainable andlocally distinct places.5.30. The Council is committed to raising the standard of design on all newdevelopment across the County Borough. The erosion of localdistinctiveness is a widespread concern. Whilst very different traditionalcharacteristics exist between the northern and southern parts of the CountyBorough, recent developments have often been uniform and lack anyacknowledgement of these characteristics. Rhondda Cynon Taf has a strongculture and heritage and it is important that the traditional character ofthe County Borough is respected and enhanced through design.5.31. ‘Placemaking’ is a key element of achieving sustainable developmentthrough the creation of well-designed places, which are able to stand thetest of time. These areas will have reduced dependence on cars, qualitystreets and spaces and the right mix of uses to help build strongcommunities. Rhondda Cynon Taf has an opportunity to ensure that newdevelopment achieves social, economic and environmental sustainabilityand to create places that are socially inclusive.5.32. The creation of walkable neighbourhoods and the nature of the spacesbetween buildings will be primary considerations. However small, theyshould be useful, connected, safe and landscape designed. Well-designedsite planning forms the foundation for good architecture. The Design andPlacemaking policy will complement the positive approach to energyefficiency and conservation measures in both the location and design ofnew developments.5.33. Openspaces, whether formal sports areas, informal public openspaces ornatural greenspaces, have been acknowledged as playing a significant rolein improving and maintaining peoples physical and mental health andwellbeing. This is of particular importance in Rhondda Cynon Taf, given theidentified health problems across the County. New or improved open50Preserving Our Heritage, Building Our Future