Woldingham Design Guidance - Live Cartogold Jobs

Woldingham DesignGuidanceTandridge District CouncilSupplementary PlanningDocument3rd March 2011

❚ Contents1.0 Introduction 22.0 Character Areas 43.0 Process 84.0 Layout 105.0 Views 176.0 Relating to Topography 237.0 Green Setting 288.0 Street Scene 339.0 Sustainable Design 3710.0 Design 39©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance1

1. IntroductionThis Guide1.1 The importance of good design is recognisedboth in national and local planning policy. Good design isconsidered essential for sustainable development and it isrecognised as a key contributor to community health, socialwell-being and inclusion, as well as to the quality of theenvironment.1.2 PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development, states“Design which is inappropriate in its context, or whichfails to take the opportunities available for improving thecharacter and quality of an area and the way it functions,should not be accepted.” PPS3 Housing makes clear thatdesign quality includes assessment of whether the proposal“creates or enhances a distinctive character that relates wellto the surroundings and supports a sense of local pride andcivic identity” and whether it “is well integrated with, andcomplements, the neighbouring buildings and the local areamore generally in terms of scale, density, layout and access”.1.3 Good design is not just about buildings but aboutplaces, and it includes the way places work as well as look.This requires a considered response to a place, based on anunderstanding of its particular character.1.4 Good design is also about imaginative solutionsthat meet the needs of each client and respond appropriatelyto their context.1.5 We need good design if we are to maintain andenhance the character and quality of places and ensure thatthese places continue to be ones where people want to live,to work and to visit.1.6 The guidance in this document focuses on designprinciples for maintaining the character and quality of places,and that influence how development proposals relate to andfit into the context, including both neighbouring propertiesand the wider area.1.7 This Design Guidance contains a number ofDesign Principles for maintaining the character and qualityof the area. Not every Design Principle applies to everycharacter area (see the matrix on page 6). Developmentwill be expected to respect the overall aims of these DesignPrinciples, but different weight may be given to themdepending on the scheme and the particular location andcharacteristics of the site. The consideration of these designprinciples will feed into the Council’s Development Planpolicy assessment of issues such as character, setting, localcontext and local distinctiveness in terms of Core Strategypolicy CSP18 ‘Character and Design’ in particular and anyother character based policies in subsequent DevelopmentPlan Documents.Purpose of the Guidance1.8 The main purpose of this guide is to provide apractical tool to help to:■■ Promote good design and sustainability in Woldingham;■■ Protect and enhance the high quality character of thearea;■■ Explain how the design principles will apply in differentparts of Woldingham so as to maintain and reinforce itscharacter;■■ Provide guidance in relation to planning applications: toapplicants when formulating proposals and to planningofficers when making decisions, on what constitutesgood, sustainable and appropriate design; and■■ Provide guidance to other decision makers and localresidents in relation to changes to the streetscene andlandscape character.Figure 1.1: impressions of WoldinghamWoldingham Design Guidance2©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011

Status of the document1.9 This design guidance has been adopted as aSupplementary Planning Document and it applies to theWoldingham area of Special Residential Character. Thereare parts of the special residential character area which falloutside the “urban area” as defined in the Core Strategy. inthese areas green belt policy applies and takes precedenceover this design guidance. Within the Green Belt there isa presumption against development (which includes theconstruction of new buildings, although limited extension,alteration of replacement of buildings may be appropriate).1.10 This Supplementary Planning Document providesdetailed character and design guidance, expanding uponCore Strategy policies CSP 18 and CSP19. These twopolicies and other policies in the Core Strategy and thesubsequent Development Management Development PlanDocument apply to all or parts of the Woldingham SpecialResidential Character area.1.11 The Woldingham Village Design Statement(WVDS) has also been adopted as a SupplementaryPlanning Document; as both documents are adoptedas Supplementary Planning Document they have equalweight as planning guidance. it should be noted that theWoldingham Design Guide is not intended to replace theWoldingham Village Design Statement that was adopted asa Supplementary Planning Document in 2005. This earlierdocument contains a large number of guidelines many of©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011 which are very detailed and will be additional to those in thenew document. Others guidelines within the document willbe complementary.Woldingham1.12 The Design Guidance is based on the WoldinghamCharacter assessment that describes in detail the character,historic development, topography and landscape settingof Woldingham as a whole as well as each sub-characterarea. in summary, Woldingham has a positive and distinctivecharacter today, because of controls placed on building usesby the Gilford Covenants, and the minimum plot sizes.The character is also a result of its topography and sitingon a long ridgeline, its strong landscape character andits historical pattern of development, from a small hamletto a planned ‘village’ laid out and developed from thelate nineteenth century onwards. its character is createdprimarily by:■■ a number of non-residential building groups and openspaces located in the centre of the village influence thecharacter of the wider village. These are:- The Green, the original hamlet, fronted by a terrace ofsmall cottages and large properties;- The Crescent, a formal suburban parade of buildings,including shops and other businesses that serve thelocal community, set back from Station Road behind asmall open space;- The Glebe, a significant recreational open space set atthe heart of the village, yet tucked away from away fromroad frontages;- The Church, sited at the junction between Station Road,long Hill and Croft Road;■■ landscape being the dominant feature, with buildingsbeing subservient in terms of visual prominence;■■ a sylvan character formed by tree cover, soft front, rearand side boundary treatments, consisting of hedges andmature shrubs, with only limited areas of hardstanding;■■ Buildings set far apart from one another in large plots,with little coalescence. They are informally arranged andcontribute little to the spatial definition of the roads;■■ large, detached houses that have been individuallydesigned by a variety of architects;■■ Strong topography that offers glimpsed views betweenbuildings to wooded hillsides or open countryside; and■■ informal roads that are primarily defined by planting, withfew pavements, road lights or highway markings.Woldingham Design Guidance3

The character areas are:High Drive (Character Area A)2.3 This area differentiates itself from the rest of thevillage by the very well maintained wide and broadly linearroad. The road is distinctive with its red tarmac, grassedverges and high hedges. it is a road that feels more privatethan other roads in the village.Long Hill (Character Area B)2.4 This area is more rural in character with a naturalovergrown feeling. There is a distinct sense of leaving thevillage and entering the countryside. Houses sit at the valleybottom allowing views along and across the valley.Western Hillside (Character Area C)2.5 This area most clearly reflects Gilford’s originalvision (refer to Woldingham Character assessment for moredetail). Houses are accessed from a road that winds alongthe contours and through the characteristic tree planting.Houses are set well within their plots with many of themhardly visible from the road. To the west striking glimpsedviews of the countryside can be had through gaps betweenhouses.Woldingham Centre (Character Area D)2.6 The most prominent building group in the centre isthe Crescent. it comprises the only commercial propertiesin the village. its distinct shape and white render make it alandmark within the village. The Glebe is an open spacethat is important for the village. it is discreetly located in thecentre of a block surrounded by high hedges, over whichone can see the upper storey and rooftops of adjacentproperties.Park View / Northdown Road Close (Character Area E)2.7 This is a discreet pocket of two culs-de-sac thatare located off Park View Road and Northdown Road. Theyare distinct due to their consistent architectural design, butin terms of landscape and plot and building sizes it is like theremainder of the village.Historic Core (Character Area F)2.8 This character area includes the oldest part of thevillage and partly overlaps with the designated WoldinghamConservation area. a terrace of small cottages set on TheGreen mark the arrival into Woldingham from the south. Flintis a dominant material on the buildings and boundary wallsin this area.Southern Approach (Character Area G)2.9 This area forms the transition from the opencountryside into the village. Vegetation along the road partlyhides the large detached houses that line the road.Core Fringe (Character Area H)2.10 This area is uncharacteristic for Woldingham as itconsists mainly of post-war semi detached houses. Theseare more modest in size compared to the rest of the village.The houses are very visible as they are set close to the roadedge and are less surrounded by vegetation and tree cover.Southfields Road (Character Area I)2.11 This is area is somewhat removed from the mainvillage. it is located in the valley to the east and is much lesscovered by trees.Eastern Hillside (Character Area J)2.12 This area is similar to the Western Hillside, with largehouses set on a hillside. The nature of the roads is differentas these are straight and linear.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance5

Matrix of character areas and relevant design principlesThis matrix sets out which of the design principles in thisdocument are relevant for each of the identified characterareas.Process layout Views Relating totopographyGreen Setting Street Scene SustainableDesignDesignDesign Principles P 1 l1 l2 l3 l4 l5 V 1 V 2 RT 1 GS 1 GS 2 SS 1 SS 2 SS 3 SD 1 D 1 D 2a High Drive √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √B long Hill √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √C Western Hillside √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √D Woldingham Centre √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √EPark View / NorthdownRoad Close√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √F Historic Centre √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √G Southern approach √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √H Core Fringe √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √i Southfields Road √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √J Eastern Hillside √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √Table 1.1: Matrix summarising the relevant design principles per character areaWoldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 20116

❚ Section 3 ❚ Process©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance7

3. Process3.1 Good design and the ability to assess design,depends not only on the proposal itself, but on the way it iscommunicated.Design Principle P 1: All proposals must provideevidence of how the special characteristics of thecharacter area in which they are located or adjacent tohave been considered and appropriately addressedin the design proposals. This evidence needs todemonstrate how the proposals will meet the principlesset out in this guidance and conserve and enhance thecharacter of the area.3.2 all development proposals should normally beaccompanied by a Design and access Statement. The levelof detail required will depend on the scale of developmentand is to be agreed with the local planning authority.3.3 Because of the need to conserve the specialcharacter of Woldingham, the following information shouldbe submitted with each detailed application within theSpecial Residential Character area:■■ an assessment of the potential impact of thedevelopment on the landscape character and on viewsof the site from both within the village and from the widersetting.■■ landscape details, showing trees and other vegetationto be retained, the proposed landscape treatmentincluding hard and soft surfacing, boundary treatmentand proposed planting. landscape design should be anintegral part on any scheme.■■ a tree survey and arboriculture implications impactassessment in accordance with BS:5837: 2005 or itssuccessor if any.■■ a topographical survey, site levels and relevant section(s)through the development site showing the proposeddevelopment and adjacent properties. This shouldbe standard with any submission, but is of particularimportance in the Woldingham area of SpecialResidential Character. Topography is an importantcharacteristic and proposals to modify the landformmust be considered in relation to the existing topographyand well integrated so as not to negatively impact on thecontext.■■ Photographs / photomontages showing the wholebuilding and its setting and / or the particular views thatare affected. (see further details on important views inSection 5).3.4 it is the Council’s intention to not validateapplications for new development, except for housholderdevelopment, unless they include detailed landscapeproposals. also it will normally be the Council’s intention toresolve principles of the landscaping, for example overallstructure and space for planting (above and below ground)at the planning application stage and not leave such mattersto be dealt with by way of condition.Woldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 20118

❚ Section 4❚ Layout©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance9

4. Layout Summary table of this section on page 15.4.1 The figure ground plan of Woldingham (figure 4.1)illustrates that, with the exception of a few areas, buildingsare very spaciously arranged and sit well within their plots.Design Principle L 1: Buildings should be informallyplaced without defining road edges. The exceptions areCore Fringe (Area H) and the non-residential uses in thecentre.4.2 Buildings should not be placed at the edge ofpavements or behind small front gardens (with exceptionof the Core Fringe area). The ‘traditional’ back to backarrangement that applies in most other places does notapply in Woldingham and buildings can be set at an angle toone another.4.3 Typically, there are no consistent building lineswithin Woldingham, with the exception of Southfields Road,the lower end Slines Oak Road and the Crescent.Design Principle L 2: Development must relate to thepredominant plot and building rhythm;* in areas witha consistent plot rhythm or where the original historicplot sizes remain, plots should not be subdivided eitherin width or depth and plots that are a result of existingsubdivisions should not be further subdivided, either inwidth or depth to create new plots.4.4 Developments should not be formed aroundculs-de-sac as these are not a typical characteristic ofWoldingham. Buildings should be located in their own plotand have a separate access drives.4.5 in areas with a consistent plot rhythm or wherethe original and historic plot sizes remain, sub divisions ormerging of plots would harm the consistency of the existingcharacter. in other areas with less consistency sub divisionshave to be carefully and sensitively considered so thatdevelopment does not harm the character of the area.Station Road√XWestern HillsideThe GlebeFigure 4.1: Figure ground plan of Woldingham.Slines Oak RoadFigure 4.2: informal buildinglayout by regular plot pattern.Figure 4.3: Formal buildinglayout consistent building lineand regular plot pattern, with theexception of Southfields Roadand lower end of Slines OakRoad.* Rhythm: A strong, regular, repeated pattern of plot and/orhouses sizes.Woldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201110

Design Principle L 3: Development must not fill theentire width of a plot and should leave sufficient roomon all sides of the building for planting and to allowviews through.Buildings should not visually merge with one anotherand a sense of separation between buildings should beretained. There must be planting between buildings tocreate the layered effect of development and plantingthat is typical of Woldingham.4.6 Development should be laid out in such a way thatit leaves sufficient room for appropriate buffer zones to trees(in accordance with BS 5837:2005) so that existing and newtrees and shrubs have the opportunity to mature and growto their full size. See also Section 7 on further informationregarding the integration of landscape.Figure 4.4: Photos of houses that have agenerous distance between boundary andbuilding, allowing space for planting.Figure 4.5: Negativeexample: the houseis too close to theboundary.Figure 4.7: Positive example: Houses are separatedfrom one another and there is enough spacebetween them for an appropriate planting screenand sense of spaciousness.√GapGap blockedView to backgroundView blockedFigure 4.8: Negative example: Houses mergewith one another and the hedge alone does notprovide an appropriate landscape screen oradequate gap.XFigure 4.6: sketch illustrating the loss of boundary plantingand loss of views.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance11

4.7 The typical plot/footprint ratio in WoldinghamVillage is 17/1 with some character areas being morespacious than others. Proposed development should beof similar ratio to its character area unless there are strongreasons otherwise.4.8 Typically in Woldingham houses are placed in largeplots that provide for a substantial amount of garden areaaround the house. This loose and spacious character mustbe retained and buildings must not be crowded or hemmedin by boundaries.4.9 The adjacent plot / footprint ratio serves asguidance and is not a definitive standard. any developmentdisregarding of the plot/footprint ratio must be in keepingwith the character generally and comply with the otherdesign principles. Footprints are calculated includinggarages and any permanent outbuildings.average plot/footprintratioa High Drive 18 / 1B long Hill 13 / 1C Western Hillside 17 / 1D Woldingham Centre n/aE Park View / Northdown Road 12 / 1CloseF Historic Core 5 / 1G Southern approachNorthdown RoadUpper Court road34 / 119 / 1H Core Fringe 5 / 1i Southfields Road 18 / 1J Eastern Hillside 15 / 1Design Principle L 4: Buildings must provide highlevels of visual privacy in relation to the character ofWoldingham and not unduly impact on the amenity andviews of neighbouring properties.4.10 Distance is one means of avoiding overlooking.However, the dwelling may also be designed to achieveprivacy through other means, for instance by the location,type and orientation of windows and the overall orientation ofbuildings.4.11 it is important to consider landform and topographyin relation to privacy and the resulting impact newdevelopment has on to the existing resident’s amenity. Forexample, a one storey building set above a resident’s gardenmay be more imposing than a two storey building at thesame level.Table 4.1: Table setting out average plot/footprint ratios per characterarea.Plot boundaryPlot aPlot BFootprint includinggarages and otherancillary buildingsWoldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201112

Design Principle L 5: Forms of development mustbe appropriate to their location, the size of thedevelopment site and the character of the area.4.12 The majority of buildings within Woldingham aredetached houses that are individually designed. Many areVictorian and Edwardian, although there are more recent infilland replacement buildings. The exception to this is the CoreFringe character area, where the predominant building typeis semi detached houses.Detached houses4.13 Detached houses should be individually designedand varied in their architectural language and form. Wherea number of detached houses are proposed together, theyshould be clearly distinctive from one another. a repetitionof the same house type or form will not be acceptable. Eachproposal should demonstrate care and attention in thedesign.4.14 any proposal for detached houses should belocated on appropriately sized plots. Detached house thatare perceived as terraced buildings, because they do nothave appropriate gaps between them will not be acceptable.The appropriate width of the gap between buildingsdepends on the character of the area and size of housesproposed.Semi-Detached houses4.15 There are few examples of semi-detached housesin Woldingham Village. The majority of those that exist have atypical inter and post war character. Semi-detached housesshould be designed as one symmetrical building or group.They should also follow and relate to the rhythm of otherbuildings in the road.XFigure 4.12: Semi-detached houses.Figure 4.10: inappropriate detached development, there is insufficientspace for meaningful gaps and no room for planting.√X√Figure 4.13: Semi-detachedhouses designed as asymmetrical building.Figure 4.14: Semi-detachedhouses designed as a ‘terraceof two’.Figure 4.9: Detached houses.Figure 4.11: Detached housing can sit comfortably in its site with spacefor planting and sufficient gaps between buildings.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance13

Terraced houses4.16 There are very few rows of terraces houses inWoldingham. Typically these are the older buildings in thevillage and excluding The Crescent, consist of a row ofsmall modest cottages. Terrace houses in Woldingham areatypical and should remain the exception. Should there bea strong case for terrace houses these should be restrictedto a maximum of four small terrace houses in a row (similarin proportion to the existing terraces). Further, all housesshould not have the same layout, but be handed to create avaried facade.Main house with ancillary development4.17 in some instances it might be appropriate topropose a small building that is clearly subservient to alarger house following in the tradition of gatehouses, lodgesand stable blocks. Where this design approach is adoptedthe design and architectural language should reflect themain house. The subservient building must be substantiallysmaller and located in an appropriate relationship to the mainbuilding.Smaller building at frontin gatehouse locationMain house, setback in plotFigure 4.19: Sketch illustrating a positive relationship between a mainhouse and smaller outbuilding in the form of a gatehouse building. Bothare of the same architectural language, material and style.Figure 4.15: Row of cottages, each terrace house is slightly differentand houses are handed , so that the facade is not repetitive.Figure 4.16-4.18: The historic map from 1896 shows Belle Vue (now known as Woldingham House) and a series of smaller ancillary buildings.These, together with some infill development are today used as separate residential units. However, the hierarchic relationship between the mainhouse and these smaller buildings remains.Woldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201114

Building linePlot and developmentrhythmTypologiesa High Drive Not consistent Consistent plot width,no formal developmentrhythmB long Hill Not consistent irregular plot anddevelopment layoutC Western Hillside Not consistent Consistent plot width,informal developmentlayoutDetached housesDetached housesDetached houses andsubservient developmentD Woldingham Centre Consistent (crescent only),otherwise not consistentNo consistent plot anddevelopment rhythmDetached houses, shortterracesEPark View / NorthdownNot consistentConsistent plot size,Detached housesRoad Closeinformal developmentlayoutF Historic Core Not consistent (withexception of terrace ofcottages)No consistent plot ordevelopment rhythmDetached houses andsubservient developmentG Southern approach Eastern side fairly consistent in parts consistency inplot widthH Core Fringe Consistent Consistent plot anddevelopment rhythmi Southfields Road Fairly consistent Consistent plot width andrhythmDetached houses andsubservient developmentSemi detached houses,short terracesDetached housesJ Eastern Hillside Consistent on lower Slinesin parts consistent plotDetached houses andOak Road and ButlersDene Road, otherwise notconsistentwidth and rhythmsubservient developmentTable 4.2: Matrix setting outspecific design guidanceper character area.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance15

❚ Section 5❚ ViewsWoldingham Design Guidance16©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011

5. Views Summary table of this section on page 21.5.1 The location of Woldingham on a steep sided ridgeof a local high point makes it very prominent. Views in aswell as out are important to the character of the village as awhole.5.2 Views of Woldingham are characterised byindividual houses scattered within a wooded hill side. Thehouses loosely relate to the topography and are generallyenclosed within and partly screened by vegetation.5.3 Woldingham Special Residential Character areais surrounded by Green Belt. To the west lies the SurreyHills area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (aONB) and to thenorth, east and south an area of Great landscape Value(aGlV). Woldingham, and its topography and tree cover, isa prominent feature influencing the character of these areasand therefore the impact on the setting of these areas ofnational and locally recognised landscape value is importantand must be carefully considered.5.4 There are also other local views, mentionedbelow, that deserve protecting and are must be carefullyconsidered. For more detail on important views refer to thedetailed Character assessment Document.Figure 5.1: View of Woldingham from surroundings.Design Principle V 1: Development must be composedin relation to views from the landscape designatedareas and other views towards Woldingham, so that thesurrounding landscape character is not harmed but isconserved and/or enhanced.To protect the existing character, existing tree coverand vegetation must be retained to protect the woodedcharacter and treed skyline. In special circumstances,where the Council agrees to the removal of existingtrees, an appropriate substitute tree planting schememust be implemented.Trees and vegetation5.5 Trees and vegetation are an important element ofviews towards Woldingham. To ensure this characteristic isretained following detailed principles should be adhered to:■■ Existing tree, hedge and mature shrub planting on rearand side plot boundaries should be retained;■■ Existing trees should be retained where they contribute tothe tree skyline, wooded hillsides, or valley landscape, tothe value of groups or are individually assessed as treesof value; and■■ Trees at rear boundaries or in garden areas should notbe removed with the purpose of creating better viewsfor residents. These trees are an integral part of viewstowards Woldingham.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011 Woldingham Design Guidance17

Houses seton differentlevelsHouses surroundedby trees andvegetation and partlyscreened√XFigure 5.2: Sketch illustrating the design principles forhillside developmentHouses merge intoanother resulting in aloss of tree cover anderosion or treed skylineHouses set at one levelresulting in a line ofdevelopment that is notcharacteristicBuilt form5.6 The form of a building can have a negative impacton the view, when it is too bulky; so can the location ofa building in close relation to others. For example whenhouses are too regularly placed on the hillside. To avoid thisproposals should:■■ Be informally arranged so that they are perceived asindividually sited houses “dotted around” within a denselandscape setting. They should not be placed in a lineeither vertical or parallel to the contours;■■ Have a varied roofline, be broken up, in terms of the builtform and not be overly bulky and monolithic;■■ Be designed so that buildings do not coalesce in viewsand have generous gaps between them that are plantedand are sufficiently wide to allow for hedge and treeplanting to mature;■■ Be laid out on site in such a way that they retain or createnew views from the road out across the valley;■■ Be designed so that buildings do not penetrate the treecanopy. Building heights should be clearly lower than thetree ‘skyline’; and■■ Ensure that boundary treatments are kept low wherethere are existing views out across the valley, so thatthese are not being blocked off.5.7 The choice of materials also has an impact onthe prominence of buildings in views from the surroundingcountryside. in particular roof materials can have a negativeimpact:■■ Roof materials should be muted in colour, reddish,brownish roof tiles. Shiny roof materials such as metalcladding should be avoided.Figure 5.3: Photograph showing the negative accumulated effects ofdevelopment on hillsides that are set at one level and dominate thelandscape between them.X√√Figure 5.4: Buildingform should bebroken up this can beachieved through boththe roof form and themass of the building.This can be realised ina traditional style but isalso possible in moremodern styles.Woldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201118

Design Principle V 2: Development should alsomaintain views from the roads within the village to thecountryside. New views may be created where possibleand where it would not conflict with Design Principle V 1.5.8 in Woldingham there are no public open spacesthat offer open views across the countryside and skyline.From the roads only glimpsed views exist between housesand beyond hedges. However, these are not specific to theirlocation. Views are an important characteristic of the villageand allow residents and visitors to appreciate the elevatedlocation of it.5.9 Buildings should be carefully placed so that viewsfrom the public realm to the countryside are maintained andnew ones created where possible.Figure 5.5: Sketches illustrating the location of buildingson contours.XX√5.10 Hedges and boundary treatments should not beoverly high so that they block views from the public realm.viewviewFigure 5.6: Examples of glimpsed views between buildings of the surrounding countryside and skyline is animportant characteristic.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance19

1: View from Woldingham Road to the northern slopes of the WesternHillside (area C) and general tree skyline.2: View from lunghurst Road to wooded hillside of character areasHigh Drive (area a) and Eastern Hillside (area J) and general treeskyline.3: View from Slines Oak Road, to Eastern Hillside (area J).4: View from Vanguard Way, a promoted footpath, to Eastern Hillside(area J).5: View from Croydon Road over eastern side of Woldingham Village,including Eastern Hillside (area J), Southfields Road (area i), CoreFringe (area H) and general tree skyline.6: View from footpath over eastern side of Woldingham Village,including Eastern Hillside (area J), Southfields Road (area i), CoreFringe (area H) and general tree skyline.7: View from Croydon Road over eastern side of Woldingham Village,including Eastern Hillside (area J), Southfields Road (area i), CoreFringe (area H) and general tree skyline.8: View from Vanguard Way, a promoted footpath,over eastern sideof Woldingham Village, including Eastern Hillside (area J), SouthfieldsRoad (area i), Core Fringe (area H) and general tree skyline.9: View from Vanguard Way, a promoted footpath, over EasternHillside (area J) and part of Southern approach (area G) and generaltree skyline.10: View from Church Road to Western Hillside (area C) and generaltree skyline.11: View from footpath (farm track) to Western Hillside (area C) andgeneral tree skyline.12: View from footpath to Western Hillside (area C) and general treeskyline.13: View from footpath to Western Hillside (area C) and general treeskyline.14: View from Church Road to Western Hillside (area C) and generaltree skyline.13121Halliloo Valley Road141110ViewsaONBFigure 5.7: Plan showing a representative sample of key views of the Special Residential Character area from thesurrounding area. These are wide and mainly open distant views and are to be conserved and enhanced.234 58Croydon Road B269679FootpathaGlV BoundaryWoldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201120

Key views that have been identified and that proposals mustconsider are:ViewsTo opencountrysidefrom thecharacter areaTo tree coveredhillside within thevillage from thecharacter areaTo villagelandmarks fromthe characterareaFrom the widerlandscape tothe characterareaFrom other character areas in Woldingham to the characterareaa High Drive Skyline trees From Croft Road (area D) to walled entranceB long Hill √ √ To St.Paul’sChurchSkyline trees andwooded hillsideFrom Croft Road (area D); from Station Road (area C)C Western Hillside Glimpsed viewsTo St.Paul’sSkyline trees andFrom The Green (area F); from Station Road (area D);through gapsChurchwooded hillsidebetween housesD Woldingham Centre To St.Paul’sChurchSkyline trees andwooded hillsideFrom Station Road (area C); from long Hill (area B)EPark View / NorthdownRoad Close√ Skyline trees From Northdown Road (area G); from Park View / Northdown Road(area C)F Historic Centre To The Green andhistoric featuresSkyline treesFrom Slines Oak Road (area H; from Park View / Northdown Road (areaC); from Northdown Road (area E)-G Southern approach √ Skyline trees andwooded hillsideH Core Fringe Open views tocountrysidei Southfields Road Glimpsed viewsthrough gapsbetween buildingsGlimpsed viewsthrough gapsbetween buildingTo The Green Wooded hillside From The Green (area F); from lunghurst road (area J)Tree coveredvalleyJ Eastern Hillside Glimpsed viewsGlimpsed viewsSkyline trees andFrom Core Fringe (area H); from High Drive (area a)through gapsthrough gapswooded hillsidebetween buildingsbetween buildingsTable 5.1: Matrix summarising the relevant key views per character area.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance21

❚ Section 6❚ Relating to TopographyWoldingham Design Guidance22©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011

6. Relating to Topography *Summary table of this section on page 26.6.1 The local topography is key to the character ofWoldingham. The village straddles a long steep sidedridgeline. Within this overall form, short narrow valleys, withsteep sides extend into the ridgeline at long Hill and easternHillside. The resulting landform is dramatic and influencesthe development form.6.2 This topography enables a number of importantviews out of the village and across the valleys to the eastand west. On a more detailed level, the topography alsoinfluences the relationship between buildings, and therelationship of buildings to road.Design Principle RT 1: Development must beintegrated into the existing topography and have apositive relationship to the road and the surroundingdevelopment, and reflect the local landform.6.3 To ensure that developments are sensitivelyintegrated into the landform, levels and sections that showthe existing and proposed landform as well as the contextshould accompany all planning applications.6.4 Within Woldingham, there are a number oftypologies of how buildings relate to the topography and theroad. These vary by character area and are:■■ Buildings at road level where the rear gardens drop awaybehind terraces;■■ To a lesser extent, buildings located higher than theroad level with a gentle slope up or as an exception tallretaining walls e.g: long Hill; and■■ Buildings located lower than the road level where theymake up the change in level or are located to it.6.5 as a rule of thumb: each house should be locatedat a different level and there shall be no ‘platforms’ on anyhillside containing more than one dwelling.6.6 level changes between buildings should appearnatural and form an integral part of the landscape design.Retaining walls, either on plot or between buildings alongplot boundaries are not appropriate as they scar thelandscape and do not contribute to the overall landscapesetting.* Topography: the surface arrangement of the natural physical Figure 6.1: Examples of houses that are set below road level. Figure 6.2: Example of a housefeatures of an area, i.e. the arrangement of valleys and hillsthat above road level.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011 Woldingham Design Guidance23

6.7 The effect on trees and other vegetation as a resultof land movement should be considered. land excavationshould not be undertaken where roots of existing trees andother vegetation could be harmed. an appropriate bufferzone should be retained (agree in discussion with treeofficer) around existing mature trees so that their roots areprotected.√6.8 lifetime Homes** requirements should beconsidered in relation to the existing topographicalcharacter. On steeply sloping sites it may not be possibleto achieve the requirements and retain the character of thearea. in these instances an informed judgement has to beroada) Minimal land movementroadb) Buildings that are set below road level, should generally have deeptaken regarding the necessity of achieving lifetime homes.required and buildings sit within front gardens to ensure a soft level change.landscape.√√XroadroadFigure 6.3: Grassed and planted verges make up level changes. Trees areespecially sensitiveto land remodelling.c) Make sure that terrace is notsupported by high retaining wall.d) Retaining wall and steep embankmentscan scar the landscape and createawkward relationships to roads andpossibly adjacent housing.Table 6.4: Sketches illustrating how buildings may be located on hillsides: a) Split level house can minimise the impact on the existing landform; b)House set below road level; c) House set on road level with land falling away below a terrace; d) Example of abrupt and insensitive level changes; e)House set above road level with shallow embankments; f) Example of abrupt and insensitive level changes.** Lifetime Homes: Lifetime Homes standard is a set of (largely internal)design criteria that provide a model for building accessible andadaptable homes.Woldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201124

√aOD 180maOD 175me) Buildings that are above road level, should generally have deepfront gardens to ensure a soft level change.roadXf) Retaining wall and steep embankments can scarthe landscape and create awkward relationships toroads and possibly adjacent housing.roadaOD 235m©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Figure 6.5: Topography diagram.Woldingham Design Guidance25

TopographySpecific guidancea High Drive Relatively flat Buildings should be located at road levelB long Hill Slopes down north as well aswestwardsC Western Hillside located in ridge with landfalling away to north and west– western slopes are veryprominentDevelopment should be set above or below the road but not in valley bottom.Development should be located on upper slopes. Parking and garaging should be integrated anddesigned to avoid unsympathetic cut and fill to the landformD Woldingham Centre Flat Buildings should be located at road levelEPark View / Northdown RoadFlat, slight slope down to southBuildings should be located at road levelCloseF Historic Centre Flat Buildings should be located at road levelG Southern approach Relatively flat, Upper CourtRoad steeply slopes to eastParking and garaging should be integrated and designed to avoid unsympathetic cut and fill to thelandformH Core Fringe Slopes down to north and west Parking and garaging should be integrated and designed to avoid unsympathetic cut and fill to thelandformi Southfields Road Slight slope to east Retain distinctive front garden slopes up to/or down to propertiesJ Eastern Hillside Steep eastern slopes andprominent edge in views fromeastParking and garaging should be integrated and designed to avoid unsympathetic cut and fill to thelandformTable 6.1: Matrix setting out specific design guidanceper character area.Woldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201126

❚ Section 7❚ Green Setting©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance27

7.0 Green Setting Summary table of this sectionon page 29 and 31.7.1 The dominant vegetation cover of mature trees andwoodlands is a key characteristic of the Woldingham area.The tree cover dates back to Gilford’s vision of a lush gardenvillage. The existing planting is concentrated along plotboundaries and extends throughout the plots, with manymature trees located in gardens.7.2 To ensure that the green setting is not eroded,it is important to submit and approve landscape detailsat planning application stage and not expect this to beapproved later by condition. Refer to Section 3 aboutsubmission requirements.Design Principle GS 1: Development should retain andenhance the spacious, sylvan character of the area. Anyloss of tree cover will not be permitted except with theagreement of the Council. [Examples might be dead,dying or diseased trees, existing inappropriate plantingor where it can be shown that removal would result ina significant improvement in landscape] . Proposalsshould positively contribute to the dominance ofvegetation and the tree skyline of Woldingham.Development should maintain the predominance of treecover over buildings.Development should not lead to unacceptable lopping,topping or felling of trees, removal of shrub areas andboundary hedges as these contribute to the characterand amenity of the Woldingham Special ResidentialCharacter Area and its wooded character. All tree worksshould only be carried out with prior approval by theCouncil.Trees that are removed or damaged during constructionmust be replaced with an appropriate species and sizethat will in years grow to full maturity and add to the treecover.Design Principle GS 2: Buildings and hardstandingsshould be subservient to the landscape. Buildingsshould be set back behind a large landscaped frontgarden. Boundary planting should include extensivevegetation, such as hedgerows, trees and lawn. Theexceptions to this are character areas: Core Fringe,Central Woldingham and the Historic Core.Figure 7.1: Photosillustrating the lushcharacter, left: CroftRoad and right:Hedges and narrowverges along ButlersDene Road.Figure 7.2: Sketch illustrating the landscape layers that contributeto the green setting: hedges, planted front gardens, tree skyline.Woldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201128

Development Layout7.3 Development should be laid out in such a way thatit leaves sufficient room for appropriate buffer zones to trees(in accordance with BS 5837:2005) so that trees have theopportunity to mature and grow to their full size.Where development proposals straddle existing plotboundaries, it should be ensured that existing planting, inparticular mature trees, are retained and impact on themis minimised. Development proposals should positivelyintegrate existing planting into their layout.Gardens7.4 large and long gardens are a key characteristicof Woldingham (except for within the Core Fringe (area H)).They contribute significantly to the Green infrastructureof the village. in order to retain the open leafy character ofthese areas and the dominance of gardens over built or hardsurfaced areas, backland development should be avoided.Gardens / open space - specific guidancea High Drive avoid further loss of back gardens to prevent encroachment onadjoining character areas and loss of open spaceB long Hill avoid visual intrusion and sub-urbanisation through plot division fordevelopmentC Western Hillside avoid loss of back gardens to prevent encroachment intocharacteristic swathe of extensive garden open space behind thepropertiesD Woldingham Centre Maintain openness of community facilities in the area andgenerous gardens to dwellings in keeping with this patternE Park View / Northdown Maintain the pattern of houses set in large irregular gardensRoad CloseF Historic Core Maintain the historic pattern of garden sizes to reinforce the valueof the Conservation areaG Southern approach avoid loss of back gardens to prevent encroachment intocharacteristic swathe of extensive garden open space behind thepropertiesH Core Fringe Maintain existing pattern of garden layout and avoid merging ofplotsi Southfields Road avoid loss of back gardens to development to prevent visualencroachment into open countryside and loss of characteristicswathe of extensive garden open space behind the propertiesFigure 7.3: Front as well asrear gardens contribute to thecharacter.J Eastern Hillside avoid loss of back gardens to prevent encroachment intocharacteristic swathe of extensive garden open space behind theproperties;maintain pattern of generous garden sizesTable 7.1: Matrix setting out specific design guidance on gardens and open space.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance29

Trees and Vegetation7.5 Replacement planting should be of similar speciesand should be planted in appropriately sized space, i.e.with sufficient distance from buildings and foundations,so that trees can mature and grow to their full height. it isnot acceptable to replace trees that have been removedor damaged during construction with smaller/ornamentalspecies, as these will not grow to the appropriate height tocontribute to the existing tree cover. Refer to the speciesschedule on page 31 for more information .7.6 Proposals should also consider screening benefitsof under storey shrub planting and allow adequate space forlarge shrub and hedge planting.7.7 all plant species should be either locally nativeor in keeping with species found in the character area.Ornamental planting should not dominate the landscape.Because of the possible impact of climate change anddiseases on certain species it is recommended that a mix ofspecies is planted.7.8 Development should seek to plant new treesthat will over time add to the tree cover and replace othersas they grow older and in the longer term ensure that theamount of cover of the tree canopy is maintained. Removalof trees within a plot should be resisted as it can have adetrimental effect to the wooded skyline and lead to visiblegaps.7.9 New trees that are planted should be far enoughfrom buildings and foundations to allow them to grow to fullmaturity. Buffers for trees will depend on their root protectionarea (RPa) as defined by the arboricultural assessmentsunder British Standards (BS).7.10 BS 5837:2005 gives recommendations andguidance on the principles to be applied to achieve asatisfactory juxtaposition of trees, including shrubs, hedgesand hedgerows, with structures. it follows, in sequence, thestages of planning and implementing the provisions whichare essential to allow development to be integrated withtrees. This Standard recognizes that there can be problemsof development close to existing trees which are to beretained, and of planting trees close to existing structures.Landscape treatment7.11 areas of hard standing in front gardens should belimited to access drives and should not dominate the greensetting. These should be surfaced with textured materials,such as porous paving or gravel. Soft landscape shoulddominate front gardens.x metresFigure 7.4: Sketchillustrating the principleof buffer zones aroundplanting. Distancebetween tree, hedge orshrub planting and anyfoundations to ensurethat the plant can growand develop healthily.Distances depend onspecies, anticipatedcanopy size and rootprotection area.Figure 7.5: accent planting of Scots Pine along Park View Road.Woldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201130

Tree Speciesa High Drive ash to predominate, together with Red Horse Chestnut (aesculus xcarnea ‘Brioti’), lime, Beech and native Cherry;avoid planting of small ornamental species;Specific guidanceMaintain framework of vegetation around each plot;B long Hill Beech and ash to predominate, supplemented with Corsican Pine; Conserve and enhance woodland and tree cover in the area; particular consideration to be given to the beltof woodland separating long hill from High Drive and the line of trees separating long Hill from the WesternHillside; Retain soft tree covered setting to school;C Western Hillside Oak, Horse Chestnut, Beech, ash and Yew to predominate;Copper Beech and Corsican Pine to be used selectively to providelocal features in the general tree cover;D Woldingham Centre Red Horse Chestnut (aesculus x carnea ‘Brioti’), Oak, lime andCorsican Pine to predominate, with local variations to reflect existingspecies composition in individual roads, Oak with Croft Road; linesof trees be of single species; Replace tall conifers with CorsicanPine when the opportunity arises;Encourage further tree planting in front gardens; Trees to be located in front gardens rather than within fronthedgeline; Maintain framework of vegetation around each plot; Maintain generous gaps with planting inkeeping with the local pattern, between any new development;Retain the individual and lines of trees which make a significant contribution to a sense of place in the centre;Conserve and enhance the green enclosure to The Glebe and the village hall/school (whilst keeping open theview out to the open countryside to the east);Key open spaces to be kept free of built structures and hard landscaping;EPark View / NorthdownRoad Closelime and Yew to predominate;Continue bold ornamental planting character to front gardens; Maintain framework of vegetation around eachplot; Conserve and enhance tree belt which frames the Historic CoreF Historic Core Copper Beech to continue to predominate in the area;Species to be selected for their longevity (short lived species such asBirch to be avoided);G Southern approach Red Horse Chestnut (aesculus x carnea ‘Brioti’), Yew and Beech topredominate;H Core Fringe Hedges to be predominantly privet; The scale and character ofdevelopment in this area lends itself to smaller tree species thanwould be appropriate elsewhere in Woldingham. avoid a plethora oftree species and varieties;i Southfields Road Beech, Hawthorn, Yew and ash to predominate; New tree plantingto avoid ornamental species in rear boundaries; large conifers maybe permitted but must be subservient to local deciduous species;J Eastern Hillside Oak, Scots Pine, Yew and ash to predominate;Use Beech varieties as specimen trees;Table 7.2: Matrix setting out specific design guidance per character area.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Maintain open grassed character of The Green and avoid introducing built structures or hard landscape areasor features; Conserve and enhance the framework of maturing trees around The Green; New trees to beplanted with adequate space to grow to full potential as specimen trees;Maintain generous gaps with planting in keeping with the local pattern, between development;Retain continuous generous back gardens space between Northdown Road and Upper Court Road;Encourage additional tree planting in front gardensRetain and plant low neat boundary hedges at right angles to the roadside; Retain and enhance survivingsweet chestnut; Encourage further tree planting in front gardens; Retain and enhance the surviving hedgerowalong Slines Oak Road; improvement open setting of houses on The Croft where possibleRetain continuous tree belt along eastern boundary of area;Retain pattern of long narrow gardens;Retain trees along edge of woodland to the westMaintain generous gaps with planting in keeping with the local pattern, between development; Maintainframework of vegetation around each plot;Conserve and enhance the woodland belt running down the centre of the area;* Guidance on front roadside boundary vegetation is included in the Street Scene Matrix below.Woldingham Design Guidance31

❚ Section 8❚ Street SceneWoldingham Design Guidance32©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011

8. Street Scene Summary table of this section onpage 34.8.1 Street scenes are a combination of followingfeatures:■■ boundary treatments;■■ car parking; and■■ road treatment.8.2 The Street scenes within the Woldingham area vary,but a common and positive characteristic is the dominanceof vegetation. in any of the roads boundary planting, tree andshrub planting within plots and wooded backdrops are anessential element of the character, often more so than thebuildings themselves.8.3 Development should also aim to retain existingtrees along road edges and propose new trees that add tothe sylvan character. See section 7.0 for replacement treespecies.8.4 There are a number of different hedge types withinthe area. These are:■■ High, well maintained hedges (Semi-enclosed character)■■ lower, medium hedges (open character)■■ Hedges, shrub planting and trees (enclosed character)8.5 Boundary treatments should be rural rather thanurban and high walls and ornamental metal gates shouldbe avoided. Close boarded fences are unacceptable wherethey are visible from the public realm.Figure 8.2: Examples of high, well maintained hedges on High Drive.Boundary TreatmentsDesign Principle SS 1: Development frontages shouldgenerally be bounded by hedges and buildings shouldbe set back behind planted front gardens. Further, inviews from the road planting and trees on all sides,including a tree canopy in the background, shouldframe the development. The exception is the CoreFringe character area where a more urban approach isaccepted.XFigure 8.1: Negative example of boundary treatments: Wallsand ornamental entrance gates and the forecourt of thebuilding is paved, giving the property a very hard appearancethat does not leave space for vegetation.Figure 8.3: Examples of lower, medium height hedges.Figure 8.4: Examples of hedges, shrub planting and trees.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance33

Characteristica High Drive High hedges, trees(enclosed character)B long Hill low hedges, shrub plantingand trees (enclosedcharacter)Specific guidance on boundary treatmentsMaintain predominant hedge height (1.8-2.5m); Hedging to be simple, using one species, with evergreen predominating; Retain wide grass verges; avoid use of closeboarded fencing; Conserve existing high brick walls. New high low brick walls may be acceptable provided they are reflect the traditional design features; although HighDrive has a more formal character, new gates and entrance features should avoid urbanising the area or being overly prominent; Open railings should be avoidedHedging to maintain the rural character of the area; Hedging to continue at various heights with laurel allowed to predominate (but not used exclusively), together withnative species; Maintain informal edging such as timber; Maintain 2 to 3m wide grassed vergesCWesternlow hedges, shrub plantingRetain high hedges to frontages and soft screening of dwellings; Front hedges to be simple and of one species. laurel, yew, and conifer hedging to predominate; BrickHillsideand trees (enclosedwalls to be limited to entrance features, providing the design does not dominate the streetscene;character), High hedges,Retain narrow verges and granite edging to roadside; Driveway gateways to be 3m wide; avoid close boarded fencing; Retain existing flint walling and line of lime treestrees (enclosed characternext to the Historic CoreDWoldinghamlow hedges (openConserve and enhance line of low hedging along Station Road. Yew to predominate; avoid close boarded fencing; Conserve and enhance flint walling; Simple parklandCentrecharacter)railing with hedging may be used where appropriate; avoid any over ornamental frontage treatment; Retain simple detailing such as timber bollards, low kerbs and unity inpavement treatment; Driveway gateways to be 3m wide;E Park View /NorthdownRoad Closelow hedges and walls(open character)Retain bold shrubbery along roadside; Retain and encourage unity of frontage treatment through brick edging and brick walls;Retain white post and chain detail along Park View Road to match that in Historic CoreF Historic Core low hedges, shrub plantingand trees (enclosedcharacter)Retain the informal hedgerows to older properties: The boundary treatment to the old entrance to little Court must be handled sensitively to conserve and enhance thehistoric character of this area; Retain simple white post and chain detail along Park View Road; Encourage low brick and flint walling to local boundaries (seek guidanceon appropriate traditional building methods);GSouthernlow hedges (openDriveway gateways to be 3m wide; Replant trees along the roadside within hedgerow; Front boundary treatment to remain low key using post and rail fencing and lowapproachcharacter)brick walls; any new driveway entrance walls to be low, reflect local materials and be unobtrusive;H Core Fringe low hedges (opencharacter)Front boundary treatment to use low brick walls and low hedging, in keeping with the area; avoid ornamental hedging and mixing of hedge species; any new drivewayentrance walls to be low, reflect local materials and be unobtrusive; Driveway gateways to be 3m wideiSouthfieldslow hedges (openavoid ornamental hedging and mixing of hedge species; Maintain predominant hedge height (1.2 - 1.8m); Hedges to butt up the roadside or behind narrow verge; NarrowRoadcharacter)soft verges to be retained where appropriate; Retain granite edging and informal rural road character; any new driveway entrance walls to be low, reflect local materialsand be unobtrusive; Driveway gateways to be 3m wideJEasternlow hedges (openNarrow soft verges to be retained where appropriate; Driveway gateways to be 3m wide Hedges to butt up the roadside or behind narrow verge;Hillsidecharacter), High hedges,Maintain predominant hedge height (4 to 6 feet); Retain brick walls to Woldingham House. avoid use of brick walls for front boundaries away from this part of the area;trees (enclosed characterany new driveway entrance walls to be low, reflect local materials and be unobtrusive;Table 8.1: Matrix setting out specific design guidance per character area.Woldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201134

Car parking8.6 Car parking is an important aspect of any schemeand how it is dealt with can make a big difference to theperceived environmental quality and landscape.8.7 a striking characteristic of Woldingham is theapparent lack of cars. There is no on-street car parkingoutside the central area and cars are typically not visiblein the street scene. Private car parking is discreetlyaccommodated on plot and screened by vegetation andhedges.8.9 On larger plots garages could be located at thefront or side of the building to create a forecourt for themain building or at the rear. Garages must be of high designquality and clearly subservient to the main house.8.10 Drives and car parking areas should be designedto look good with and without cars and contribute positivelyto the design of the whole development. They should notadversely affect the amenity of existing or new residents.8.11 Driveways should preferably be surfaced withgravel, bound gravel or porous paving. large areas oftarmac or paving should be avoided.Figure 8.5: Separate garagesdesigned to relate to the mainbuilding and carefully locatedin relation to the house andlandscape.Design Principle SS 2: Parking should be designedto integrate discreetly into the development. Anappropriate number of spaces should be provided onplot, the parking spaces should be convenient and easyto use so that there is no need for residents to park onthe road.8.8 Many areas in Woldingham sit on steep slopes andit can be difficult to accommodate vehicular access. levelsof the site should be considered in detail and sections shouldbe provided to aid the design and assessment of the accessarrangements. Car parking should be provided at the levelof the building entrance with driveways leading either up ordown to the property. it must be ensured that these accessdrives are of a practical gradient. an arrangement such asthis will also benefit building for life requirements in termsof providing car parking level with the entrance and groundfloor of the house.Road treatmentDesign Principle SS 3: Development should notseek to formalise road treatments. Over engineeredroad layouts with road lighting, pavements and roadmarkings are inappropriate. Roads that currently nothave pavements either side should be retained as suchand engineering led solutions e.g with kerbs should beavoided.8.12 The treatment of roads is equally important. Mostof the roads in Woldingham are informal in character, with nopavements, road lighting or road markings. This reflects theprivate semi-rural nature of these roads. The informality ofthe road treatment is an essential characteristic of the village.√Figure 8.6: Hardstanding is minimised to drive way allowingroom for planting.XFigure 8.7: Poor examples of excessive areas of hardstanding.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011Woldingham Design Guidance35

❚ Section 9❚ Sustainable DesignWoldingham Design Guidance36©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011

9.0 Sustainable DesignDesign Principle SD 1: Buildings should be built tolast. All new buildings, refurbishments and extensionsshould aim to improve the physical environment andminimise the use of natural resources.9.1 Site layout should maximise the potential for passivesolar gain and capture the use of passive solar energy whilstavoiding overheating in summer.9.2 Energy: To reduce the energy demand of newly builthousing and also existing housing, energy efficiency of thebuilding fabric should be thought about in the first instance.Once high thermal performance of the building fabric hasbeen provided appropriate sources of renewable energy forthe site can be identified. in this way a greater proportion ofthe building’s total energy use can be met by renewables.9.3 Renewable technologies should be encouraged,especially for new build houses. To avoid expensive/wasteful adaptation later an appropriate proportion ofenergy requirements should be met through renewabletechnologies. Technologies should be chosen becausethey are the most appropriate for the site both in terms ofefficiency and aesthetics. Roof forms should be designed toallow the possibility to introduce solar photovoltaic and solarwater heating without being too prominent or highly visiblein key views (ref. to list of views on page 21). Thought shouldbe given to some of the more ‘invisible’ technologies such asground source heat pumps (a detailed ground survey wouldbe needed to ensure it is a viable option). in Surrey woodfuel is available and is encouraged in this most wooded ofcounties.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 20119.4 if outdoor lighting is installed it should consist ofdedicated energy efficient fittings (whereby an inefficientbulb cannot be fitted at a later stage) and ideally should havesensor lights so that they are off when they are not needed.9.5 Biodiversity: Retention of existing habitats and thecreation of new ones is important and proposals shouldtake this into account where possible. This is especiallyimportant in rear gardens where boundary treatmentsshould allow movement for wildlife and provide new habitate.g. through the provision of hedgerows.9.6 Water: introduction of rain water harvestingshould be encouraged, where feasible, to take the pressureoff existing water supplies. This is especially relevant fordwellings with extensive gardens where watering will putextra pressure on water supply. Developers are encouragedto include facilities for rainwater harvesting and recycling ofgrey water for watering gardens/use in toilets. SustainableDrainage System (SUDS) for surface water should beincluded wherever possible. Surface water from drivewaysshould be controlled and prevented from running off onto theroads.9.7 Waste: if demolition is occurring thought shouldbe given to the reuse and recycling of building materials. ifit is possible for reclaimed materials to be used this will beencouraged.9.8 Social Sustainability and lifetime Homes: it isimportant to ensure that housing can meet the needs ofthe population of Woldingham over time. The likely trendtowards an ageing population means that criteria such asthose in the lifetime Homes Standard would be particularlyrelevant. This means that housing has the ability to meetthe needs of the population over time and as such peoplecan stay in their homes longer without the need to new buildresidential development for specific users.9.9 adaptation to climate change: Thought shouldbe given to how housing will cope with the increase intemperature that climate change will bring. Designsshould avoid excess solar gain in summer through solarshading. Gardens should avoid too much hard standing andmaximise landscaped areas where possible to increase thecooling effects it has.9.10 Woldingham is an area with high car use, this isunlikely to change significantly due to the low density natureof housing and low levels of public transport in the area.However provision for more sustainable forms of transportshould be thought about when new housing is built orhousing is adapted. infrastructure for electric cars should beconsidered for use in the future.Figure 9.1: There are a number of techniques to improve the energyefficiency of existing buildings without destroying the appearance ofit: internal wall and loft insulation.Woldingham Design Guidance37

❚ Section 10❚ DesignWoldingham Design Guidance38©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011

10. Design10.1 Typically, the form of development in Woldingham isconsistent with the majority of buildings being detached andindividually designed houses. Woldingham has a traditionof well and individually designed houses. They vary in styleand material. Woldingham has a tradition of arts & Craftsbuildings and most of these buildings are of high quality andwith good quality of materials.The Woldingham Village Design Statement provides furtherguidance on building design.Design Principle D 1: Design of buildings should be ofhigh quality, individually designed and the architectureshould take inspiration from the existing development.Well designed buildings should continue the traditionof architect designed houses, including contemporaryarchitecture.New housing must be designed with a coherent designapproach that influences the whole building from itsform, to the elevations, materials and including thedetailing (whatever the architectural style may be).10.2. Generally buildings should reflect the time of theirdesign.10.3 New houses are often a pastiche of the dominantforms of housing from different eras in history. However,they often lack the three dimensional qualities of traditionalbuildings, for example windows are flush with external walls;Eaves barely overhang the walls; porches, balconies and baywindows appear to be ‘stuck on’ to a simple box rather thanbeing an integral part of the design; and changes in materialand brick colour are used instead of richer detailing thatcasts shadows and creates interest.10.4 Key aspects that relate buildings to one anotherwithout imposing a particular architectural language, areproportions, rhythm of façade, i.e. vertical or horizontal,symmetry, complexity of built form, i.e. dormers and roofshapes and materials. Not all of these elements have tonecessarily relate, but common features are important tocreate a balance of individuality and common character.10.5 This results in poor buildings that are debasedversions of historic styles. if a traditional design approach isfollowed, then it must be correctly proportioned and detailedand use historically appropriate materials.Generally10.6 Buildings should generally be designed as follows:■■ as a three dimensional whole, with elements such asbay windows forming part of the whole rather than being‘bolted-on’;■■ With windows and doors set back from the externalfacade of the building, which introduces some depth andmodelling to the facade;■■ To incorporate three-dimensional detailing, that againgives ‘depth’ to a building;■■ So that changes in materials relate to the design of thebuilding, rather than as an arbitrary way of creatinginterest. When elements have a purpose, they have amore genuine character; and■■ To reflect some of the attractive qualities of the localhistoric form of housing, for instance in terms of the scaleand proportions of elements.Contemporary approach■■ Should a contemporary design approach be adopted,then the following principles apply:■■ Changes in material should relate to the form andarticulation of the building, rather than be used in anarbitrary way to create interest; and■■ Generally building forms should be simple and wellproportioned, and over complicated, fussy elementsshould be avoided.10.7 Where there is no modelling of the facade, thequality of detailing will be of particular importance.10.8 For buildings to be well integrated into thelandscape, building forms should be broken up and straightunbroken rooflines be avoided. Typically roofs should besimple pitched roofs with central ridge. However, otherroof forms may be suitable if they form an integral part of acontemporary high quality architectural approach.10.9 Typical building materials include timber frame,white render, tile hanging and red or orange brick. This is nota prescriptive list and the quality of materials and detailingis paramount. Roofs should be covered in clay roof tiles (orslate only in the Conservation area) where traditional pitchedroof forms are proposed. Shiny or reflective metal roofsshould be avoided.Design Principle D 2: To protect the character of thevillage and to protect existing wildlife low levels oflighting and the absence of road lighting should beretained. Developments should not increase the levelof lighting and security lighting and lights on externalareas, such as terraces and swimming pools should befocused and of a low level.©TiBBalDS MaRCH 2011 Woldingham Design Guidance39

Figures 10.1-10.4: Typical roof forms and roof materialsFigures 10.5-10.8: Typical materialsWoldingham Design Guidance ©TiBBalDS MaRCH 201140