SuDS in London - a guide

2.6 Streetscapes
of London
London’s streetscapes vary considerably
across the city, reflecting the city’s size,
historical development and the variety
of structures and land uses that define it.
Streetscape generally consists of natural
and man-made elements. The opportunity
for introducing natural elements can be
limited, if not missing, in intensely urban
areas, but greater in suburban areas. SuDS
need to be designed to take account of
these constraints.
Depending on specific conditions,
streetscape can impact footfall,
accessibility, local economic performance,
air quality, public health and sense of
place. Designed right, SuDS can contribute
positively to all of these.
Streets are often the most resilient feature
of the urban fabric. While street
patterns may remain unchanged for
centuries, streetscapes evolve and respond
to new demands and requirements.
SuDS can be a part of that process.
In some parts of central London, where
space is at a premium, a more innovative
approach is needed to incorporate SuDS
into the public realm. For example,
opportunities may occur where buildings
are set back, where historical remnants
exist and in the open spaces scattered
throughout central London. In outer
London, opportunities for SuDS tend to
be far greater.
The relationship between streetscape and
SuDS elements is examined in more detail
in Chapter 4.
In parts of central London, more innovative SuDS solutions will need to be explored
22 2 The London context