SuDS in London - a guide

2.7 Townscape
Townscape is the mix of physical and
social characteristics that make up the
urban environment. This includes its
buildings, landscapes, and the way those
characteristics are perceived. Townscape
directly contributes to people’s sense of
place and identity.
London has a complex townscape that
reflects its rich and diverse history, culture
and built form. London’s Roman origins
are still visible in the City’s street pattern.
Further waves of expansion were created
by trade, population growth, industrialisation
and transport infrastructure. Having
absorbed formerly separate towns and
villages, London’s character is inherently
polycentric, with its many separate centres
each having their own identities.
London’s history and character is also
reflected in its streetscape. Paving, pillar
boxes, street furniture, stone drinking
troughs, telephone boxes, sculpture,
memorials and other heritage assets all
contribute to a strong sense of place. This
is enhanced by the Capital’s green and blue
infrastructure; its many parks, squares and
gardens, the canals, the River Thames and
its many tributaries.
SuDS interventions need to progressively
complement and enhance the townscape
and become a fundamental part of the
character of London.
Historic England has produced a useful
guide called ‘Streets for All: A guide to the
management of London’s streets’ which
reviews many of these assets.
When working on London’s streets there
are several statutory consultees that
need to be engaged. A recommended, but
not exhaustive list, is contained within
Appendix A.
Further information:
Historic England (2000), Streets for All:
A guide to the management of London’s
streets, Historic England, London, UK
Jones, E. and Woodward, C. (2013), Guide to
the Architecture of London, Weidenfeld &
Nicolson, London
Borough Road: Victorian street tree planting
23 2 The London context