Urban design
Urban design is about the relationship between different buildings, the spaces between them and the streets, squares, parks, waterways and other spaces which make up the public domain.
Lewisham's Urban Design team is concerned with the quality of the public domain and the relationships between different areas and activities within the borough. We work with applicants as part of the development management process to promote high standards of design in new developments.
Our key principles encourage design proposals which:
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add interest and variety and which reflect their local context .
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complement their surrounds, developing and enhancing local character.
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contribute to the vitality of the public realm by avoiding blank frontages or being inward looking.
We promote sustainable development that improves the quality of the existing environment, attracts business and investment and reinforces civic pride and a sense of place.
Design Review
We organise and run Lewisham's Design Review Panel, made up of independent specialist design advisers, to promote high standards of design in new development.
Planning policy
We produce urban design based Supplementary Planning Documents, which form part of the Council’s Local Development Framework.