Societal
Amenity
Landscape
Ensure that the design does not have a negative impact on the landscape in the area. Include landscaping which adds interest and identity such as recreational spaces, public art etc.
Questions to consider
- Does the landscaping provide for recreational opportunities?
- Does the landscape visually enhance the area?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
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Leisure Facilities
Developments can have a positive or negative impact on amenities. Social sustainability is about maximising the former and minimising the latter. Leisure facilities are essential for people and can be increased or destroyed by a proposal. In many schemes particularly colleges which usually incorporate playing fields, there is the potential to create new recreation areas such as walkways and sports facilities.
Questions to consider
- Are passive and/or active recreational facilities provided where possible?
- Can these be made available to the local community?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
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Green Space
Green spaces are important to peoples well being. They significantly enhance quality of life. New projects have opportunities to enhance access and the quality of green space, for both the users of the project and the community at large. The development should also avoid destruction of green spaces and avoid making access more difficult for existing communities.
Questions to consider
- Is green space provided?
- What percentage of total space does the green space comprise?
- How can access be improved?
- This could be achieved through creating of access points, improving the quality of the greenspace, education, signage and improving safety.
- How can the quality of the greenspace be improved?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
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Traffic Noise
There should be no increase above background noise levels from construction or operational project traffic as this could have significant effects and impacts upon sensitive receptors.
Questions to consider
- Are baseline noise levels known?
- What is estimated and/or actual percentage increase in noise level?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
Noise & Vibration
There should only be imperceptible level of noise and vibration from construction or operational use of a project as this could cause significant annoyance to local community.
Questions to consider
- Are baseline noise and vibration known?
- Is the minimum threshold being exceeded for vibration?
- Is the increase in noise levels significant? (refer to planning guidance)
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
CONSTRUCTION
Amenity conflict
Developments should avoid causing land use conflicts. Activities that are undertaken should by sympathetic to adjacent activities to minimise the potential for nuisance.
Questions to consider
- Is there a potential for land use conflict?
- Is there a potential for activities to cause a nuisance?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
