Urban design

The design of buildings, streets and spaces with the aim of protecting areas of high quality and improving the appearance and function of other areas of the Borough is one role for the Urban Design and Conservation Teams in the Council.

The Council has a strong commitment to promote good quality new design and preserve the special interest, character and setting of the Borough as a whole. The Borough has nearly 1200 nationally Listed Buildings, 72 Conservation Areas and many Buildings of Townscape Merit which all contribute to the much loved heritage of the Borough.

In general, controls over the demolition of these important heritage buildings exist and at times minor alterations which do not usually need planning permission but could affect the appearance of conservation areas can be controlled through the use of Article 4 Directions. The Council, in conjunction with English Heritage, also monitors the quality of listed Buildings at Risk and encourages their ongoing conservation and maintenance.

A significant urban design work programme of Environmental improvements to Richmond and Twickenham town centres and along the River Thames, and areas in Heathfield, Ham, Hampton Nurserylands, Castelnau and Mortlake are being taken forward.

A local independent Design Panel to assist the Council in the assessment of significant or sensitive planning proposals has been running since November 2005. This concept is widely endorsed by Government and professional organisations to raise awareness of good urban design and get the right kind of new buildings which suit the Borough’s local context.

The Council’s planning guidance can be found online, including information and advice on topics such as the repair of historic buildings, landscape design and the quality of new shopfronts and home extensions.