Coding process: 3A Guidance for area types

This section describes guidance for area types that authorities should consider when creating design codes or guides.

These issues will need to be addressed for each area type. If the code is not using an area type approach, these issues will need to be considered for the whole code area.

We have used the town centre, urban neighbourhood and suburban area types as examples in this section. These are purely illustrative, and the suggested settings are illustrative and should not be taken as a policy suggestion.

This section should be read in conjunction with the guidance notes and the relevant sections are indicated for each issue.

The issues covered are:

  • Movement: The guidance relating to the network of streets, active travel, and public transport relates to all area types. The key variables being the street types and parking arrangements.
  • Nature: Most of the guidance on nature also applies to all area types, the exceptions potentially being open space standards, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and urban greening.
  • Built form: This is the main issue that varies by area type including density, grain, building line and height.
  • Identity: The design of buildings will vary by area type and may vary to a lesser degree within area types.
  • Public space: The character of each type of street will vary by area type and will be impacted by the character of the wider area.
  • Use: The opportunities for intensification, mix of uses and housing types mix of uses, and active frontage will all vary by area type.
  • Homes and buildings: Guidance of privacy distances and garden/balcony sizes may vary by area type.
  • Resources: Guidance on net zero solutions, climate resilience and adaptation where this is specific to Area Types and varies from whole code area guidance.

Figure 12. Illustrative Area types