Contact Us
Frankwell Quay
Shrewsbury
SY3 8HQ
4.0 Design issues
4.1 In general terms, the design of development should be appropriate to its location, with special regard given to such matters as scale, height, form, massing, respect for traditional pattern of frontages, vertical or horizontal emphasis, local materials and detailed design in the areas surrounding the site. Any new buildings forming part of the comprehensive redevelopment of this site must befit the prominence and visibility of this prime riverside site in an important historic town. The layout and design of development should also provide for the retention of views north / south through the site.
4.2 As the site is located within the Shrewsbury Conservation Area, the necessary Conservation Area consents will be required for the demolition of any of the existing buildings on the site. The applicant should be able to justify the reasons for demolition and also demonstrate how the new development will integrate with and enhance the Conservation Area. "Development proposed to be carried out within a conservation area must give a high priority to the objective of preserving or enhancing the character or the appearance of the area" and the applicant will be expected to produce "detailed plans and drawings of the proposed new development, including elevations which show the new development in its setting" PPG15: Planning and the Historic Environment.
4.3 It is essential that the development is of the highest possible standard. The development should not just be a pastiche of the old, good contemporary design will be welcomed as long as it responds to and respects the integrity of the appearance and character of the surrounding conservation area, it will then become as valued in the future as the best historic buildings are today.
4.4 The redevelopment of this site also provides the opportunity to enhance the open space and river frontage along the site, which could also provide an attractive riverside walk along to the other areas of open space on the edge of Shrewsbury. Development will not be considered appropriate if it in anyway reduces the value of the area of green space (policy LNC4 of the Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Local Plan - deposit version) in terms of its visual amenity and informal recreation potential. New buildings should be set back from the river and riverside elevations should be of sufficient visual and architectural interest to befit a prime waterside location.
4.5 Parking provision will be required in accordance with policy T12 of the Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Local Plan (Deposit version). Large expanses of car parking should be avoided and appropriate landscaping should be incorporated to break up areas of hard surface and allow for increased levels of water percolation. In view of the location of the development, close to the town centre and major public transport routes, reduced levels of car parking would be encouraged and particular emphasis will be placed on providing good facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.