1
Focus on design principles at the outline stage and bring forward detailed design codes for each Key Phase.
2
Lead by example with demonstrable early statements of intent.
3
Incorporate design code requirements into the land contracts with our customers.
4
Provide expertise, encouragement and if necessary contractual enforcement to ensure everyone meets the design code requirements. Repeat business is also key.
5
Celebrate great design, learn lessons, refine and repeat.
The planning system can only do so much. Delivering on great design also requires an alignment of interests and a fundamental pride in the places being created. As Master Developer we want to see a design led approach from all involved as we progress from the first tree planted to the last roof tile laid. This is often a 15 to 20 year period so we seek to sit alongside the local planning authority with a shared focus on great design. Whilst we bring forward the site wide green, grey and community infrastructure ourselves, we also contract with housebuilders, businesses and public authorities for the delivery of serviced parcels. This provides us with a range of mechanisms we can use to help the local planning authority meet their design ambitions.
Ongoing engagement with residents and businesses is essential for future phases. Design codes are our way of capturing innovation and quality and setting out the standards for a scheme that we want everyone, including ourselves, to meet.
Paul Cutler -
HEAD OF MASTER PLANNING AND DESIGN, URBAN&CIVIC
Waterbeach Car Free School
Building on the experience of Alconbury Weald and Wintringham in moving and managing traffic away from the front of schools, the Waterbeach team pushed with local partners the potential for a school with no car access: literally designing out the “drop off” challenge.
Setting our stall out; the creation of principles, identity and brand for Manydown.
Defining the Partnership’s ambition for Manydown and translating this into a vision, set of principles and a brand with which to communicate with the outside world was a crucial early piece of collaboration for the team.
Active Wintringham
Space to play and explore are essential for the young and the young at heart, and Wintringham has been designed with a series of green spaces – linked by walking, cycling and scooting routes – providing safe play areas and quiet spots to relax.
