Sustainable construction starts well before
the first stone or brick is laid, or even the first line on a drawing. The
ability to ‘understand’ a site, and its surroundings, is a key skill. This will
include thinking about how the site has been used in the past and could be used
in the future.
The natural features of the site, any
assets and value come next. Biodiversity, micro-climate, existing structures,
aspect, views into and out of the site, local community needs, surrounding
design styles, development patterns and neighbours, features above and below
ground (eg archaeology, minerals, water), potential contamination, topography,
the catchment context, and access to the site are all relevant. It makes sense
to gather and analyse economic, community and environmental information about a site
and its surroundings and to consider the historical context in which it sits
prior to the design phase of the development.
- Have you checked on the provisions of the development plan (structure, unitary and local plans)?
- Has an appraisal of the site (including economic,
social, cultural and environmental issues) and its setting been done? Has it
been summarised in a clear schematic diagram and shared with the planning
authority and other interested parties?
- Have you been able to explain clearly how your
development will maximise the opportunities and overcome the constraints of the
site and its surroundings?
- Have appropriate archaeological and historic appraisals
of the scheme taken place? (eg a watching brief at the groundwork stage or more
ongoing assessment)
- To what extent have the community and its
representatives and other specialist interest groups been involved in survey
and analysis of the site and the proposed design?
- Have other options for development of the site been
considered and is there a clear justification (in sustainable development
terms) for the chosen option?
- ‘Understanding’ the site and its surroundings will
benefit the design of the development - now and for the future
- A clear demonstration of how the development makes best,
sustainable use of the site and its surroundings will improve the chances of
success with the local planning authority, the local community, and site
neighbours
- Expensive mistakes and unnecessary waste will be avoided
(eg through appropriate incorporation of existing structures)
- The appraisal may bring up exciting new ideas and opportunities
- National Trust Model Brief
- BSRIA Environmental Code of Practice for Construction Projects
- Marconi Huts, Bass Point, The Lizard, Cornwall - detailed site, historic and materials investigation (contact the
National Trust)
- Bristol City Council - Planning Department’s ‘Sustainability Assessment System’ for planning applications
- PPG 1 - Annex A, Handling Design Issues
- European Council of Town Planners - Good Practice Guide
on Planning for Sustainable Development
- Good Design in Planning - Lincoln City Council (Section 2.5 - Site Appraisal)
- Planning for Sustainable Construction and Development: A
guide to positive planning for 21st century buildings and development by Steve
Charter, Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development, 2001. £25.00
- Sustainable Settlements, by Hugh Barton, Geoff Davis and
Richard Guise (University of the West of England) and Tony Hams (the Local
Government Management Board), 1995. ISBN 0 7488 9796 8. £26.00
- Planning for Sustainable Development: Towards Better
Practice, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
- ‘Sustaining the Historic Environment: new perspectives
on the future’ produced by English Heritage, 23 Savile Row London W1X 1AB in
March 1997
- www.architecture.com - Guidance for Recommended Design
Stages. Also available in hard copy from RIBA (Tel: 020 7307 3677).
- Quality of Life Capital approach - www.qualityoflifecapital.org.uk
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