1.1 Applicants should demonstrate a clear and meaningful understanding of the local character through the provision of a Character Appraisal for the site and its surroundings, the detail of which should be relative to the stage of design development - see Fig.05. Typical studies describing the site context will be expected at each design stage to comprehensively assess proposals.

1.2 Responding positively to existing character is a fundamental requirement of successful development. Applicants should refer to the Bexley Local Character Study for detailed analysis of each area and building typology. This information can be used as a starting point for Character Appraisals.

1.3 Historic buildings should be retained and features of the local vernacular incorporated into designs where appropriate - see D05. Specific guidance for development within a Conservation Area can be found in the relevant Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

1.4 Character Appraisals should include an assessment of repeated features and forms. The typical spatial conditions across the borough can be categorised by the building type and the floor area ratio of the plot. These building typologies are a useful starting point for Character Appraisals - see Fig.06 and Fig.07. The Bexley Local Character Study describes each typology in greater detail and summarises common design issues and opportunities.

1.5 Character Appraisals should be written in a way that clearly communicates meaningful spatial analysis and demonstrates that the applicant has understood relevant aspects of the local character. This process should include the following conclusions:

1. Which features make a positive contribution to the setting and what will be protected, reinforced and/or enhanced 
2. Which parts of the surrounding natural and built environment have a social or cultural importance 
3. Negative aspects of the local character that should therefore be omitted or reinvented

1.6 Applicants must be aware of and communicate their response to the site character and context. The Bexley Local Character Study is a useful resource available to applicants to analyse the existing spatial qualities across the borough.

1.7 Based on the Character Appraisal, the individual site scenario and the requirements of the project brief, applicants should set out a strategic approach to character and context. This could follow one or a combination of the approaches described in Fig.08.

1.8 For certain schemes a Design Review is required to assess the design response. These reviews provide specialist design advice from an independent panel on how to improve the design quality of development.

1.9 It is encouraged that Design Review takes place early in the pre-application process prior to a planning submission. The number of reviews required may vary dependent upon the type or scale of project.

1.10 The panel reviews a limited number of schemes per year, so the selection of applications is guided by set criteria. Applications that would typically be referred to Design Review are:

a. Large scale developments, for example:

• Structures that would exceed the relevant recommended building heights in Policy DP12 Tall buildings and building heights and/or those considered a tall building, which is defined in this policy as any structure over 25m in height.
• 50+ units of residential accommodations
• Commercial development of 10 000+ sqm
• A change of use of 10 000+ sqm
• A development site area of 2+ hectares

b. Proposals of any scale in areas of sensitivity, complexity, or public interest for example:

• Site allocations in the Local Plan
• Development affecting significant views
• Proposals affecting heritage assets including Listed Buildings and Locally Listed Buildings
• Public realm schemes
• Infrastructure projects
• Developments that are likely to have a major effect upon their surroundings
• Proposals that are likely to set a wider precedent or influence a recurring issue such as infill development

1.11 The selection of applications and type of review will be at the discretion of the planning officer. The length of review will be relative to the complexity of the proposals.

Figure 8 - Examples of strategic design approaches

Bexley Local Plan Policy DP20 Part 1 requires all planning applications to demonstrate how the mitigation hierarchy has been considered and requires any mitigation and all enhancement measures to be set out within the proposal. London Plan Policy G6 Part C and Local Plan DP20 Part 2 add additional steps that must be considered where planning applications may impact those sites that are designated because they hold significant value for nature. DP20 Part 3 adds guidance for development that may affect irreplaceable habitats.

Local Plan Policy SP9 Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geological assets confirms the Council will resist development where it would have significant adverse impacts on protected or priority species identified by legislation or biodiversity action plans (BAPs). It also states that biodiversity enhancements will be sought from all development with a preference for measures that contribute to the delivery of London and Borough Local Nature Recovery Plans/BAPs and Strategy targets.

London Plan Policy G6 Biodiversity and access to nature states that the effect on biodiversity should be informed by the best available ecological information addressed at the start of the development process.

1.12 To successfully protect and enhance the natural value of sites, and to inform the approach to addressing the policy requirements within the design, a baseline ecological assessment of the sites existing wildlife and habitat value must be undertaken early in the design process. Applicants must consider the time of year wildlife surveys are undertaken as they will need to be undertaken during months that will return the best results.

1.13 The Council will assess proposals against the five-point mitigation hierarchy (see Fig.10 overleaf). Applicants must demonstrate that this hierarchy has been followed. Further guidance on what information should be submitted at each stage of work will be provided in the Technical Handbook that will form Part 2 of the Design Guide SPD. Applicants should also refer to the Council's Protected species and planning in Bexley document which sets out information on protected species found in the Borough and survey requirements for these species.

1.14 Trees have a significant amenity value and can provide valuable habitats for local wildlife. Trees also support all ecosystem services, offsetting carbon and building a climate resilient landscape within an urban setting. Applicants must show consideration for existing trees, where necessary carrying out Arboricultural Assessments to BS5837 standards. Details of tree root protection areas will need to be stated for any retained trees, which may additionally be secured within a Construction Management Plan. Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) must be respected when designs are being conceived.

1.15 any of Bexley’s important habitats are protected from development as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Ancient Woodland, veteran trees and historic parkland while other habitats are protected by other legislation. Protected species can be found throughout the borough.

1.16 Under UK and EU laws several endangered plant, animal and fungi species are fully protected (see Fig.09) and it is an offence to kill, injure, capture and disturb them or cause damage to their places of shelter.

1.17 Applicants should determine whether their site is within or adjacent to an area of biodiversity or geodiversity importance, such as main rivers, protected habitat or priority species and submit the necessary surveys and reports.

1.18 Development proposals adjacent to irreplaceable habitats such as Ancient Woodland and individual veteran trees should follow established and good practice for site assessment and design. These are set out within Local Plan Policy DP20 Part 3.

1.19 Proposals should have a buffer zone of at least 15 metres between Ancient Woodland and the area proposed for development. Where assessment shows other impacts are likely to extend beyond this distance, the proposal is likely to need a larger buffer zone. A buffer zone should consist of semi-natural habitats such as woodland, a mix of scrub, grassland, heathland and wetland. Gardens within a buffer zone are not considered appropriate.

1.20 The protection of the whole habitat is necessary even when tree cover is comparatively sparse.

1.21 Open ground is also an important component of Ancient Woodlands. Ancient semi-natural woodland areas, plantations on Ancient Woodland sites, replanted with conifer or broadleaved trees that retain Ancient Woodland features, such as disturbed soil, ground flora and fungi area are also protected. Other distinct forms of Ancient Woodland, including wood pastures identified as ancient and historic parkland, are also protected as a heritage asset. Development on open space between trees in an area of Ancient Woodland pasture or historic parkland is therefore unlikely to be acceptable.

1.22 An ecological survey trigger list will be provided in the Technical Handbook document that will form Part 2 of the Design Guide SPD to determine the types of surveys required for particular sites and the optimal time of year for these surveys. Applicants should use the Wildlife Assessment Check online tool to check if ecological advice is required for the proposed development.

1.23 Applicants should consider and respond to the existing wildlife and ecology set out in D03. Schemes should seek to retain the ecology that exists, rather than remove or replace it.

1.24 If a project involves any significant area of outdoor space, a landscape architect or specialist should be consulted from the initial design stages. Major schemes with no landscape design expertise on the project team are unlikely to be able to meet the necessary requirements for landscape, biodiversity and urban greening, which can result in a longer and more expensive application process.

1.25 All development schemes need to demonstrate how they add value to Bexley’s Green Infrastructure Network indicated in the Bexley Green Infrastructure Study and the forthcoming Bexley Green Infrastructure Strategy. Proposals should demonstrate how they connect to and enhance existing green infrastructure and maximise public benefit.

1.26 Applicants should demonstrate a positive response to the local character and existing features through the submitted evidence, as outlined in Fig.11. For smaller sites, landscape design can form part of a Design and Access Statement (DAS).

1.27 Features of local and heritage significance should be identified through Character Appraisals and their retention and incorporation into new proposals is encouraged where appropriate.

1.28 Much of the borough is characterised by the repetition of standard house types. Where this occurs, the strong form of a single house often creates a consistent rhythm along streets and should be reflected in new proposals through:

1. the dimensions of significant elements
2. a horizontal or vertical emphasis created by the form and proportions of these significant elements
3. solid to void relationships between buildings and spaces between them
4. the design of boundary features such as garden walls or planting

1.29 As detailed in the Bexley Local Plan, applicants must determine whether their site is within or adjacent to a Conservation Area.

1.34 Development that does not preserve or enhance the character or appearance of Conservation Areas or Listed Buildings is unlikely to be permitted. It is imperative that applicants evidence an understanding of the significance of the local historic environment and address the effect of proposals upon the specific architectural and historical value of these areas within planning submissions. All proposals, especially those for tall buildings, should consider the cumulative impact of proposed development on heritage assets.

1.35 Engaging with neighbours and those that will be affected by development is vital in identifying issues that may arise through the planning process. Identifying and resolving these issues early can prevent delays and result in a more sustainable development that has the support of the local community.

1.36 Development of larger, major schemes should make use of a variety of engagement methods to ensure all groups that will be affected by development are able to provide feedback (see Fig.14).

1.37 On smaller schemes, whilst there is no statutory requirement to consult or engage with neighbours when applying to extend or alter buildings, it is strongly advised to discuss any plans before submission to the Local Planning Authority.

1.38 Once an application has been received, it is the Council’s legal duty to consult neighbouring landowners on applications once they have been validated. Advising neighbouring residents of proposals from the outset gives these residents notice before they are formally consulted by the Council.