Townscape Assessment

The planning process plays an important role in delivering development that is complementary to the local environment.  Design which fails to take opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area should not be allowed.

As part of the process of putting the Local Development Framework (LDF) in place, the Council are producing advice on the character of the towns and larger villages across the Royal Borough in the form of a Townscape Assessment.  One of the aims of this process is to explain what makes one area distinct from another, and to define design principles for protecting and enhancing existing character.

The Townscape Assessment methodology draws upon a two-stage approach of characterisation and evaluation.

1. Characterisation involves the objective identification and mapping of broad character areas and types within each settlement.
2. Evaluation involves making broad judgements on the future design principles and parameters for development, including how these relate to the general character of an area.  This is undertaken following the completion of the characterisation process.

Land Use Consultants (LUC) have been appointed to undertake the Townscape Assessment.

To ensure the quality of the Townscape Assessment, the Council invited comments on the draft characterisation report.  This consultation period ended on the 13th October 2008.

To help clarity and ensure the Townscape Assessment is managable, it has been produced in three volumes: Maidenhead and surrounds, Windsor and surrounds and Ascot and surrounds.  Copies of the documents can be downloaded from the webpages stated below:

• Townscape Assessment: Maidenhead and Cookham Areas
• Townscape Assessment: Windsor Group
• Townscape Assessment: Ascot Group

For further information on this subject please contact:
Ian Bellinger, Principal Planning Officer,
Planning Policy Unit,
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead,
Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead,
SL6 1RF.
Direct line: 01628 796634
Direct email: Ian.Bellinger@rbwm.gov.uk