2. Thriving Neighbourhoods
Hounslow is experiencing rapid population growth, its places are densifying, and its neighbourhoods need to balance the desire of many residents to live in low-density suburban locations with the pressures of an increasing population. Its places are highly varied, ranging from intense Zone 2 urban centres to looser, more suburban and rural environments to the west. Neighbourhoods in the Borough need to enable and support a good quality of life that is responsive to this evolving context.
Our neighbourhoods should feel part of Hounslow, answer the needs of our residents, and feel distinct to their specific part of the Borough. Their scale and character should be appropriate to their townscape context and to the diverse ways of life of Hounslow residents.
Our neighbourhoods should be thriving, interconnected and well-integrated places that provide the local amenities we need in the vicinity of our homes. They must be easy to navigate for all; legible, safe and clear in their layouts and organisation, with particular attention paid to the needs and safety of children, recognising that a child-friendly city is a better city for all.
2.1. Local identity and local need
2.1.1. Does the development respond positively to the cultural, social and economic context of its location?
2.1.2. Does the development deliver housing types and tenures that respond to specific local need?
2.1.3. Have opportunities for innovative models of ownership and management been explored, e.g. Community Land Trusts?
2.1.4. Are housing types and tenures integrated to avoid segregation and isolation and achieve a ‘tenure- blind’ development?
2.2. Architectural character
2.2.1. Have site constraints been clearly identified and has a coherent architectural approach been developed in response?
2.2.2. Has the design been informed by studies into successful surrounding typologies to respond to the site and the wider identity of the place, e.g. proportion, detail, materials, height, density?
2.2.3. Does the design consider any historic or heritage context, whether recognised in policy or otherwise?
2.2.4. Does the site layout incorporate existing topography, landscape features, water courses etc to create a locally distinctive design?
2.3. Appropriate density and uses
2.3.1. Is the proposal of an appropriate and economically-viable density that makes the most of available land whilst respecting the existing urban character and quality of life of residents?
2.3.2. Where appropriate, have non- residential uses been included which will support the vitality of the neighbourhood and respond to demand, e.g. community facilities, or commercial premises?
2.4. Permeability and connectivity
2.4.1. Is there a clear strategy for pedestrian movement within the development to give easy access to everyday amenities, including for children, older people and those with reduced mobility, e.g. post boxes, cycle storage, refuse bins?
2.4.2. Does the development include a strategy for vehicles and mobility aids to facilitate active travel for
a range of users, e.g. wheelchair, mobility scooter and cycle parking, storage and charging zones?
2.4.3. Do the proposed routes within the development help connections to the wider neighbourhood and city, e.g. proximity to key amenities, civic and cultural facilities, open spaces, transport connections?
2.4.4. Has consideration been given to eliminating barriers to movement, e.g. through appropriate use of drop kerbs and surface treatments?
2.5. Safe, child-friendly, inclusive development
2.5.1. Does the design provide dedicated and incidental spaces for children and young people to use?
2.5.2. Does the design promote 'independent mobility' for children and young people by making it safe and easy to move around?
2.5.3. Has personal security been considered in the design and layout of the homes, particularly at building entrances?
2.5.4. Does the scheme deliver places that are inclusive of all genders and protected characteristics?
2.5.5. Does the design of the development promote passive surveillance through active ground floors on all sides and/or non- residential uses?
2.5.6. Has resident security been considered in relation to the operation of building elements and systems e.g. restrictors on openable ground floor windows?
