Streets offer many opportunities to incorporate landscape and water management as an integral part of the design. Planting features can be used in very simple ways to define parking spaces, offering an opportunity to add amenity and biodiversity value to schemes. In The Meadows (above) this was achieved in a simple but effective way.
In Green Street, neighbours have appropriated a small area at the foot of a tree to plan flowers. This demonstrates how much people value small areas of land that they can take ownership of and care for.
The specification of appropriate materials, especially edges and demarcations, make a significant difference and can determine the success of a scheme. Materials do not have to be expensive but good workmanship is essential to produce a good result, especially if lower grade surfaces - like asphalt - are specified. The images above show how good design and workmanship can deliver great streets.
This image (in Nottingham) shows a badly conceived tree planter extending over the street surface and half way over a grass patch.
This image (in Nottingham) shows poor design, where an over-designed narrow pavement which purpose is only to host cabling.
2.6 Drainage, trees and services
Drainage, and particularly sustainable drainage systems should be considered in conjunction with the design of the street layout, looking for opportunities for integration. Swales and rain gardens can form attractive as well as functional elements within streets, adding character by creating interesting streets that can enhance bio-diversity. Wall-mounted lighting on buildings will be considered. All the component elements of streets (such as street lighting, storage units, etc.) should generally be constructed from a simple palette of standard materials, although special items can be considered at important locations to add special character. Non-standard materials and equipment may be subject to a commuted sum. Waste collection is a very important consideration for the design of streets and networks. A connected network of streets is preferred, as it will reduce the need for refuse vehicles to turn and reverse.
Design Criteria
2.6.1 Services and street furniture have been designed in coordination with the concept for streets hierarchy and distinctiveness.
2.6.2 Water management was thought as an integral part of the design and is incorporated in the street detailing.
2.6.3 The street network was designed with circuits for waste collection with ‘in’ and ‘out’ points. Tracking must be done using these specifications. More details on waste collection strategies and design can be found in the Housing Design Guide.
2.6.4 Service runs were located in dedicated zones, easy to access for repairs.
2.6.5 All new trees have adequate root space and root protection.