This sketch of the road structure concept for Waterside SPD was developed by a working group including community members and residents, industry experts, stakeholders and the City Council. Concept proposals do not need to be finished drawings, instead, sketches showing general principles are a good way to communicate design intentions at this stage.
Draft of movement structure concept design by Phil Jones Associates.
1.2 Good structure
The first step in creating the urban structure of a place is normally the definition of access, movement and connectivity. This should always be considered alongside the existing landscape and special features of the site. Clear and legible routes into and through a development will normally be major structuring elements in a layout, and places where routes meet and cross provide good opportunities to locate everyday facilities and o create places for people to gather. Cul-de-sacs and non-adopted private driveways will be discouraged, as these disrupt movement patterns and are not to be used unless there is no practical alternative. A pedestrian friendly approach integrates well with the surroundings, links existing and proposed streets and provides direct routes to bus stops. An important consideration in existing urban fabrics is to appraise how new links and roads might join or divide existing neighbourhoods.
Research has shown that the position and nature of roads can have social as well as functional implications because people define their sense of belonging in relation to spatial boundaries, which are normally roads. The movement infrastructure in the city should seek to connect and unify areas rather than divide existing communities. Nottingham City Council will not support gated homes or gated clusters of homes, as these often result in segregated communities that find it difficult to integrate with their neighbours in adjacent areas.
Design Criteria
1.2.1 The site is connected with main routes, public pathways and public transport facilities.
1.2.2 The street pattern forms the basis for perimeter blocks which ensure that buildings contribute positively to the public realm, and give opportunities for creating significant places where routes meet.
1.2.3 Layout track testing demonstrates how family vehicles and large refuse vehicles will move and manoeuvre on the streets of the development.
1.2.4 Streets are not designed for the worst-case scenario, oversized and over engineered.