Swansea launches consultation on placemaking guidance

Residents are being urged to have their say on planning proposals that will help shape the look and feel of communities in Swansea in the years to come.

The Council has already adopted its local development plan (LDP), a blueprint setting out how planning rules and regulations will help shape the city’s future over the next decade.

Now it is consulting on supplementary planning guidance which aims to offer practical design advice and tools to individuals and organisations thinking of creating or improving new developments in the area.

The consultation will look at how to ensure that all new development gets the best results for the health and wellbeing of the people of Swansea by making the places we live greener, healthier and more accessible places to live.

David Hopkins, cabinet member for delivery and operations, said: ‘As we emerge from the pandemic the experience of living through the restrictions and issues like working from home are likely to influence the way we live for many years to come.

‘That’s why, for example, the supplementary planning guidance is recommending some practical ideas about what future homes and communities could look like, based on what happened. For example, we’re suggesting all new flats should have private outdoor space or balconies so residents have access to fresh air on their doorsteps.

‘Similarly, we’d want to encourage a minimum size for homes so there’s space available for a desk so people can work from home if needs be.’

There are five draft placemaking documents up for consultation, including guidance for residential development, infill and backland development, householder development, trees, hedgerows and woodlands, and Gower AONB.

The guidance also suggests that all new homes should be in low speed 20mph areas, increasing tree cover and with easy walking distance to a park or green space.

The deadline for comments on the proposals is 13 August.

In related news, members of the public are invited to view the latest proposals and submit their feedback on the Draft Masterplan of Improvements for Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre.

Photo by Andy Watkins