4.13 Character and Local Context

What people like and where they feel at home matters.

The design of streets within Surrey should be influenced by existing context and elements which are valued by the local community. This can include public spaces, terminating vistas towards landmark buildings or varying street widths and enclosure ratios. These design considerations are often lacking in many new residential developments where streets feel too wide or monotonous in character.

Determining these elements would require a character study, site visits, street design documentation and engagement with the local community. However, in time there may also be a design code in place which will provide necessary detail.

Designers should also refer to the relevant district and boroughs’ design guides, character assessments, conservation areas and Neighbourhood Plans.

Figure 4-43: Local context influencing design and material choices, Watercolour, Surrey (Credit - Create Streets)

• Elmbridge Borough Council – Design and Character SPD
• Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (TBC)
• Guildford Borough Council – Residential Design and Area SPDs
• Mole Valley District Council - Character Appraisal SPD
• Reigate and Banstead Borough Council - Local Character and Distinctiveness Design Guide SPD
• Runnymede Borough Council – Design SPD
• Spelthorne Borough Council – Residential Development SPD
• Surrey Heath Borough Council – Area Specific SPDs
• Tandridge District Council – Design Guides, Briefs and Village Design Statements
• Waverley Borough Council - Town and Village Design Statements
• Woking Borough Council – Design SPD