by Wickhambrook Parish Clerk
Wickhambrook Parish Council has been approached through its County Association about a Suffolk County Council consultation on shaping street guidance for new developments. This is a consultation on an update of their existing guidance on design of streets for all users. This consultation is open to all members of the public. Please see below for more information from Suffolk County Council about the consultation and how to respond.
Help shape guidance for new housing developments in Suffolk
Suffolk County Council has commissioned the production of Suffolk Design: Streets Guide, a new design guide to update existing guidance for new residential developments, and is asking members of the public for feedback in shaping the guidance.
The Streets Guide is part of the Suffolk Design initiative which is where District and Borough planning authorities and the County Council are working together to improve the design criteria and guidance for new developments across the county.
The guide seeks to draw together national policies, guidance and other best practice and set within the Suffolk context. It covers more than just technical standards for roads, as requirements for footpaths, cycleways, utilities, sustainable drainage are also set out.
In addition, the Streets Guide will assist with the development of local and neighbourhood plans.
The guide is not intended to be used to resist development. It is to guide designers and developers in drawing together proposals that they want to put forward.
Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs, said:
“The Suffolk Design: Streets Guide sets out a different approach that focuses on the needs of all users rather than designing for motorised traffic first. By doing this, the opportunities for walking and cycling can be designed into and surrounding new developments and not treated as afterthoughts.
“The new guidance seeks to help designers and all local councils to understand and plan for streets that support sustainable travel, that are attractive places yet easy to maintain, and that reflect Suffolk’s heritage and landscape.”
Cllr Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Pubic Protection, said:
“I welcome this update to the existing guidance. Our streets function in many different ways, not just for cars to pass along or park. Streets are also places where people meet, where trees and other plants grow and how energy is conveyed for our homes and businesses.
“All these different elements need careful consideration as we look forward to a low carbon future and adapt to climate change.”
The consultation is open until 5pm on Wednesday 10 February 2021. Members of the public can take part by visiting, www.suffolk.gov.uk/suffolkstreets