Regulation 19 - Proposed Draft Local Plan Submission

Policy DM01: High Quality Inclusive Design Comment

1. Development must be designed to ensure a good quality of experience for occupants and users and be easy to use for all, including people with disabilities, the elderly and others with accessibility issues.
2. Development will be permitted where it:
   1. respects and enhances the context and characteristics of the individual site, street scene and the wider local environment to ensure that it is integrated as far as possible into the existing built form;
   2. protects and enhances existing natural assets as an integral part of the development;
   3. is sympathetic to the local vernacular, including in terms of building materials, and is individual and innovative where appropriate;
   4. is designed to minimise light pollution from the development;
   5. ensures safe and accessible movement for all users, including promotion of opportunities for sustainable public transport and active travel modes like walking and cycling;
   6. minimises opportunities for crime and maximising natural surveillance;
   7. incorporates sufficient provision for utilities, and the storage of refuse and recycling that are convenient and easy to use for all and with minimal visual impact and clutter;
   8. enhances the public realm, including high quality open spaces and links to the wider green infrastructure network that are convenient, function well and feel safe, with sufficient space, suitable to the type and amount of development proposed; and
   9. incorporates water and energy efficiency measures into the design of new buildings in accordance with Policy DM09.

Policy DM02: Amenity and Wellbeing Comment

1. Development must be designed to protect the wellbeing of occupiers of development and those in existing development by:
   1. ensuring that there are no adverse impacts on the amenity of neighbouring users in terms of noise, odour, vibration, air and light pollution, loss of privacy and loss of light which cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level;
   2. ensuring development with extended hour or 24-hour operations does not have an unacceptable impact which cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level on residential amenity or other existing development within the immediate and wider surrounding area;
   3. adopting appropriate screening or similar measures where appropriate to prevent adverse impacts on the character and appearance of the locality and on neighbouring uses; and
   4. ensuring that appropriate open space and green infrastructure is provided in accordance with Policy DM05.
2. All development must be aligned with the capacity of existing utilities adopting appropriate phasing. Major development will only be permitted where adequate broadband infrastructure is made available to all residents and/or users of the development.
3. A health impact assessment is required for the following types of applications:
   1. where the number of dwellings provided is 150 or more;
   2. for all other uses where the site area exceeds 1,000 sqm; or
   3. in areas of public health concern including areas vulnerable to worsening health inequalities.

Policy DM03: Heritage Asset Conservation and Design Standards Comment

1. In areas with high heritage value (Conservation Areas, where affecting Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments and other heritage assets and their settings) development will be permitted where it achieves a high standard of design reflecting those characteristics that make these places special.
   Development affecting heritage assets, and their settings will:
   1. be appraised in accordance with national policy; and
   2. be permitted where it protects, conserves or enhances the significance, character, appearance and setting of the asset including, where possible, better revealing the significance of the asset and enabling its interpretation.
2. Where the proposed development would lead to substantial harm to (or total loss of) significance of a designated heritage asset and/or its setting, planning permission will not be granted unless:
   1. the proposed development demonstrates that the substantial harm or total loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh the harm or loss; or
   2. the nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; and
   3. no viable use of the heritage asset can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; and
   4. conservation by grant-funding or some form of charitable or public ownership is demonstrably not possible.
3. Where the proposed development would lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset and/or its setting, this harm will be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including, where appropriate, securing its optimum viable use.
4. To determine the significance of a heritage asset, the Council will expect the following assessment to have been carried out:
   1. an analysis of the asset to establish its significance, both as a whole, and specific parts affected by the proposal;
   2. an assessment, where appropriate, of the contribution made by the setting of the asset to its significance; and
   3. an explanation of how the assessment has informed the proposed development, including how the proposed design (form/layout, scale, massing, proportions, materials and architectural and historical detailing, as applicable) would be appropriate and sympathetic.
5. Development within or affecting the setting of a Conservation Area must preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.
6. Development affecting the significance of a non-designated heritage asset and/or its setting will be required to justify any harm or loss to the significance of the non-designated heritage asset.

Policy DM04: Landscape Character and Sensitivity Comment

1. Development must be located and designed in such a way that it is sensitive to its landscape setting and character area and will be permitted where it:
   1. respects and, where possible, enhances local landscape, the landscape setting of settlements and settlement distinctiveness having regard to the Council's latest Landscape Character Assessment and Landscape Sensitivity Assessment;
   2. avoids the loss of, or substantial harm to, features of importance within the landscape including heritage assets;
   3. safeguards important public views, skylines and landmarks; and
   4. restores or provides equivalent mitigation for damaged features and/or landscapes that would be damaged or degraded as a result of the development.
2. The latest landscape evidence must be used to inform the identification of features of landscape importance to avoid detracting from visual and environmental quality.

Policy DM05: Green and Blue Infrastructure and Open Space Comment

1. All development must:
   1. contribute to creating high-quality multifunctional green and blue infrastructure in accordance with the Open Spaces Strategy 2021 (or subsequent revisions) and Green and Blue Infrastructure Study (2024), including using trees and other planting where appropriate, to provide access to shade and manage surface water run-off as part of a wider resilience to climate change and, where needed, use noise and pollution barriers/absorption measures;
   2. create and enhance accessible links for all between new developments and surrounding recreational networks and facilities; and
   3. enhance access to publicly accessible open space.

2. Residential development of 10 or more homes will meet the requirements set in 1 (a) to 1(c) and local standards below or as set out in up-to-date evidence of open space requirements published by the Council. Developments will be expected to provide an appropriate landscaping and landscape maintenance scheme, ensuring high standards of maintenance.

If on-site provision is not feasible by virtue of location, management limitations or the open space will not be of a sustainable size (see Provision for Open Space Sport and Recreation - Delivery Plan 2021), a payment equivalent to the cost of off-site provision will be required, taking into consideration the Provision for Open Space Sport and Recreation – Delivery Plan 2021 or subsequent revisions.

3. New open space or outdoor sport and recreation facilities, such as playing pitches, must be:
   1. accessible, usable, of high quality, safe and include facilities for a range of ages; and
   2. secured, prior to the commencement of development, with clear responsibilities for management and maintenance in perpetuity.
4. Development on Open Space or Playing Pitches will not be permitted unless one of the following criteria is met:
   1. It is for a use ancillary to its primary use as open space, sport or recreation and is designed and located in a way that preserves the open character of the space; or
   2. a robust assessment clearly demonstrates it is surplus to local requirements and will not be needed in the long term in accordance with local standards; or
   3. it can be demonstrated that replacement provision will be at least equivalent in terms of quality, quantity and accessibility, and there will be no overall negative impact on the provision of open space in accordance with local standards; or
   4. it can be demonstrated that the proposal is for alternative provision which meets evidence of local need in such a way as to outweigh the loss.
5. Local Green Spaces are allocated on the Policies Map and will retain their openness permanently. Further Local Green Space may be identified in Neighbourhood Plans providing it meets the relevant criteria in relation to scale, beauty, historic significance, recreational value, tranquillity, or ecological value and it does not conflict with the strategic policies of this Local Plan.
6. The construction of new buildings on Local Green Space will not be permitted other than:
   1. buildings providing appropriate facilities for outdoor, sport, recreation, cemeteries, burial grounds and allotments as long as the facilities preserve the openness of the Local Green Space; or
   2. replacement buildings, provided the new building is in the same use and not materially larger than the one it replaces; or
   3. except in very special circumstances where the potential harm to the Local Green Space, including to its openness, special character, significance to the local community, and any other harm, are clearly outweighed by other considerations.

Policy DM06: Transport and Accessibility Comment

1. 1. Development will be permitted, subject to:
   1. ensuring the safe, connected and convenient movement across the transport network, including bus passengers, cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders;
   2. providing safe access, servicing and parking arrangements as defined in this policy and having regard to Highway Authority guidance and standards; and
   3. ensuring that additional traffic movements are not detrimental to highway safety or result in the residual cumulative impact on the road network being severe.
2. All major development is required to submit a Transport Assessment which considers the impact of development on the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the transport network. The assessment will also identify the mitigation required to ensure the impact is managed or mitigated effectively. All major development must also:
   1. incorporate measures to facilitate and encourage safe access by cycle and on foot along with protection of, connection to and extension, where practicable, of existing pedestrian, cycle and equestrian routes;
   2. provide accessible cycle parking;
   3. deliver public transport enhancements where feasible to mitigate development impacts, including but not limited to bus routes, information and waiting facilities and measures to encourage public transport use;
   4. where appropriate, contribute to provision for the transport needs of specific groups in the community, such as the elderly and those with disabilities; and
   5. ensure car parking provision sufficient for the location and type of development, and make provision for Car Club spaces and EV charging points; and
   6. mitigation for any adverse impact on residential amenity and air quality, especially in Air Quality Management Areas.

Policy DM07: Managing Flood Risk Comment

1. Wherever possible development should take place within Flood Zone 1, the area of land deemed at least risk of flooding. The Sequential Test and, where necessary, the Exceptions Test should be used to assess the suitability of proposed development. Within Flood Zone 1 a site-specific flood risk assessment will be required for proposals relating to:
   1. major development;
   2. land with critical drainage problems;
   3. land at increased flood risk in the future;
   4. where a more vulnerable use is proposed on land which may be subject to sources of flooding other than rivers; or
   5. catchments that have experienced sewer flooding.
2. Development in Flood Zone 3, unless meeting the Exceptions Test, will only be permitted as follows:
   1. Flood Zone 3a: 'less vulnerable' uses, including retail and business uses (E and B Use Classes), agriculture and some non-residential institutions (Use Class D1), other than for health services, nurseries and education; and water compatible development.
   2. Flood Zone 3b: water compatible development where appropriate; this zone will be safeguarded to ensure protection of the functional floodplain.
3. For Development in Flood Zones 2 or 3 a site-specific flood risk assessment must be undertaken and development will only be permitted where:
   1. the mitigation, flood management, flood resilience measures and design requirements identified are satisfactorily provided; and
   2. the design incorporates flood resilience measures to allow for increased risk due to climate change.
4. All development in Flood Zones 2, 3a and 3b defined in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, or identified as at risk of flooding from other sources, should contribute positively to actively reducing flood risk through avoidance, reduction, management and mitigation.

Policy DM08: Sustainable Drainage Comment

1. All development must promote an integrated approach to water management through planting and incorporating rainwater storage for reuse and irrigation.
2. All major development must incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and take account of the drainage hierarchy as follows (in order of priority):
   1. store rainwater for later use for irrigation or non-potable purposes;
   2. promote natural infiltration with soakaways or permeable surfaces to recharge groundwater;
   3. use green roofs, rain gardens, or vegetated systems to hold and slowly release water;
   4. use engineered systems like underground tanks or ponds to temporarily store and control water flow;
   5. discharge to nearby rivers or streams where practicable, ensuring that any run-off does not negatively impact on the water quality of a nearby waterbody;
   6. discharge to surface water sewer;
   7. discharge to combined sewer only as a last resort in order to prevent overloading the sewer network.
3. The design and layout of the SuDS, should prioritise nature-based solutions and, taking account of the hydrology of the site, must:
   1. manage surface water close to its source and on the surface where feasible;
   2. be designed to incorporate surface water management features as green and blue infrastructure wherever possible, maximising multifunctional benefits for biodiversity, amenity, cooling and water quality;
   3. use features that enhance the site design and sense of place and where it is incorporated in open space, provide a safe naturalised system without the need for fencing or barriers;
   4. provide for the re-naturalisation of modified water courses where practical;
   5. be located away from land affected by contamination that may pose an additional risk to groundwater or other waterbodies;
   6. demonstrate that the peak rate of run-off over the lifetime of the development, allowing for climate change, is no greater for the developed site than it was for the undeveloped site and reduced wherever possible. Developments are required to achieve a 20% reduction in run-off rates compared to pre-development conditions to account for existing surface water runoff problems; and
   7. ensure that flooding would not occur to property in and adjacent to the development, in the event of an occurrence of a 1 in 100-year rainfall event (including an allowance for climate change) or in the event of local drainage system failure.
4. Prior to the commencement of development, the responsibilities for management and maintenance in perpetuity of the SuDS must be agreed.

Policy DM09: Sustainable Construction and Climate Resilience Comment

1. All development must:
   1. minimise carbon emissions during construction, which may include use of low-carbon construction materials, and adopting energy-efficient construction practices;
   2. where relevant, demonstrate that demolition of existing buildings is justified in comparison to their retention and re-use, and where buildings are retained, integrate measures to make these more energy and resource efficient in accordance with criteria 3 and 5 below;
   3. where demolition of existing buildings is required, demonstrate the reuse of demolition and construction waste;
   4. demonstrate the integration of passive design measures, including delivering cooling without increasing carbon emissions, such as through optimal building orientation, natural ventilation, solar shading and the use of thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures;
   5. be supported by a water efficiency statement that outlines, in priority order, measures to reduce water consumption, reuse water, or offset its use and achieve minimum water efficiency equivalent to 110 litres per person per day for any residential use, or non-residential development to achieve at least 3 credits in the Wat01 Measure for water in the BREEAM New Construction standard; and
   6. Demonstrate how waste will be minimised during construction and during the operation of the development.

Residential development

2. All new-build residential developments must achieve at least a three star rating under the BRE Home Quality Mark scheme. A whole life-cycle assessment should be undertaken as part of this assessment for major development.
3. All residential developments involving refurbishment or extensions are required to achieve a final (post-refurbishment) certified rating of Excellent under BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment and must make reasonable endeavours to achieve an Outstanding rating.

Non-residential development

4. All non-residential and mixed-use developments proposing 1000 sqm or more net additional floorspace are required to achieve a final (post-construction stage) certified rating of Excellent as part of a fully fitted assessment within BREEAM New Construction. A whole life-cycle assessment should be undertaken as part of this assessment for major development.
5. Major non-residential and mixed-use refurbishment developments are required to achieve a final (post-construction) certified rating of Excellent under BREEAM UK Non-Domestic Refurbishment and Fit-out(or equivalent scheme). A whole life-cycle assessment should be undertaken as part of this assessment.

Policy DM10: Biodiversity and Geodiversity Protection and Enhancement Comment

1. All qualifying development proposals must deliver at least a 10% measurable biodiversity net gain attributable to the development. The net gain for biodiversity should be calculated using Natural England's Biodiversity Metric. In circumstances where it appears that sites have been subdivided for the purposes of application submission to meet the exempt development threshold, they shall be considered cumulatively to ensure the overall development is in compliance with this requirement.
2. Biodiversity net gain should be provided on-site wherever possible. Off-site measures will only be considered where it can be demonstrated that, after following the mitigation hierarchy, all reasonable opportunities to achieve measurable net gains on-site have been exhausted.
3. Development should avoid adverse impact on existing biodiversity and geodiversity features in line with the mitigation hierarchy. Where adverse impacts are unavoidable, they must be adequately and proportionately mitigated. If full mitigation cannot be provided, compensation will be required as a last resort to ensure there is no net-loss or a net gain of priority habitat and priority species.
4. All development must contribute towards protecting and improving biodiversity and geodiversity by:
   1. protecting and enhancing priority species and their habitats;
   2. including measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the district's flora and fauna;
   3. protecting and enhancing green and blue infrastructure assets;
   4. protecting riparian zones and watercourses by creating and enhancing undeveloped buffer zones alongside watercourses to ensure functional habitat corridors for wildlife;
   5. protecting features and areas of geodiversity value and enhancing them to improve connectivity of habitats, amenity use, education and interpretation; and
   6. include appropriate measures to manage construction impacts by demonstrating how existing wildlife habitats supporting protected or priority species will be retained, safeguarded and managed during construction.
5. Development which impacts on nationally and locally designated biodiversity and geodiversity sites, defined in Policy DS03 and shown on the Policies Map, will be permitted where there is no adverse impact on:
   1. the conservation of priority species;
   2. irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss; and
   3. opportunities for improving habitats, and if relevant, improving the water quality of local water courses to improve the aquatic habitat are incorporated.

Development proposals that are likely to result in a significant adverse effect, either alone or in combination with other proposals, on internationally designated site, will not be permitted unless a Habitats Regulation Assessment has concluded that the proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of the habitats site.

Policy DM11: Managing Impacts on Land and Water Quality Comment

1. Water resources will be protected, and water services provided. Development will be permitted where it does:
   1. not adversely affect the quality of any water course into which the surface water emanating from new development flows, during both the construction phase and for the lifetime of the development;
   2. ensure the removal of any contamination from the site and that the development would not result in the migration of any contamination to a location where it could have an adverse effect upon the water environment; and
   3. have no adverse impact on and, wherever possible, contribute to an enhanced water environment and its associated ecology.
2. Where the site has previously been developed, the need for any decontamination and remediation will be identified and implemented to an agreed programme, ensuring that any contamination is not relocated elsewhere to a location where it could adversely affect the environment including water or other wildlife habitats.
3. Development should be focused in the first instance on agricultural land not identified as the best and most versatile (i.e. on Grades 3b, 4 and 5). Development, outside of settlements or identified Site Allocations in Policy SA01, which is on high-quality agricultural land (Grades 1, 2, and 3a) will be permitted where:
   1. a thorough assessment to evaluate its impact on agricultural productivity has been undertaken; and
   2. mitigation measures are implemented to minimise adverse effects, such as soil conservation techniques and landscape buffering.

Policy DM12: Protection and Enhancement of Community Facilities Comment

1. Development proposals that protect, retain, or enhance the provision, quality or accessibility of existing community, education, and cultural facilities will be supported and permitted where they are in accordance with other policies of this Local Plan.
2. Diversification of activities will be supported to maintain the viability of such facilities . In relation to public houses such diversification may include:
   1. extensions and alterations to provide kitchen and restaurant facilities;
   2. improvements to the external environment, including children's play facilities;
   3. conversions or extensions to provide bed and breakfast or other guest accommodation;
   4. provision of a micro-brewery or similar enterprise related to the public house use;
   5. alterations to enable takeaway food and off-licence services; or
   6. use of part of the premises for a local shop, post office, library, or other community function unrelated to the public house use.
3. Proposals resulting in the loss of existing community facilities will only be supported where the applicant demonstrates that:
   1. a replacement facility is being provided on the same site, with efforts made to provide temporary alternative provision where feasible; or
   2. an alternative facility on another site to meet local needs is available that is both equally accessible and provides equal or enhanced benefits to the community in advance of closure; or
   3. all options for continuation in its current use have been fully explored, including diversification, and none remain which would be financially viable; and
   4. it is demonstrated that the site is no longer required and is unlikely to be re-used for its current use or re-developed for an alternative community use as evidenced by active marketing for at least 12 months at an appropriate price for its current use free of tie and restrictive covenant and there has been no definite interest in either the freehold or leasehold during that specified period.

Policy DM13: Existing Business Uses – Retention and Redevelopment Comment

1. Existing sites and premises in Business Use (Office and Light Industry (E(g)(i)(ii)(iii), General Industry (B2) and non-strategic Storage and Distribution (B8in units <9,000sqm), outside of the employment areas shown on the Policies Map will be protected where there remains a reasonable prospect of the same or an alternative employment use.
2. Where planning permission is required for a change of use or redevelopment for non-employment uses, it will not be permitted unless:
   1. a viability appraisal and an assessment of the suitability of the site to accommodate a Business use, using a methodology to be agreed by the Council, has been submitted which includes evidence of efforts to improve the viability of the site to demonstrate the site has not been made deliberately unviable;
   2. it is demonstrated that the site is no longer required and is unlikely to be re-used or re-developed for industrial/commercial purposes as evidenced by active marketing for at least 12 months at an appropriate price; and
   3. the existing use demonstrably causes environmental harm, or amenity impacts which cannot be satisfactorily mitigated.
3. Within the area of Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground as defined on the Policies Map, development will be permitted where:
   1. the proposed use is for an authorised use, including the proving and testing of motor vehicles, vehicle storage, the aircraft museum and related tourism activity, car auctions, and aircraft recycling, maintenance and storage; or
   2. it is associated with the operation of the site by vehicles for corporate entertainment, in accordance with the 2009 unilateral undertaking and under the terms of the associated Operational Plan or any subsequent legal agreement or plan.
   3. it will conform with the controls set out in the noise limits of the Operational Plan, and noise monitoring system set out in the Noise Management Plan and the 2009 unilateral undertaking;
   4. the design, materials, massing and bulk of new development would not have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area;
   5. the impact of the development on the landscape setting would, where necessary, be mitigated by retaining, replacing and/or enhancing existing perimeter tree planting;
   6. traffic generated by the development would not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety or severe residual cumulative impacts on the road network; and
   7. highway mitigation is provided where necessary taking into account total traffic to be generated by existing and proposed development within the Proving Ground and the Industrial Estate, with all access taken via the main gate to Bath Lane.
4. Within the area of Bruntingthorpe Industrial Estate, as defined on the Policies Map, development for Research and Development (E(g)(ii), Light Industry (E(g)(iii), General Industry (B2) and non-strategic Storage and Distribution (B8 in units <9,000sqm) uses only will be permitted if:
   1. the design, materials, massing and bulk of new development would have no unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area;
   2. traffic generated by the development would not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety or severe residual cumulative impacts on the road network;
   3. it is subject to the approval and implementation of a Travel Plan seeking to reduce reliance on access by private car and highway mitigation is provided where necessary, taking into account total traffic to be generated by existing and proposed development in the Industrial Estate and the Proving Ground and with all access taken via the main gate to Bath Lane; and
   4. any individual unit for Class B8 use does not exceed 500sqm in gross floorspace.
5. Within the area of Leicester Airport, as defined on the Policies Map, development will be permitted where:
   1. it is required for the operational use of the airfield, including improvements to the existing control tower and runway;
   2. it is for aviation uses or is ancillary to an existing aviation use; or
   3. it involves the conversion or re-use of an existing permanent building on the site.
6. Within the complex to the North of Gartree Road, as defined on the Policies Map, additional development or the re-use of existing buildings for Research and development (E(g)(ii), Light Industry (E(g)(iii), General Industry (B2) and non-strategic Storage and Distribution (B8) (in units <9,000sqm) will be permitted where:
   1. the proposed use does not conflict with safety requirements of existing uses at the airfield;
   2. it is necessary for the continuation of an existing enterprise, facility or operation compatible with the operational use of the airfield;
   3. the design, materials, and massing of new development would not have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area;
   4. traffic generated by the development is capable of being accommodated on the highway network and will not have a significant adverse impact on the amenity of local residents;
   5. a travel plan is approved and implemented to increase access to the site by modes other than the private car; and
   6. any individual unit for Class B8 use does not exceed 500sqm in gross floorspace.

Policy DM14: Shopfront Design Comment

1. Shopfront development must respect the character and visual amenity of the area by:
   1. retaining and preserving existing shopfronts that contribute positively, and restoring original features such as stallrisers, pilasters, fascia, and cornices where possible;
   2. ensuring that alterations to shopfronts on or within the setting of listed buildings preserve the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic character which it possesses, and that changes in conservation areas demonstrate an understanding of the Area's significance and preserve or enhance its character and appearance;
   3. designing new or replacement shopfronts to respect the proportions, materials, and architectural detailing of the existing building and the wider street scene; and
   4. incorporating visual breaks in shopfronts which occupy multiple buildings, or multiple shopfronts which occupy single buildings, to preserve or create individual character, avoid excessive width, and ensure cohesion with upper storeys.
2. Shopfront development must create balanced, engaging designs that preserve or enhance the street scene by:
   1. providing active frontages, legible and congruous entrances, and avoiding inactive spaces;
   2. ensuring fascias and stallrisers are proportionate and do not encroach on architectural or historic features;
   3. using fenestration casements/ frames and subdivisions that create visual interest;
   4. using materials which are in keeping with their surroundings; and
   5. ensuring projecting canopies and blinds are in keeping and justified where proposed, and fully retracted when the business is closed.
3. Security measures in shopfront development must preserve visual amenity by:
   1. avoiding the use of external or internal security shutters, particularly in conservation areas and/or on listed buildings or within their settings, unless there is an extenuating justification; and
   2. recessing shutter boxes within the structure or concealing them behind the fascia to minimise visual impact and maintain the character and appearance of the shopfront.

Policy DM15: Outdoor Advertising and Signage Design Comment

Outdoor advertising, including signage on fascias and projecting signs, must respect the character and appearance of individual buildings and the street scene, and must:

1. be proportionate, well-designed, and use materials, surface finishes and colours that complement the shopfront building and street scene;
2. avoid visual clutter and inappropriate placement, particularly in conservation areas, on Listed Buildings, or within the setting of heritage assets and residential areas;
3. remove redundant signs, fascias and supports/fittings to maintain an attractive environment;
4. limit projecting signs to one per business;
5. avoid obstruction of architectural features;
6. adapt corporate branding to suit the local context; and
7. ensure lighting is subtle and unobtrusive, with external illumination required in conservation areas, on Listed Buildings, or within the setting of heritage assets.

Policy DM16: Telecommunications Infrastructure Comment

Telecommunications development will be permitted where:

1. all options for sharing of existing equipment, and erecting masts on existing tall buildings or other structures have been fully explored, with the preferred approach adopted wherever possible;
2. provision is made to ensure that equipment that has become obsolete or that is no longer in use is removed as soon as practicable and the site restored to its former condition;
3. all masts and additions to existing masts are self-certified to meet International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standards;
4. the outcomes of community consultation undertaken prior to an application, particularly occupiers of sensitive development such as schools, nurseries, and hospitals, is considered;
5. intrusive visual impact on the surroundings and/or street clutter can be avoided or mitigated, minimising size and scale and camouflaging appearance; and
6. the installation is designed to avoid any unacceptable impact on the historic environment, including harm to the health or vigour of trees.