Planning Policy Diagram

To begin the management strategy assignment, I spent time looking into the national, local, sub-area and regeneration planning policies which the site is included in, boarders on or is subject to. This drew up interesting processes in terms of looking into the way that the scheme will have to inhabit the site and the wider context.

National Policy

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out governmental planning policies and goals for built environment developments to reach identified standards. It provides guidance as well as a framework for local planning policy for housing. The framework is a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ meaning that plan-making should seek positive opportunities to meet the development needs of the area as well objectively assessing needs for housing and other uses whilst also actively encouraging sustainable use of land etc. Plans should be prepared with the objective of contributing to the achievement to sustainable development.

Local Policy

Adopting the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan (CSUCP) in 2015, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council document sets out a clear framework for growth in Gateshead and Newcastle from 2010-2030. It sets out key strategic policies for the quantity and location of key developments in housing, retail and employment provision as well as transport and other infrastructure provision. The strategy seeks to protect and enhance the existing built environment as well as the natural environment whilst contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Sub-Area

As a part of the Quayside and Ouseburn Sub-Area, the site is covered under Policy Q01 which aims to promote the development of the area as diverse and sustainable. This is covered by two documents which guide the development of the Sub-Area, including information on the Lower Ouseburn Valley Urban Design Framework and Ouseburn Central Masterplan. Various mixed use schemes have been developed under the under this policy and in accordance with the policy, schemes which include ‘improved public pedestrian and cycling links to the Urban Core and the Ouseburn’ (Newcastle City Council, 2015).

Regeneration Plan

The 2012-2020 Ouseburn Regeneration Plan outlines the Ouseburn’s interest as ‘a special place with a rich history and a spectacular townscape, with an increasingly eclectic mixture of uses and activities’. Being an urban village with mixed use, live, work play and learn objectives for the regeneration, the plan sets out actions and key themes aligned to the Council’s priorities: ‘Improving outcomes for children and young people; Improving wellbeing, health and independence; Creating safe, inclusive, cohesive and empowered communities; Strengthening the economy; Creating and sustaining quality places to live; Managing environmental impact’