Character and Identity

Places with a distinctive character and identity will attract people to live, work and visit, making them sustainable culturally and financially.

Effective design policies can help ensure that growth enhances the character and identity of a place. This can be achieved through appreciation of local climate, urban form, culture, topography, building types and materials and an understanding of how these should inform new developments. Policies based on this understanding can help ensure the right buildings are in the right places.

Policies should in particular address what can be done to support the character of local high streets and town centres.