Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
environment doesn't mean the planners will
let you. They may be concerned, not about
you, but about the owners who come after
you when you sell. And just because you
think you can deal with your own sewage
and waste water doesn't mean that the
planners will agree. Besides, some areas
will be designated for housing and others
for remaining unspoilt. It will be difficult in
any area (though not impossible) to cross
these boundaries.
your house fulfils some of these directives,
the planners may react more favourably
to it, even if it differs in some significant
way from other planning guidelines. For
instance, a plastered strawbale house may
be allowed in an area where most houses
are brick because, although it looks different,
it provides three times more insulation -
thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels,
etc - than equivalent houses in the locality.
In the UK
What do the neighbours think?
This isn't necessarily as big an issue as it
may seem. Planners do have to take into
account different viewpoints, and in some
areas anything new or different will cause a
stir, but there must be legitimate reasons for
any objections. Planners may choose not to
contend with a powerful local lobby that has
no real grounds for objection, or they may
think it's politic not to ignore them. However,
negative reactions from the neighbours may
simply be seen as emotional responses to
change, and positive reactions may help
you argue your case for innovative design.
The advice in the box overleaf is given on
the UK government website on Planning:
www.communities.gov.uk/planningand
building/about/planning (accessed July
2009).
Highways Agency
For a development that has relatively small
transport implications, you will probably
have to submit a Transport Statement (TS)
to the Highways Agency; for one that has
significant transport implications you will
need to submit a Transport Assessment (TA).
The TS shows that you have thought about
the implications of what you are proposing
but there is little that needs to be done,
while the TA would show what proposals
you would actually be putting into place
to deal with any change or increase in
transport.
Environmental issues &
Agenda 21
Every local authority has the duty to imple-
ment European directives (Agenda 21) relat-
ing to issues of sustainability and protection
of the environment. The emphasis these
directives are given can vary tremendously
from one local authority to the next, but in
general there is now greater awareness of
the need to build using materials and prac-
tices that are less harmful to the planet. If
There may also be a need to include a specific
assessment of environmental impacts that
could arise out of an incremental rise in
transport-related noise, reduction in air
quality or other pollutions.
