4.6 Streets and block patterns

The establishment of a good street and block pattern is key to achieving a connected, permeable, walkable and legible development. A good block pattern will make efficient use of land while helping to delineate public space and private space.

Layouts must consider the following:

• Development blocks must have clear backs and fronts and separation between private and public areas.
• Buildings must front onto the street and blank facades should be avoided. This creates strong frontages onto the street, provides overlooking, makes navigation easier and gives the area a more distinct character.
• Further guidance on appropriate setbacks is outlined in the street typologies table (4.14).
• Blocks should be between 50m and 150m in length to create a walkable network of streets with multiple connections.
• These could have an informal or formal character depending on the location and scale of development.
• The arrangement of streets and blocks should respond to the existing topography to avoid steep gradients, or the need for excessive earthworks. In line with inclusive mobility requirements, this means no greater than 5% (1 in 20) [Reference 9].
• Building lines and setbacks of homes will have a distinct impact on a street’s character and its sense of place.
• Building lines could be continuous, broken, informal or formal in nature but a consistent approach to design must be taken within a character area or street.
• New communities and urban extensions should include a range of character areas within the site.
• Brownfield / in-fill sites must respond to their surrounding context.

References

• Reference 9: Department for Transport (2021) Inclusive Mobility A Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure (Return to content for reference 9).