Urban Design

Urban Design is essentially the interface between architecture, town planning and related professions. Urban Design develops the concept of spatial awareness to improve the quality of environments within our built areas. It is the relationship between all the elements of built and unbuilt space.

The Government through Planning Policy Guidance notes, The Urban Task Force, The Urban Design Alliance and Commission for Architecture and The Built Environment (CABE) has raised the profile and importance of good design and quality in the built environment.

The City Council's Urban Design team aims to conserve and improve the quality of Sunderland’s built, historic and natural environment. In line with current Urban Design initiatives being promoted by the Government and organisations such as CABE and English Partnerships, the City Council will seek to secure the highest possible quality of built environment and the creation of desirable places to live, work, shop and visit.

The Urban Design team has produced a range of documents to promote high standards of design including:

Residential Design Guide 2007 ( pdf 9.33MB)

Easington Lane Development Framework 

Sunniside Planning Framework 

Guidance on Preparing Design and Access Statements ( pdf 8.94MB) 

Design & Access Statements SPD ( pdf 4.58MB)

Householder Extensions and Alterations ( 1.95MB)

The Urban Design team have been involved in a series of environmental projects including:

Concord

Documents in working progress include:

Urban Design for Sunderland

Shopfront Design Guide

Useful Design Links:

CABE

Design for Homes

The Architecture Foundation

RUDI (Information Resource for Urban Design)

The Civic Trust

Northern Architecture

Building for Life

RIBA

Contact:

Email: implementation@sunderland.gov.uk

Urban Design Team – Tel. (0191) 553 1279

Implementation Homepage

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