Materials

2.2 Guidelines for courtyard development

Layout design

2.2.1 The development of the back land areas within the ATC gives the 2.2.2 A high degree of enclosure is opportunity to create an intimate character for a number of spaces desirable to ensure an intimate complementary to the main streets, while at the same time, environment within the courtyards. preserving and enhancing the traditional form of development This has generally been achieved within the Area. The guidelines aim to provide control over the through the historic boundaries layout and design of proposals within these areas while ensuring the con straining the long narrow sites. flexibility for innovative design and accommodating the demands of These boundary lines should local development pressures. influence the form of new development; thereby ensuring enclosure is achieved. The requirement for parking provision may be a design aim; this requirement should not be a reason for creating excessively large open areas, which destroy the traditional qualities of these spaces.

2.2.3 The scale and massing of the buildings around the space will determine the sense of enclosure achieved in these back land areas. Single storey developments should be avoided. The use of a single storey element may be acceptable, providing it links to the massing of other elements and does not detract from the visual enclosure of the courtyards.