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Drainage, Utilities, Street Lighting, etc
Furniture
Street furniture encourage human activity as well as contribute to a sense of place. However, excess utility should be provided to reduced cluttering.
Lighting
Maintenance responsibilities 4m< x, maintenance rest with lighting authority x>4m, highway lighting, maintenance rest with highway authority. Generally in residential areas, street lighting of 5-6m are most appropriate. Le Corbusier in Ville Contemporaine: The modern street is a new type of organism, a home for many complicated and delicate organs, such as gas, water and electric mains. The modern street should be a masterpiece of civil engineering.
Drainage
One of the functions of a street is to provide a route for foul water and surface water drainage. Besides its circulation and place-making role, the street is where most public utilities are located (water pipes, electricity grid, sewage etc) Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) is preferred over conventional drainage methods as they protect/enhance water quality, sympathetic to environmental settings, provide a habitat for wildlife and encourage natural groundwater recharge.
Planting
Planting aids in place-making, softens the street scene, improve micro-climate and provide wildlife diversity. A continued concern being expressed is the impact that tree roots have on highway drainage. Planting can also be used to reduce vehicle speeds in specific areas e.g. residential streets. Trees along highway at Newhall, Harlow helps reduce vehicle speeds
Detailed advice on this issue is contained in Communities and Local Government (2006): Tree Roots in the Built Environment. London: TSO
London Plane is the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most common tree. It grows up to 35m and has a long lifespan. It is valued for its ability to adapt to urban conditions and its resistance to pollution.
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