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A decision made 6 October 2010 regarding: Esplanade Quarter and other waterfront areas - design code supplementary guidance.

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2010-0098			Application Number: P/2008/1681
Decision Summary Title :	Esplanade Quarter and other waterfront areas: Design Code – Supplementary Guidance		Date of Decision Summary:		13 September 2010
Decision Summary Author:	Richard Williamson Principal Planner		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?		Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:		30 September 2010
Written Report Title :	As above		Date of Written Report:
Written Report Author:	As above		Written Report : Public or Exempt?		Public
Subject: Esplanade Quarter and other waterfront areas: Design Code – Supplementary Guidance
Decision(s): Approve and adopt the document as Supplementary Planning Guidance with immediate effect. The adoption of new Supplementary Guidance for the Esplanade Quarter as defined within the document; “The Design Code for the Esplanade Quarter, St. Helier. Hopkins Architects, October 2008-rev E. This document would set out design guidance not only for the Esplanade Quarter but for the remaining areas yet to be developed on the waterfront.
Reason(s) for Decision: To provide detailed guidance through a set of illustrated design rules which will instruct and advise on the physical development of the site.The graphic and written components are precise and build upon the Masterplan for Esplanade Quarter and extend those design principles to those parts of the waterfront yet to be developed or which may be the subject of redevelopment. It is intended that this document act as a mechanism for formalising the urban streetscape, public open space, traffic landscape and building proposals so as to ensure a consistent high quality architectural and design outcome as the development is implemented.
Resource Implications: None.
Action required: Publish and announce adoption of Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Signature: Senator F E Cohen		Position: Minister
Date Signed:				Date of Decision

Esplanade Quarter and other waterfront areas - design code supplementary guidance

Planning and Environment

Adoption of Design Codes as Supplementary Planning Guidance

Purpose of Report

The purpose of the report is to bring forward the Design Code for the Esplanade Quarter, St. Helier, Hopkins Architects, October 2008 - rev. E as design guidance for future development proposals within the Esplanade Quarter and the Waterfront. It would also apply to any proposals for the redevelopment of existing sites. These codes would become Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to support the SPG prepared for the Waterfront in 2006.

A design code is a set of illustrated design rules and requirements which instruct and advise development proposals. They develop the concept of the masterplan and expand upon the design vision. They set out design principles for streets, massing, landscaping, architecture and building performance. The Design Code

· Illustrates the concepts and vision sitting behind the masterplan

· Ensures a consistent approach to public space design and treatment

· Provides a cohesive framework and avoids piecemeal and inconsistent development

· Sets out principles for design that will be adopted within detailed planning applications to ensure a high quality architectural outcome

· Informs the public and potential developers of the vision and design aspirations for the Waterfront.

Background

June 2008 - Esplanade Quarter Masterplan endorsed by the States and adopted by the Minister

July 2008 - Two applications submitted for the development of Esplanade Quarter

October 2008 - Public Inquiry held into both applications

November 2008 - The Inspectors recommend approval of both applications subject to conditions and the preparation of a Planning Obligation Agreement (POA)

July 2010 - The Minister grants outline consent for Esplanade Quarter and defers the detailed application pending the receipt of further information.

The two applications for Esplanade Quarter were the subject of a Public Inquiry in October 2008. This Inquiry was itself the subject of extensive public consultation. The Inspectors' conclusions in relation to design were extensive but their final comments are important.

"Different architects might be brought in to design individual buildings. This might be advantageous - but only on the basis that a firm and determinative framework was provided by Hopkins or an equivalent supervising architect, and that the design code was followed."

The recent approval of the outline application and the demise of the development agreement between WEB and Harcourt is likely to mean that individual applications come forward for Esplanade Quarter. It is important to ensure consistency in the design and approach and it is for this reason that it is proposed that the Design Codes be formally adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance. They are supported by the public consultation carried out as part of the Inquiry and also supported by the Inspectors in their report to the Minister.

Recommendation

· Adopt the Design Codes

· Publicise and inform the media

Reason for Decision

· To ensure consistency and quality in the subsequent design work following the approval of the outline application, and to provide detailed guidance through a set of illustrated design rules to instruct and advise on the physical development of the site.

Legal and Resource Implications

· None

Signed: R I Williamson, Principal Planner