Building design
The New Forest is by definition a special area, and is vulnerable to inappropriate and insensitive development that weakens, rather than strengthens, the special character of the place. An understanding of the context into which new building is to be introduced is essential if development is to avoid looking as if it could equally have been located anywhere.
The concern to maintain character applies to individual buildings in prominent locations within the National Park, as well as sites in conservation areas and affecting listed buildings. One challenge is to promote suitable development whilst responding positively to technological advance and encouraging sustainable practice and construction.
Whether in new buildings or extensions, development should keep the same elements of scale that existing traditional buildings show. Very often the context is successfully respected when the range of building materials and the traditional way of positioning buildings within their plots is understood and followed.
The Authority can help through published design guidance, by publicising and illustrating case studies, and with direct advice to individuals through the planning process. In the latter case it is usually necessary at least for people to have some ideas sketched first. When this has been done, it is valuable then to stand back from the proposals and ask critically – ‘what is there about this scheme that benefits the area, and how does it respond intelligently to its context?’
