Local Character and High-Quality Design

1. TNP provides an opportunity to describe the existing local character of Tasley and to identify key features which are valued by residents, and which contribute to their enjoyment of the area.  Development proposals which respect existing built form through designs which reference local building styles in terms of detail, materials, height and scale etc and use opportunities to enhance local character, are more likely to be acceptable to local communities.  At the same time appropriate and high-quality contemporary design responses which support climate change and sustainability objectives will be needed to ensure Tasley plays its part in securing a more sustainable future.  

2. Tasley neighbourhood plan area has a largely rural character with several distinctive areas of development, ranging from the historic village core and church area to more modern, suburban layouts of housing development.  These different ‘character areas’ are described in more detail in the background document Character Areas, Views, Landmarks & Gateways which was prepared by members of the TNP Steering Group and is published on the TNP website in the Technical Evidence folder. This document forms a key part of the technical evidence base and provides detailed justification for TNP Policy TNP4. 

3. National planning policy aims to achieve well designed and beautiful places.  NPPF para 131 sets out that ‘the creation of high quality, beautiful and sustainable buildings and places is fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve.’  Para 132 goes on to say, ‘Neighbourhood planning groups can play an important role in identifying the special qualities of each area and explaining how this should be reflected in development, both through their own plans and by engaging in the production of design policy, guidance and codes by local planning authorities and developers.’

4. Shropshire Local Plan promotes high quality design in Policy SP5. High-Quality Design.  This sets out that planning applications should  ensure, amongst other things that ‘b. building design and features relate to locally distinctive development, and reinstate local distinctiveness where it has been eroded, or represent an innovative design that will positively contribute to the character, appearance and local identity of an area; and c. building scale, proportion, massing and formality respond to the neighbouring and surrounding properties and reinforces road hierarchy’.  Policy SP3. Climate Change sets out how development in Shropshire will support the transition to a zero-carbon economy in accordance with the policies of the Local Plan through various means.

5. The responses to the community survey in 2024 showed that there was most support for new homes to have off street parking and gardens and to be visually in keeping with the locality – see Figure 4 copied from the report.  There was also majority support for low rise homes, environmentally friendly homes, and homes built with modern materials and building methods.

6. The Character Areas, Views, Landmarks & Gateways document describes the following local character areas and identifies issues and opportunities for enhancement.  The different character areas are shown on Map 10, as well as landmark buildings and features and important views. The different character areas in Tasley neighbourhood plan area are: 

1. Wenlock Rise and Rastrick Close

2. Wenlock Road / lower Church Lane

3. Abbeyfield / Fairfield

4. The Gateway Development Site – Residential

4A. The Gateway Development – Commercial

5. Leasowes house and grounds

6. Tiddle Brook corridor

7. Coalpit plantation

8. Fishing Pool 

9. Churchyard 

9A. Top Church Lane

10. The Graveyard

11. Brick Kiln Plantation

12. The Dingle Brook Corridor.

7. Some of these note issues related to the future development of sites, including as part of the TGV proposal. 

8. Landmark buildings include the Church of St Peter and St Paul, the water tower and the aerial mast. 

9. Important views are identified on the map in the form of large blue arrows. Because of the fall of contours at these locations, they each have extensive long-distance views of considerable value, for example, the view of the water tower (and the aerial) and potentially the church and its yew trees all indicate "arrival" in Tasley when driving, cycling or walking towards the parish from the west along the A458. There is a need to protect and enhance and ensure that these views are taken into consideration in any proposals for development within the width and much of the depth of these views.

10. TNP Policy TNP4 sets out how new development in Tasley should achieve good quality design, responding to local character and, where possible, taking opportunities to enhance the neighbourhood plan area by addressing the issues and opportunities identified in the Character Areas, Views, Landmarks and Gateways document.

11. In addition, the Parish Council would like to see the local bus service extended to all major new housing developments and new developments designed to promote community integration.