This Village Design Statement (VDS) represents the views of the residents of Bramhope, and makes recommendations for the local planning authority, builders and developers to act on when considering proposals for new housing and other developments in and around the village. It describes the qualities and characteristics of the village appreciated and most valued by residents.

The VDS group has provided an opportunity for everyone in the village to play a part in the debate and make a positive contribution to the design process. A variety of ways has been used to ensure the widest possible consultation, including open meetings and questionnaires.

The final version of the VDS document was then prepared and submitted to the Bramhope and Carlton Parish Council for its endorsement, and then to Leeds City Council. Council officers consulted the chair of the West Plans Development Control Panel, CIT and Ward Councillors, representative professional bodies and government agencies on the draft text. This was then approved without further amendment by the Director of the Planning and Environment Department as Supplementary Planning Guidance under delegated powers in the Autumn of 2001.

Acceptance as Supplementary Planning Guidance by the local planning authority implies that the Recommendations in the VDS must be taken into account in the consideration of all planning applications for developments in the village.

Bramhope is the first community within the Leeds City Council area to have produced and had accepted such a Design Statement.

Planning Status

Leeds City Council welcomes this initiative and supports the aims of Village Design Statements, as an expression of the aspirations of local people in guiding new development and the valued characteristics of their local environment.

The Bramhope VDS should be regarded as Supplementary Planning Guidance to the adopted Leeds Unitary Development Plan (UDP). The recommendations of the VDS should be read in conjunction with the relevant UDP policies, and reference numbers of these have been listed in purple lettering.

For a full list of Supplementary Planning Guidance or to look at a copy of the UDP, visit the Planning Enquiry Centre on the 6^th floor of Merrion House, 110 Merrion Centre, Leeds LS2 8SH (opening hours: Mon to Thurs 9am - 5pm, Fri 9am - 4.30pm), tel. (0113) 247 8000 or visit the Planning Department's internet website www.leeds.gov.uk/planning.
 

Bramhope’s Landscape Setting

The following landscape features must be retained and protected: the Green Belt which is an important buffer separating Bramhope from Leeds and helps the village retain its rural character; the stone walls, hedges, woodland and trees which give the surrounding countryside its unique appearance; the open aspects enjoyed from the village to the north and across Breary Marsh, which are much appreciated; and Golden Acre Park, Chevin Forest Park and the open countryside with its many footpaths, providing recreational opportunities for many people.

Recommendations: 3.1-3.4, 4.3, 4.20, 7.1, 9.1, 9.2, 10.3

SA1, N1, N32, N33, N34, SP2, N37A, N42

The interface between the village and the surrounding countryside is particularly sensitive to change. Developments should try to soften the transition by landscaping and appropriate choice of building height, materials and density. The presence of Greenspace (public open space) at the interface helps to make the transition acceptable.

Recommendations: 3.5, 4.14

SA1, LD1, N1, N2, N23, N24

The conversion of farmhouses within the Green Belt should retain the existing buildings; extensions should match the style of existing and nearby properties.

Recommendations: 3.6, 3.7

N12, N13, N36, N37A, Appendix A5
 

Bramhope’s Residential Area

Housing developments should complement and integrate with adjacent areas in the village, in terms of the characteristics of low-density housing, gardens, trees, public open space, and grass verges and footways beside the roads. There are currently no developments over 2½ storeys except for the Holiday Inn.

Recommendations: 4.5, 4.9, 4.16, 4.17, 7.2-7.5, 10.2

N9, N12, N13, N23, N24, N25, Appendix A3

Greenspace is well used for leisure and sporting activities and should be retained. Private open space in the village is valued by the residents. Public footpaths and bridleways need to be retained and kept in good condition; some expansion to the existing network would be desirable.

Recommendations: 7.2-7.5, 8.1, 8.4, 10.9, 10.10

N1, N2, N5, N6, N9, N10, N23, N25, SPG No.4

The loss of shops through conversion into dwelling houses would be undesirable because of the consequent reduction in the range of services available in the village. Where change of use of a dwelling house is proposed to allow commercial activities to take place, there should be no material change to the appearance of a property and no nuisance caused to neighbours.

Recommendations: 4.18, 4.19, 10.4, 10.5

Residents carrying out 'permitted developments' should enquire about current regulations from the City of Leeds Planning Authority, or consult an experienced professional. Extensions should blend in with the existing property and its neighbours. An extension design guide is available from the Department of Planning and Environment.

Recommendation: 5.1

N25

Planning permission for infill should only be granted if the new property is sympathetic to other houses in the character area. Enforcement of any conditions imposed must be carried out.

Recommendations: 4.1, 4.2, 4.5-4.9, 4.11, 4.12

N12, N13

Small-scale developments on open land in the village are undesirable but if permitted they should fall within the recommended guidelines. Development on ‘brown field’ sites within existing residential boundaries is acceptable. Developments involving the demolition of serviceable housing for replacement by high-density developments are likely to be inappropriate.

Recommendations: 4.1-4.9, 4.12-4.16

Large-scale developments are unwelcome to most of Bramhope's residents, but if they are to take place they should integrate with and complement adjoining areas. Existing features like woodland, ponds and footpaths should be retained and extended to provide landscape transition zones around new development adjacent to open land. Significant increases in the village's population with present levels of public transport would lead to undesirable road traffic congestion.

Recommendations: 4.1-4.8, 4.12, 4.14-4.17, 9.15-9.17

N34, N37A, N39, N41B, N51, N59, SA2, T2, T9
 
 

For the complete list of Recommendations and the arguments that lie behind them, please see the printed booklet, which contains a history of the village and its development, historic and up-to-date maps and many photographs of the buildings and neighbouring countryside.

Copies of the Bramhope Village Design Statement will be delivered to all households within the village by members of the VDS team, starting on February 16^th. Requests for further copies and enquiries should be made to the Clerk to the Council. The price of the very well-illustrated booklet is £3 to Bramhope residents and £5 to non-residents.
 
 

This page last up-dated 16^th February 2002