Amenity in the built environment
The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement published by the Department for Transport in November 2013, defines ‘amenity’ as: ‘The benefits of enjoyment and well-being which are gained from a resource in line with its intended function. Amenity may be affected by a combination of factors such as: sound, noise and vibration; dust/air quality; traffic/congestion; and visual impacts.’
The SuDS Manual defines amenity as ‘a useful or pleasant facility or service’, which includes both the tangible and the less tangible. It also suggests amenity ‘…covers liveability, which is associated with factors that improve the quality of life for inhabitants. Liveability encompasses the well-being of a community and of individuals and comprises the many characteristics that make a location a place where people want to live and work.’ Ref The SuDS Manual, CIRIA C753, 2015.
Urban Design Guidelines for Victoria, published by The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in 2017, defines amenity as: 'The features of an area, street or building, that provide facilities and services that contribute to physical or material comfort and benefit, and are valued by users. An amenity can be either tangible, such as open space, seating, a swimming pool or gym; or intangible, such as pleasant views, air quality, or proximity to a local school or supermarket.'
The London Plan, Published by the Mayor of London in March 2016, defines amenity as an: ‘Element of a location or neighbourhood that helps to make it attractive or enjoyable for residents and visitors.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Amenity area.
- Amenity burden.
- External amenity spaces.
- Low amenity industrial operations.
- Pedestrian amenity.
- Visual amenity.
.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.