Area type

The National Model Design Code, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in January 2021, defines area type as:

‘Parts of the local area that share common features and characteristics. For example, a suburban area type might bring together a number of different housing estates with common densities, heights, building line, party wall condition etc.) under the umbrella term “outer suburbs”. Common rules and parameters can then be applied to the “outer suburbs” area type in the design code. Example area types are provided in the National Model Design Code, but in practice area types should be defined locally.’

An area type matrix is: ‘A table detailing the elements of the design code that are likely to differ between area types.

An area type work sheet is: ‘A set of prompts and sections to be completed, detailing the key elements and features that should be considered when undertaking a character study. This is not an exhaustive list and should be adapted locally. ‘

Housing statistics and English Housing Survey, glossary, published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in 2019, defines area types as:

• city or other urban centre which includes:

1. city centre: the area around the core of a large city
2. other urban centre: the area around towns and small cities, and also older urban

• suburban residential: the outer area of a town or city; characterised by large planned housing estates
• rural which includes:

1. rural residential: a suburban area of a village, often meeting the housing needs of people who work in nearby towns and cities
2. village centre: the traditional village or the old heart of a village which has been suburbanised
3. rural: an area which is predominantly rural e.g. mainly agricultural land with isolated dwellings or small hamlets

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission.
• National design guide.
• National Model Design Code.
• National planning policy framework NPPF.
• Types of place.
• Typologies.
• Use class.

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