Mixed use development
The term ‘mixed use development’ refers to development projects that comprise a mixture of land uses, or more than just a single use. In terms of planning permissions, mixed use refers to land or buildings used for different uses which fall into more than one use class.
Mixed use developments can be ‘vertical’, in which a single building accommodates multiple uses, such as a skyscraper that has floors of office space as well as a hotel complex, or a terrace building that has a flat on the first floor and a shop on the ground floor.
Alternatively, they can be ‘horizontal’ mixed use development where a range of different buildings on the same site each fulfill a specific purpose, such as a community area that has accommodation as well as playing facilities, shops, parking and other amenities.
In Britain after the Second World War, town planning tended to focus on large, single-use buildings such as shopping centres. These often faced criticism for disrupting the traditional flow and diversity of town centre areas. More recently, mixed use developments have become a more prominent feature of planning policy, with the aim of revitalizing urban centres and generating benefits for the community, such as reduced demand for transport and other infrastructure, local employment opportunities, more interesting urban fabric and enhanced property values.
One of the 12 core planning principles set out in the national planning policy framework (NPPF) that underpin plan-making and decision-taking is to:
‘promote mixed use developments, and encourage multiple benefits from the use of land in urban and rural areas, recognising that some open land can perform many functions (such as for wildlife, recreation, flood risk mitigation, carbon storage, or food production)’
National planning practice guidance suggests that promoting healthy communities should include ‘…opportunities for meetings between members of the community who might not otherwise come into contact with each other, including through mixed-use developments, strong neighbourhood centres and active street frontages which bring together those who work, live and play in the vicinity’
NB Approved document S: Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles, 2021 edition, defines a mixed-use building as:
A building which contains:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Brownfield land.
- Cities as systems - BRE Solutions for urban environments.
- Compact sustainable city.
- Densification.
- Designing smart cities
- Eco towns.
- Garden cities.
- Mixed use property investment.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- Public space.
- Regeneration.
- Types of building.
- Urban design.
- Use class.
External references
Featured articles and news
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.