East Bergholt
Design Codes and Guidance
Draft report
Month Year

This document has been prepared by AECOM Limited (“AECOM”) in accordance with its contract with Locality (the
“Client”) and in accordance with generally accepted consultancy principles, the budget for fees and the terms of
reference agreed between AECOM and the Client. Any information provided by third parties and referred to herein has
not been checked or verified by AECOM, unless otherwise expressly stated in the document. AECOM shall have no
liability to any third party that makes use of or relies upon this document.
Quality information
Prepared by Check by Approved by
Ben Lancaster
Graduate Urban Designer
Holly MacMahon
Consultant Urban
Designer
Ben Castell
Director
Jasper den Boft
Associate Urban Designer
Revision History
Issue no.Issue date Details Issued by Position
1 24/04/2024
Draft report for QB
review
Jasper den Boft Associate Urban Designer
2 02/05/2024
QB comments and
feedback
Rachel Leggett
Project Manager, East
Bergholt Neighbourhood
Plan
3 24/05/2024
Second draft report
for QB review
Ben Lancaster Graduate Urban Designer
4 05/06/2024
Second draft QB
comments and
feedback
Rachel Leggett
Project Manager, East
Bergholt Neighbourhood
Plan
5 12/06/2024
Third draft report for
QB review
Ben Lancaster Graduate Urban Designer

3East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Contents
1
2
3
4
5
1. Preface 5
2. Introduction 7
2.1 The importance of good design 7
2.2 The purpose of this document 7
2.3 Process 9
2.4 Planning policy and guidance 10
2.5 Engagement 11
2.6 Area of study 12
3. Neighbourhood Area context analysis 15
3.1 Landscape 15
3.2 Movement & street character 17
3.3 Heritage & historic growth 19
3.4 Settlememnt Pattern 22
3.5 Vernacular 24
3.6 Important features within East Bergholt 27
4. Design guidance & codes 29
4.1 Introduction 29
4.2 Built form & settlement pattern 31
4.3 Heritage 34
4.4 Landscape & rural feel 36
4.5 Movement network & street character 41
4.6 Sustainable drainage 44
4.7 Vernacular & architecture 46
4.8 Designing for sustainability 53
4.9 Biodiversity 56
4.10 Village Heart 57
4.11 Commercial & community assets 58
4.12 Design codes for sites  60
5. Delivery 65
3

4East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Preface
1
4

5East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
1. Preface
Design guidance and codes for East
Bergholt have been informed by analysis
of the Neighbourhood Area and will sit
alongside existing national and local
planning and design policy. Preceded by this
preface, this report will present all necessary
detail through the following structure:
Section 2 contains a summary of the
scope of this report while outlining the
wider spatial and context relating to the
Neighbourhood Area, including details from
local consultation.
Section 3 provides a summary of the
Neighbourhood Area with an analysis of
movement networks, heritage, landscape,
and patterns of growth. The findings that are
extracted will then shape design guidance
and codes. Further detail can be found in
the Neighbourhood Plan.
Chapter 4 details design guidance and
codes for the parish of East Bergholt.
These are separated into development
themes with that presents design guidance
applicable across the Neighbourhood
Area, alongside specific design codes for
applicable to specific character areas.
Chapter 5 provides an overview of the
delivery of design guidance and codes
within this document and how they can be
used.
5

6East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Introduction
2
6

7East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
2. Introduction
2.1 The importance of good
design
Through the Department for Level-
ling Up, Housing and Communities
(DLUHC) Neighbourhood Planning
Support Programme led by Locality,
AECOM was commissioned to provide
design support to East Bergholt Parish
Council.
As the National Planning Policy Framework
(NPPF) (paragraph 131) notes, ‘good design
is a key aspect of sustainable development,
creates better places in which to live
and work and helps make development
acceptable to communities’.
Research, such as for the Government’s
Commission for Architecture and the Built
Environment (now part of the Design Council;
see, for example, The Value of Good Design
1
),
has shown that good design of buildings and
places can improve health and well-being,
increase civic pride and cultural activity,
reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and
reduce pollution.
This document details design guidance
and codes to ensure future development
that promotes good design, respects and
preserves local characteristics, whilst
encouraging modern and innovative design.
1 Source: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/
asset/document/the-value-of-good-design.pdf
2.2 The purpose of this
document
Following an analysis of the Neighbourhood
Area, a set of architectural and design
qualities will be identified. This set of
qualities combined with good design
practice will form the design guidelines
and codes that development within East
Bergholt should follow to comply.
The NPPF 2023, paragraph 132 states that:
‘Plans should… set out a clear design vision
and expectations, so that applicants have
as much certainty as possible about what is
likely to be acceptable.
Design policies should be developed
with local communities, so they reflect
local aspirations, and are grounded in an
understanding and evaluation of each area’s
defining characteristics. Neighbourhood
plans can play an important role in
identifying the special qualities of each area
and explaining how this should be reflected
in development…’
The Government is placing significant
importance on the development of design
guidance to set standards for design upfront
and provide firm guidance on how sites
should be developed.
Therefore, this report’s main objective is to
develop design guidelines and codes for
the Neighbourhood Plan, that support the
Neighbourhood Plan’s vision for East
Bergholt:
7

8East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
The aims of the design guidance and codes
documents is therefore fourfold:
• To give clear guidance and codes to
developers of all planning applications
– extensions, dwellings, community, and
commercial development, to create a
sense of place in East Bergholt.
• To maintain and continue to deliver an
attractive village environment through
high quality and appropriate design,
which has suitable variety, with good
modern design and traditional builds.
• To respect the village’s special character,
heritage assets and its setting within
a unique landscape in the heart of
Constable Country.
• To achieve high environmental standards
for a changing climate.
East Bergholt will continue to maintain its attractive village environment, meeting local
needs for new housing and services, and respecting the village’s special character,
heritage assets and its setting within a unique landscape in the heart of Constable
Country. The village will retain its sense of community, respect the natural environment,
be welcoming to visitors and tourists, and through sustainable development will
support a successful rural economy to meet the future needs of all those who live and
work in the village.
This will be done by outlining design
guidance and codes that promote good
design through the Neighbourhood Area
underpinned by the ten characteristics
of a well designed place contained within
the National Design Guide
2
. The ten
characteristics of a well designed place
are a set of cross cutting themes which
underpin national design guidance. These
are:
2 Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/
media/602cef1d8fa8f5038595091b/National_design_guide.pdf
8

9East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Design guidance and codes for East
Bergholt have been informed by analysis
of the Neighbourhood Area and will sit
alongside existing national and local
planning and design policy. This report will
present all necessary detail through the
following structure:
2.3 Process
Following an inception meeting and a site
visit with members of the Neighbourhood
Plan Steering Group, AECOM carried
out a high-level assessment of the
Neighbourhood Area. The following steps
were agreed with the group to produce this
report:
1. Context – enhances the surroundings.
2. Identity – attractive and distinctive.
3. Built form – a coherent pattern of
development.
4. Movement – accessible and easy to
move around.
5. Nature – enhanced and optimised.
6. Public spaces – safe, social and
inclusive.
7. Uses – mixed and integrated.
8. Homes and buildings – functional,
healthy and sustainable.
9. Resources – efficient and resilient.
10. Lifespan – made to last
Together, design guidance and codes
highlight the specific design parameters that
need to be considered, while also bench-
marking the design requirements within East
Bergholt required of applicants. The design
principles outlined within this report will have
weight and will be considered when arriving
at planning decisions. Design guidance and
codes outlined within this report are defined
as:
Design guidance: Key design principles
which are applicable to the whole of East
Bergholt. These are strongly encouraged
to be followed by any future development
proposals.
Design codes: Expressed as design
requirements that must be adhered to by
any future development proposal.
STEP 2
Site visit to East Bergholt Parish and guided
walk
STEP 3
Preparation of design principles and
guidelines
STEP 4
Initial draft report with design guidelines and
codes sent to the Steering Group
STEP 1
Inception meeting with the
Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
STEP 5
Review and revision of report followed by
submission to Locality for comments
STEP 6
Final report sent to Steering Group.
9

10East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
2.4 Planning policy and
guidance
This section lists the relevant design
policy and guidance produced at national
and local levels which have informed this
design guidance and codes document. Any
application for new development should be
familiar with these documents.
2.4.1 National planning policy and
guidance
The following section lists key relevant
policy and guidance documents at the
national level.
2.4.2 Local planning policy and guidance
The following section summarises key
relevant policy and guidance documents at
the local level.
2023 – NPPF
DLUHC
2021 National Model Design Code
DLUHC
2020 – Building for a Healthy Life
Homes England
2019 – National Design Guide
DLUHC
2007 – Manual for Streets
Department for Transport
2023 – Babergh and Mid Suffolk
Adopted Joint Local Plan Part 1
Babergh & Mid-Suffolk District
Councils
2022 – Suffolk Design: Streets
Guide
Suffolk County Council
2016 – East Bergholt
Neighbourhood Plan
East Bergholt Parish Council
10

11East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
2.5 Engagement
The adopted Neighbourhood Plan, July
2016, involved extensive community
consultation. A further consultation exercise
was conducted as part of the process
of preparing the revised East Bergholt
Neighbourhood Plan. This consisted of a
drop in event and an online consultation
which took place in January 2024. It gave
residents the opportunity to share their
views on emerging policy ideas and aspects
of design, to ensure that the Neighbourhood
Plan adequately reflected the views and
needs of local people. From the results
the key design issues of importance to
residents of East Bergholt include:
1. Encouraging an attractive mix of
architectural designs for any new houses
which contribute sensitively to East
Bergholt’s character.
2. Utilising modern building designs
which respectfully sit within East
Bergholt’s historic and rural setting while
considering the long-term sustainability
of homes.
3. Discouraging large housing
developments with unattractive,
‘cookie-cutter’ style homes while also
encouraging a range of housing types
which meet a range of people’s needs.
4. Preserving existing mature trees,
hedgerows, and other important green
infrastructure along key routes and in
public spaces.
5. Retaining access to open countryside
and green spaces with an accessible
network of well-maintained pathways
and active travel routes.
Figure 01: Consultation drop-in event.
Figure 02: Example of consultation boards.
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12East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
2.6 Area of study
The Neighbourhood Area consists of the
parish of East Bergholt, including the main
village, its rural surrounds and the East
End, a small settlement to the east of the
parish. Located in Suffolk, East Bergholt is
a relatively large village with a population
of around 2700 and is approximately 10km
equidistant from Colchester and Ipswich.
There is a Village Heart set along The Street
which features a collection of shops and
services. These include the village Co-
op, a pharmacy, an estate agent, a cafe,
a tearoom, a welding workshop, The Lion
pub, the East Bergholt Congregational
Church and the village cemetery. Close
to the Village Heart is another cafe and St
Mary’s Church, each set along Rectory Hill.
Immediately north of the Village Heart is
the East Bergholt Primary School and the
Gattinetts Business Centre, hosting a range
of businesses within a cluster of units.
Additional services and facilities are also
located throughout the parish. These
include the Carriers Arms and Hare and
Hounds pubs, East Bergholt High School
and the Sports Centre, all located to the
north of the village. To the south is the
Constable Memorial Hall, the Bowls Club
and large recreation ground with sports
pitches and a play park.
Further south, along the banks of the River
Stour is the Flatford Wildlife Garden. To the
east of the village is a garden centre, as
well as additional services in the East End,
including a holiday park, the Royal Oak pub,
a butchers and a farm shop and restaurant.
Access to services and facilities in larger
neighbouring towns is almost exclusively
reliant on vehicular travel. The A12 is a
critical artery linking Essex with Suffolk and
courses through the northern periphery of
the parish. The route is critical for onward
Dedham Vale
National Landscape
Neighbourhood
Area
Key
Railway
Branch-line
railway station
A road
Key B road
River
Settlements
National
Landscape
Ipswich
Colchester
A14
A14
A1 2
A12
A1 2
A120
A12 0
A1 3 7
A1 3 7
A13 7
A13 4
A13 4
A1232
A12 14
A1156A1 0 7 1
A10 71
B10 8 0
B1456
B1352
B10 35
B1029
B 10 2 9
B10 6 8
B1070
B 10 8 7
Manningtree
Boxted
Cross
Hintlesham
Mistley
Wix
Bradfield
Dedham
Polstead
Nayland
Ardleigh
Warbness
Ipswich Railway
Station
Colchester
Railway Station
Manningtree
Railway Station
Cattawade
Upper
Layham
Caple St
Mary
Stratford
St Mary
Stoke-by-
Nayland
West
Bergholt
Horkesley
Heath
Bentley
Raydon
Hadleigh
Holbrook
Copdock
Sutton
Suffolk Coasts & Heaths
National Landscape
Suffolk Coasts & Heaths
National Landscape
Boxford
Figure 03: Strategic context of East Bergholt, highlighting its location and wider connectivity (source: ArcGIS)
12

13East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
connections to both Colchester and Ipswich
and also sustains bus services between the
two. These include the 92, 93, 93A and 94
services which run through neighbouring
villages including Brantham, Manningtree,
Holbrook, Capel St Mary and Tattingstone.
Two routes in particular are critical for
access to the A12 from the village. These
include the B1070 which is a key road for
overall connectivity linking the A12 with
the A137. This route partly dissects the
village’s built up envelope while also helping
to bypass traffic away from the village
heart. Additionally, Hadleigh Road and
Hughes Road provide direct links from the
Village Heart through to the A12. It is rural in
character featuring a extensive hederows
and a tree canopy.
East Bergholt is also relatively well located
for access to railway services. The closest
railway connection is at Manningtree,
located along the mainline linking Ipswich
and Colchester with London and Norwich.
Connections at Ipswich also enable
connectivity with Bury St Edmunds,
Cambridge and other larger settlements
within Suffolk.
In addition to its strong strategic
connectivity, East Bergholt is known for its
abundant rural character and landscape
value. The Neighbourhood Area lies
between the Dedham Vale and Suffolk
Coast & Heaths National Landscapes.
East Bergholt’s notable rural setting serves
as a key driver of its overall character. Its
surrounding landscapes are of immense
local value and national importance. The
area is colloquially known as ‘Constable
Country’ owing to the many well-known
landscapes of East Bergholt and the
surrounding area painted by John Constable
in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Figure 04: View along the A12 between Colchester and Ipswich.
Figure 05: The Village Heart featuring a range of the village’s
services and facilities.
13

14East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes 14
3
Neighbourhood Area
Context Analysis

15East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
3. Neighbourhood Area
context analysis
This chapter details the local context
and key characteristics of East
Bergholt by exploring its heritage,
built environment, connectivity,
vernacular and surrounding
landscape.
3.1 Landscape
East Bergholt’s landscape setting is of
immense local value and of considerable
cultural importance as the inspiration for
many of Constable’s famous artworks.
Detailed study into the Neighbourhood
Area’s landscape history and key views
captured by Constable was completed
by the Heritage Collective in 2020
3
.
This study is a key resource detailing
the parish’s landscape character and
historic development, alongside Suffolk
County Council’s Landscape Character
Assessment
4
.
3.1.1 Landscape Character
According to Suffolk County Council’s
Landscape Character Assessment, the
parish lies within three distinct landscape
character areas. The main settlement of
East Bergholt and open green spaces in
central areas of the parish are set in an area
3 Source: https://www.eastbergholt.org/
Documents/ClubMeetings/10/%7B12-11-2020%20
19_30_00%7DRemote%20Parish%20Council%20Meeting/
Item%2011.4.1%20East%20Bergholt%20Report-%20V4%20
FINAL.pdf
4 Source: https://suffolklandscape.org.uk/map/
of Plateau Farmland. This area is set at an
elevation of around 50m-60m and includes
planned landscape dissected by major
roads and sinuous lanes and hedge lines.
Areas immediately to the north and south of
the main settlement are made up of Rolling
Valley Farmlands. These feature mainly
organic field patterns, often smaller than
on the plateau, alongside distinct areas
of regular field patterns. Additionally, the
landscape is carved up by a series of narrow
sunken lanes, running through areas of
gentle valley sides with occasional steeper
slopes.
Immediately south of the Neighbourhood
Area is an area of Valley Meadowlands. It
is made up of the flat valley floor around
the River Stour and features primarily flat
landscapes with occasional carr woodland
and plantations of poplar. There is an
abundance of meadows and grassland
divided by a network of wet ditches in
addition to fields converted for arable
production.
Furhtermore, East Berghgholt’s landscape
value is further reinforced by the relationship
between built-up areas and open green
spaces within the village, as well as other
substantial landscape features such as
The Heath. The presence of landscapes
within and without of the village greatly
influence the overall character of the
village and underpin the East Bergholt’s
overwhelmingly rural feel
5
.
5 Source: East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan. July 2016.
Available at: https://www.babergh.gov.uk/documents/d/babergh/
east-bergholt-np-july16
15

16East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
3.1.2 Landscape Designations
Within the Neighbourhood Area there are
two National Landscapes (formerly AONBs).
These include the Dedham Vale to the south
and east, as well as the Suffolk Coast &
Heaths National Landscapes to the north
and east. Alongside additional controls to
development in these areas, the presence
of these national landscapes underscore
the rural character abundant throughout the
village.
Furthermore, there is a very small area falling
within a RAMSAR
6
site within the flat valley
floor around the River Stour to the south of
the Neighbourhood Area. Much of this area
is susceptible to flooding, falling within both
Flood Zones 2 and 3.
There are no further designations within the
Neighbourhood Area, though multiple SSSI
areas straddle areas immediately beyond
the Neighbourhood Area. These include
Great Martin’s Hill and Dodnash Woodlands
to the northeast and the Haugh to the
southeast.
6 Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance
designated under the Ramsar Convention. Further information
available at: https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/ramsar-sites/
Figure 06: Landscape character around The Heath.
Figure 07: Example of rural landscape immediately surrounding
the village.
Figure 08: The recreation ground is a key exampkle of an open
green space within the village.
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17East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
3.2 Movement & street
character
East Bergholt is primarily reliant on vehicular
connectivity for access to surrounding
towns and settlements. In particular,
walking or cycling is difficult within built
up areas due to narrow pavements or
even a lack of dedicated walking or cycle
routes. Additionally, many pavements are
poorly maintained with rough surfaces.
Congestion at peak times is another feature
of movement throughout East Bergholt,
particularly along Hadleigh Road and the
B1070 around the Primary and High Scool
respectively. However, a comprehensive
network of Public Rights of Way provides
valued access to surrounding countryside.
3.2.1 A-Roads
East Bergholt is located along the A12,
a critical east west link between major
settlements within Essex and Suffolk.
Additionally, this route is critical for links
to both Ipswich and Colchester. It is a dual
carriageway that primarily sustains fast
moving vehicular travel.
3.2.2 B-Roads
The B1070 is the primary B-road within
the Neighbourhood Area. It links with the
A12 from the north and runs northwest to
southeast through East Bergholt towards
neighbouring Cattawade. Additionally, the
route serves as a bypass, rerouting traffic
within East Bergholt away from the Villahe
Heart.
Figure 09: Residential street character along Foxhall Fields.
Figure 10: The B1070 serves as a bypass for traffic avoiding the
Village Heart.
Figure 11: Public Rights of Way are abundant within East
Bergholt, providing access to surrounding countryside.
17

18East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Within more built-up areas, the B1070 is
bounded by building fronts, often with
substantial green front gardens, as well
as sections of wide grass verges and
segregated pavements. Within rural areas,
the route can be characterised as a country
lane with large mature trees and hedgerows.
These, in many areas, also provide a dense
canopy, accentuating the rural feel.
3.2.3 Local routes & public rights of way
The Street, within the Village Heart, as
well as Rectory Hill and White Horse Road
form the primary route through the village.
These are single lane roads with intermittent
stretches of narrow pavements on one
or both sides. The route has a mixture
of detached dwellings, townhouses and
cottages which front directly onto the road
or with shallow setbacks. The stretch of
Old Rectory Hill is more rural in character
and bounded by thick tree canopies
intermittently lining the road.
While some prominent buildings such as
the Old Hall and Rectory are well screened
and set back from the road, hard boundary
treatments such as tall brick walls form
expansive bounding features which
contribute further to a sense of enclosure
along this primary route through the village.
Within the Village Heart itself, the prevailing
street character along The Street follows
the pre-existing historic street pattern.
However, there is a greater density of
development with active building fronts
directly onto the street. What’s more there
are two separate, dedicated on-street
parking areas for temporary or residential
use.
Stemming from the Village Heart is Hadleigh
Road, coursing north west towards the
B1070, forming a critical link in the village.
Additionally, the route feeds into Hughes
Road, linking directly with the A12. Both
Hadleigh Road and Hughes Road are rural
in character, featuring extensive hedgerows
and a tree canopy cover.
Beyond the Village Heart, much of East
Bergholt’s built-up areas consist of
residential streets and cul-de-sacs. While
these are varying in character, streets
are typically fronted by dwellings with
setbacks accommodating front gardens.
Many streets feature grass verges,
segregated pavements, and street trees.
Both the Richardsons Road and Chaplins
Road estates exemplify these street
characteristic, with routes within these areas
forming a substantial area within the village’s
built up envelope. Additionally, some
residential setreets resemble more informal
layouts with dense collections of dwellings
set along narrow lanes and landscaping set
within residential plots.
Beyond the village there are rural country
lanes. These stem from routes within the
main village envelope and the East End
and provide immediate connectivity to
surrounding settlements beyond parish.
Typically, these are meandering in character
and are bounded by dense vegetation such
as hedgerows and mature trees, often
forming canopies over routes. The most
prominent of these roads is Straight Road,
the link between the East Bergholt village
and the East End.
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19East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
3.3 Heritage & historic growth
3.3.1 Heritage designations
East Bergholt is abundant in heritage
value, underscored by its association
with John Constable and his capturing
of various landscapes around the village.
The historic core of the village, including
the Village Heart, is contained within the
East Bergholt Conservation Area. This
contains many of the Neighbourhood
Area’s 89 listed buildings. However, many
additional designated assets lie beyond the
conservation area boundary, underscoring
the village’s widespread historic character
and heritage value.
Figure 12: Historic map of East Bergholt, 1770.
One area of additional interest is the
National Trust Flatford Mill Complex to the
south of the parish which is the site of the
scene captured in Constable’s Hay Wain.
Of the village’s 89 Listed Buildings, 77 are
Grade II listed, 7 are Grade II* listed, and 5
are Grade I.
3.3.2 Historic development
There is a long history of settlement within
East Bergholt, with local archaeological
finds suggesting prehistoric settlement in
the area. Additionally, a Roman cremation
site has been found in the village, as well
as multiple other finds dating back to the
medieval period.
Greatful if the group could
share a copy of the 1770s
map discussed in the
previous round of comments
19

20East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
In particular, development around The
Heath, a 2km square area of farmland, has
been of most influence to East Bergholt’s
contemporary settlement pattern and form.
A series of hamlets and manor houses
surrounding The Heath, each connected
by a series of tracks that now make up the
village’s existing route network. Additionally,
subsequent instances of field enclosure
divided the landscape and route network
into what exists today.
1880s
By the latter half of the 19th Century, East
Bergholt had become a large village with a
population of around 1300. Its growth to this
point was built on a lucrative wool trade and
proximity to the Stour River. The settlement
became established with a dense cluster
of ribbon development set along a radial
arrangement of routes around the plateau
on which the village is located. These
clusters of ribbon development are near
unbroken, with only a few gaps breaking up
development.
The most prominent development clusters
were the located around White Horse Road
and Rectory Hill; around the Street and the
Village Heart, and along Gaston Street and
Quintons Road. Additionally, the Flatford Mill
cluster was long established, and the East
End consisted of clusters of cottages at the
end of the Straight Road.
1950s
The early half of the 20th century saw
some modest additions of residential
development expanding westward and
established a new development edge along
Hadleigh Road. Alongside development
here, some additional housing had been
constructed to the north of the village,
particularly along Woodgates Road and
Heath Road. Such development began the
amalgamation of historic developments
along Quintons Road and Gaston Street
into a homogeneous settlement contained
within the bounding edges to the west of
The Heath.
Additionally, more substantial residential
ribbon development had been constructed
along White Horse Road and Recotrory
Hill, with additional development stemming
off these routes along Gandish Road,
Orvis Road, and Flatford Road. The village
has seen the addition of major facilities,
including two schools and a large recreation
ground.
2020s
Contemporary East Bergholt reflects the
rapid expansion of residential development
duirng the latter 20th and early 21st
centuries. Additional areas of large scale
infill and new residential estates such as
at Chaplins Road, Richardsons Road, and
the East End sustained an increase in the
number of residents, leading to a present
day population of 2723 (2021 Census).
Subsequently, the village has seen the
addition of major facilities, including two
schools and a large recreation ground. This
has vastly expanded the furthest extents of
the village envelope, with additional recent
developments along the B1070 and Heath
Road are continuing this trend.
20

21East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
1870s
1950s
2020s
Representative growth
of development in East
Bergholt in the 1870s.
Representative growth
of development in East
Bergholt between 1870’s
and 1950s.
Representative growth
of development in East
Bergholt between 1950s
and 2020s.
Source: OS map. Available at:
https://www.ebsoc.org.uk/map-
historical/.
Source: OS map. Available at:
https://maps.nls.uk/geo/find
Source: OS map. Available at
https://www.bing.com/maps
21

22East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
3.4 Settlememnt Pattern
East Bergholt is a large village, with a varied
settlement pattern, owing to the differing
development approaches of preceding
centuries. The main historic core, which
includes much of the Conservation Area,
consists of mainly ribbon development
along Rectory Hill, Cemetery Lane and
Gaston Street. Each of these routes
converge around The Street, forming a
natural node around the Village Heart. Here,
there is a dense cluster of buildings built
close to the edge of the street, which have
deep plots.
Many of East Bergholt’s more prominent
historic buildings are located within the
Conservation Area. Buildings such as
St Mary’s Church, the Old Hall, and the
Rectory are of a greater scale and mass with
the latter two examples set within larger,
secluded plots away from the main route.
In contrast with other routes in the
historic core, there is a lesser intensity of
development along Rectory Hill with many
buildings well screened from the road. As
a result, this serves as a settlement gap
between the Village Heart and a cluster of
predominately 20th century development
along White Horse Road. Here, the prevailing
settlement pattern consists of stretches of
ribbon development with occasional cul-
de-sacs and backland infill development.
Here there are sports pitches and recreation
grounds allowing for a gentle transition into
the landscape.
Similarly, much of the north and west of
East Bergholt is made up of a large expanse
of 20th century residential developments.
Figure 13: Examplel of ribbon development along Rectory Hill
heading towards the Village Heart.
Figure 14: Recent cul-de-sac residential developments at Hop
Meadow.
Figure 15: Example of predominatly twentieth century ribbon
development.
22

23East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Here the settlement envelope is contained
by Hadleigh Road and Gaston Street.
Between these routes are primarily cul-
de-sacs alongside a series of larger infill
developments, as well as East Bergholt
primary school. Further east, 20th century
expansion has subsequently incorporated
areas of historic ribbon development,
including along Quintons Road, sparing
only a wooded green space (historically the
village green).
North and east of the village similarly feature
an expanse of 20th century development
along Richardsons Road and Chaplins
Road. Here, there is a mix of curved streets
with more differentiated building lines and
homogenous architectural styles. This area
is set close to small stretches of ribbon
development along Heath Road with
short cul-de-sacs with short cul-de-sacs
interspersed along this route. This area
also features East Bergholt High School
and the Sports Centre. In recent years, East
Bergholt has undergone further residential
expansion. New housing developments to
the north of village along the B1070 feature
more contemporary architectural styles
and have further expanded the settlement
envelope, with residents expressing
concerns regarding their scale, massing,
and overall setting within the village.
Similarly, the East End features a mix
of informal, tight-knit cluster of ribbon
developments along East End Lane and
Mission Lane. South of these routes are
more regimented cul-de-sac developments
at Broom Knoll and The Drift.
Figure 16: Stepped setbacks of properties along Richardsons
Road helps retain angular and regimented building lines in
response to the curvelinear street pattern.
Figure 17: Recent onstruction along Hadleigh Road with single
storey dwellings fronting onto a shared courtyard.
Figure 18: Twentieth century residential development along
Broom Knoll, East Eand.
23

Neighbourhood Area
River
Flood Zone 2
Flood Zone 3
Grade II* listed building
Grade II listed building
SSSI
RAMSAR
National Landscape
Buildings
Scheduled monument
Grade I listed building
Local routes
B roads
A roads
Public Rights of Way
Key
Straight Rd.
B1070
24East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Figure 19: Analysis Map of East Bergholt highlighting its location and wider connectivity (source: ArcGIS)
3.5 Vernacular
East Bergholt’s historic vernacular reflects
that of other Suffolk villages and towns.
In particular, the presence of 18th and
19th century architectural styles, often
featuring hipped roofs or gable fronted
roofs, symmetrically set sash windows,
and red and white Suffolk brick facade
treatments. White and coloured render
is also commonly found with occasional
uses of weatherboarding also present
within the parish. Many roofs utlise zinc,
clay, and natural slate tiles with a few thatch
examples.
More recent buildings feature similar traits.
Most prominently, this includes a collection
of homes along Gandish Road, designed
in the Georgian style and fitting well within
the village’s overall vernacular. Other
examples include modernist homes along
Dedham
Vale National
Landscape
A1 2
A1 3 7
A1 2
A1 2
B1070
B1070
River Stour
Suffolk Coasts &
Heaths National
Landscape
Rectory Hill
Flat ford Rd.
Flatford Rd.
White Horse
Rd.
Hadleigh Rd.
Hughes Rd.
Woodgates Rd.
Gaston St.
24

25East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Figure 20: Recently constructed detached houses along Hop
Meadow reflecting best practice vernacular in the village.
Figure 22: Little Court, a Grade II listed town house along The
Street in a typical Georgian architectural style.
Figure 21: Latter 20th century housing at Woodgates Road.
Dwellings feature a mix of light brick and hangtile exterior
treatments.
Figure 23: Church Gate House, a Grade II* listed dwelling along
Rectory Hill with rough cast facade and symettrical fenestration.
Figure 24: Latter 20th century dwelling with contemporary
refitting of the exterior facade. Features narrow black
weatherbarding, sensitively reflecting the village’s traditional
Suffolk vernacular.
Flatford Road, innovatively featuring black
weatherboarding, referencing the rural
Suffolk setting.
There is also an abundance of recent
designs typical of their era. These include
mass-built homes common in the 1960s
and 70s. Here roof pitches tend to be
less pronounced with a homogeneity of
materials include light and red brick and flat
roof dormers.
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26East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Colour render Sash windows with glazing bars Red clay pantiles
Suffolk white brick Casement windows Slate tiles
White render or roughcast Pitched dormer Red clay tiles
Red brick
Building walls Fenestration Roofs
Figure 25: Representative colour palette and best practice architectural features found throughout East Bergholt.
26

27East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
3.6 Important features within
East Bergholt
The table below details the key features
within East Bergholt that are of importance
to the community. Additionally, it provides a
link to relevant guidance and codes which
addresses the relationship between these
features and any new development.
Important feature Link to guidance Link to codes
A noticeable presence of
large trees
See: Landscape & rural feel;
Movement network; Movement
network & street character;
Biodiversity
See: LR.01; LR.02; LR.03; and
AV.04
Set backs See: Built form & settlement
patten; and Movement network &
street character
See: BF.01; and MS.01
Low density and views to
the landscape
See: Built form & settlement
patten; and Landscape & rural feel
See: LR.02
Skyscapes See: LR.04
Green fingers into the
village
See: Landscape & rural feel;
Movement network; and
Movement network & street
character.
See: LR.01
Prominence of larger
historic buildings
See: Built form & settlement
patten; Commercial & community
assets; and Heritage
See: BF.01; HE.01; VA.01; and
VA.03
Variety of building stylesSee: Built form & settlement
patten; and Vernacular &
architecture
See: BF.01; HE.01; VA.01; and
VA.03
Landscapes captured by
John Constable
See: Landscape & rural feel; and
Heritage
See: LR.02
27

28East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes 28
4
Design Guidance

29East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4. Design guidance &
codes
This section sets out the guidance
and codes that will shape
and inform the design of new
development within East Bergholt.
4.1 Introduction
The following section details key design
guidance applicable to the whole parish,
alongside any subsequent design codes.
These are presented with 10 distinct design
themes specific to the design needs of East
Bergholt and its overall context. Design
codes will be assigned to specific or all
character areas which have been drawn
from the East Bergholt Village Character
Assessment, and are detailed above in
Figure 27. Additionally, design codes for
Neighbourhood plan sites are also provided
in this section.
The Street
Cemetery Lane
Rectory Hill
Flatford Lane and Flatford Hamlet
White Horse Road
Gandish Road
East End
Heath Road
Quintons Road
Chaplin Road and Richardson Road
B1070 Hadleigh Road to Gaston End
Elm Estate
Hadleigh Road
Gaston street
Fiddlers Lane
CA1
CA9
CA2
CA10
CA3
CA11
CA4
CA12
CA5
CA13
CA6
CA14
CA7
CA15
CA8
Figure 27: Character Area Map, East Bergholt.
East Bergholt Character Areas
29

30East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Character Areas NP Sites
Design guidance
& codes
123456789101112131415SG1 EB1SG4
Built form & settlement pattern (BF)
BF.01 Infill
development
Applicable to all character areas and sites
BF.01
Development
behind the
building line
x xxxxx xx
Heritage (HE)
HE.01 Historic
character
xxxxx x x
Landscape & rural feel (LR)
LR.01 Green
fingers &
development in
settlement gaps
x xxxx xx xx
LR.02
Relationship with
rural context
xxxxxxx xx xx
LR.03
Development &
green spaces
x x xx x
LR.03 Skyscapes
& dark skies
Applicable to all character areas and sites
Movement networks & streets (MS)
MS.01 Street
character
Applicable to all character areas and sites
MS.02 Parking Applicable to all character areas and sites
Sustainable drainage
Vernacular & architecture (VA)
VA.01 Building
scale & roofline
xxxxxx x x xxxxxxx
VA.02
Fenestration
Applicable to all character areas and sites
VA.03 Materiality
& architectural
style
Applicable to all character areas and sites
VA.04 Extensions Applicable to all character areas and sites
VA.05 Building
conversions
xxxxxxxxxx xxx
VA.06 Boundary
treatments
Applicable to all character areas and sites
Designing for sustainability (SD)
SD.01 Eco-
designs
Applicable to all character areas and sites
Biodiversity
Village Heart
Commercial & community assets
4.1.1 Design Guidance & Codes Matrix
The below matrix provides an overview of the design guidance code themes. Design guidance is colour
coded and is applicable to the whole Neighbourhood Area. The design guidance is then elaborated upon
with specific design codes. While design codes are also applicable to the whole Neighbourhood Area, the
matrix highlights character areas where a code may have increased relevance.
30

31East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.2 Built form & settlement
pattern
East Bergholt’s existing settlement patterns
are a significant driver of the village’s overall
character. While these are varied throughout
the Neighbourhood Area, the overall
scale, form and massing of development
is relativity consistent throughout. Such
characteristics within East Bergholt need
to retained and not significantly altered
by any new development. The following
guidance is intended to ensure that
any future development preserves the
best characteristics of place, ensuring a
harmonious relationship between nearby
buidlings, streets and spaces. This can be
achieved by:
-Upholding the overwhelming local view
that large-scale housing developments
should be discouraged where possible.
Instead, there is a preference for
individual infill development and small-
scale housing clusters to accommodate
any necessary housing growth.
-Considering the layout, arrangement
and densities of any proposals in a
contextual manner, inferring from
surrounding development patterns while
also making efficient use of land.
-Inferring from the massing and scale of
adjacent buildings within the immediately
surrounding context to reinforce the
locally distincitve character of the area.
Additionally, the spacing and rhythm
between buildings should be retained
and not interfered with or deviated from,
by any new development.
-Allowing for slight variance in building
heights. These are encouraged between
buildings to ensure that the distinctive
roof-scape of the overall village retains
its variance. This should be achieved by
providing a mix of single and two storey
buildings, alongside variance in roof pitch
and height.
-Ensuring that new developments
propose a mix of housing typologies
to allow for a variety of options to meet
local housing needs.
-Contributing positively to the prevailing
street character by proposing dwellings
that front onto, positively address, or
overlook routes, green spaces or open
fields.
-Complementing the existing street
scene with building lines, boundary
treatments, and setbacks which are
appropriate to the surrounding context.
Figure 31: Detached and semi-detached houses of two storeys
with a consistent set-back building line along Heath Road.
Design Guidance
31

32East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.2.1 BF01 Infill development
-Infill development must appropriately
follow the prevailing building line,
setbacks, and spacing between
dwellings within its immediate
surroundings to ensure that proposals
do not disrupt the prevailing settlement
pattern.
-The scale and massing of buildings
must be appropriate to the immediately
surrounding context. Building
dimensions should therefore not
usually exceed those in its immediate
surroundings.
-Additionally, the prominence of
prominent landmark buildings such
as St Mary’s Church and the Old Hall,
as well as larger town houses along
the Street, Rectory Hill, Quintons, and
Gaston Street must be respected. The
dimensions of new development in close
proximity must not encroach or disrupt
the prominence of these buildings or
obscure their views and setting within
the street scape.
-Architectural features, facades and the
overall materiality must be designed
in a manner that appropriately reflects
the best practice vernacular of East
Bergholt, contained in section 3.5.
Designs must also complement
other dwellings within the immediate
surrounding context.
A potential site for infill. The
future infill property must
complement the street scene.
New properties must be consistent with
existing building line patterns.
Figure 32: An indicative site before and after infill.
Design Code: BF.01
Figure 33: Recent infil development retaining the existing
building line with appropriate scale and massing for surrounding
context
32

33East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.2.2 BF.02 Development behind the
buidling line
Individual dwellings behind the building
line and contained within single plots are
not permitted. However, infill for multiple
dwellings may be permissible provided that:
-Proposals show a clear design rationale
which is contextual to the immediate
surroundings. Architectural features
such as roofs, windows, doors and
other decorative features should be
complementary to those of dwellings
within the immediate surroundings.
-Designs must minimise the impact
of overlooking. Here, building heights
should not exceed that of existing
surrounding buildings and must
incorporate interventions such as dense
vegetation to provide screening where
possible.
-Proposals of this kind must retain access
from main routes for refuse collection
and other service vehicles.
Figure 34: Dwelling with appropriate scale to prevent
overlooking while retaining adequate access.
Figure 35: Beehive Close, a contemporary development set
behind the main building line along Gaston End. Buildings are
appropriately scaled with architectural designs appropriate to
East Bergholt’s vernacular.
Design Code: BF.02
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34East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.3 Heritage
Heritage is critical to East Bergholt’s
character. Its historic buildings and
settlement patterns underpin so much
of the village’s built qualities which are
valued by its residents. It is vital that new
development respects the overall setting of
heritage assets which can be achieved by:
Ensuring that new development should not
be an overbearing feature within the overall
context of heritage assets by;
-Ensuring that new development is not
an overbearing feature within the overall
context of heritage assets;
-Considering appropriate spacing and
architectural designs subservient to that
of immediately adjacent historic assets;
-Enhancing, where possible, views
of heritage assets, including those
featured in John Constable’s paintings.
Additionally, new developments could
frame vantage points or create new sight
lines for heritage assets into and out of
the village areas; and
-Proposing development of an
appropriate scale, form, height, massing
compared with adjacent historic assets.
Figure 36: Grade I listed Church of St Mary on Rectory Hill.
Figure 37: Grade II listed 15th century building forming three
dwellings on Gaston Street.
Figure 38: Grade II listed Chapel House on The Street dating to
the 17th century.
Design Guidance
34

35East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.3.1 HE.01 Historic character
Any new development must feature organic
layouts appropriate to the prevailing informal
layout of ribbon development within these
areas.
-New development must not cause
significant harm to the setting of any
listed building. Designs must therefore
ensure that the scale and massing are
considered with new building dimensions
not exceeding that of any adjacent
historic buildings
-New development proposals must not
interfere with key views of heritage
assets. This must be achieved through
proposing appropriate placement and
orientation to retain the prominence and
visual interest of historic buildings. This
is particularly pertinent when relating to
views of heritage assets from key routes,
public spaces, and other rights of way.
-New developments must retain any
adjacent open spaces, vegetation and
trees to preserve the historic form and
pattern of development close to the
asset.
-Unsympathetic architectural styles
should be avoided and design proposals
must complement the existing historic
features. New developments should
propose architectural details and
materials that complement ones used
in the surrounding heritage assets.
All proposals for development within
close proximity to heritage assets must
therefore demonstrate consideration
of quality material palettes detailed in
section 3.5.
Figure 39: Example of contemporary development in close
proximity to the East Bergholt Congregational Church.
Figure 40: Example of recently constructed dwellings in close
proximity to the Grade II* listed Church Gate House.
Design Code: HE.01
35

36East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Figure 38: Diagrams showing the key principles for boundary lines and treatments.
Abrupt edges to development
with little vegetation or
landscape on the edge of the
settlement are avoided and,
instead, a comprehensive,
layered landscape buffering
is used.
Visually permeable
boundaries (e.g. low hedge/
wall) with the front and rear
of properties form a gradual
transition from built form to
open countryside.
Development density
allows for spaces between
buildings to preserve views
of countryside setting and
maintain the perceived
openness of the settlement.
The existing edge of a settlement
4.4 Landscape & rural feel
The protection of East Bergholt’s rural
character and surrounding natural
landscape is a key concern for residents.
The relationship between built up areas
and the varying landscape qualities of
the parish underpin the village’s rural
feel. The following design guidance is
therefore intended to ensure that future
development does not negatively impact
surrounding landscape and upholds the
value of East Bergholt’s natural assets.
-Given the prevalence of landscape
views in all directions, proposals for
development should gain a good
understanding of the immediate
landscape character and any important
views featured in John Constable
paintings. Proposals should respond to
topography and views by considering a
building’s height and spacing.
-Any new development should not
undermine East Bergholt’s existing
provision of valued open green spaces.
Additionally, proposals should not
undermine access to, or the protection
of, any ecological assets within the
parish, as well as access to significant
areas of countryside, such as the Heath.
-Contextually appropriate green
infrastructure should be proposed so
that development does not undermine
existent landscape qualities and
to provide screening of any new
developments. This should be achieved
by proposing soft landscaping to
delineate plot boundaries.
-Proposals for soft landscaping and new
planting should consider native species,
contextual to East Bergholt’s rural Suffolk
location.
-Proposals should not interfere with
existing settlement gaps, unless there is
requirement to meet local housing needs
set out in any current or future policy.
-Where proposed, new footpaths, cycle
paths, or Public Rights of Way should
incorporate soft landscaping where
possible. This could include planted
verges and hedgerows at the edge of
routes.
Design Guidance
36

37East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.4.1 LR.01 Green fingers & development
within settlement gaps
-Development proposals must not
undermine the physical and/or visual
separation of existing settlements.
Where new development within
existing settlement gaps is permitted,
landscaping interventions with dense
vegetation or green spaces should
be used to screen or buffer any new
development and to appropriately
integrate the development within existing
green fingers and settlement gaps.
-Such development proposals must
not include any material loss of
existing mature trees, or hedgerows,
particularly those bounding sites and
access routes. The partial loss of these
features may only be permitted in limited
circumstances where it is absolutely
necessary for access.
-Any proposed screening used to buffer
development must use contextual
landscaping interventions and native
species.
-Where possible, appropriate pedestrian
and cycle links must be provided
between new developments and nearby
built-up areas and services and facilities.
Figure 41: Dense vegetation along Hadleigh road, an example of
East Bergholt’s ‘green fingers’ into the village.
Figure 42: Contemporary development appropriately retaining
existing hedges along Hadleigh Road.
Figure 43: Contextual landscaping appropriate to East Bergholt
screening development along Quintons.
Design Code: LR.01
37

38East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.4.2 LR.02 Relationship with the
surrounding context
-Proposals must be sensitive to
countryside views, including those
featured in John Constable’s paintings.
Therefore, new development must
demonstrate appropriate visual
connections to open fields and
surrounding landscape through
adequate spacing between dwellings.
-Proposals must consider the
relationship between building heights
and avoid significant intrusion on
existing countryside views from the
rear of properties or the prevailing
street scene. It is therefore critical
that new construction considers the
relationship between building heights
and topography to protect expansive
countryside views with dwellings limited
to 2 storeys in height with limited roof
pitch scale.
-Peripheral development at the edge of
built-up areas, must include a layered
approach to landscaping to avoid
abrupt, juxtaposed transitions between
built-up areas and countryside. This
can be achieved by providing soft
boundary treatments such as trees
and hedgerows, which effectively blend
developed areas within their surrounding
landscape setting.
Avoid high density
and keep some space
between buildings to
preserve views and
provide feeling of
openness.
Maintain visual
connections and
long views out of
the settlement.
Consider boundary
treatments so as to
avoid obstructing
views.
Countryside view
Countryside view
Figure 44: Graphic demonstrating how development can retain visual connections with surrounding landscape.
Design Code: LR.02
38

39East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.4.3 LR.03 Development & green spaces
-Development arrangements must
demonstrate a positive relationship with
existing or new open green spaces.
Where possible, this could be achieved
by fronting dwelling along bounding
edges to provide enclosure and natural
surveillance.
-Any route which fronts dwellings that
bounds the edges of open green spaces
must show regard for pedestrian access
to open green spaces. This could involve
creating shared spaces or integrating
raised tables with pedestrian crossing
points for improved access to open
green spaces.
-Where proposing new green spaces ,
developments must also include public
amenity such as street furniture, play
equipment and/or soft landscaping
featuring native species.
1
2
3
4
5
1. Dwellings buffered by rich vegetation
to mitigate any visual impact towards
the open countryside.
2. Green spaces incorporatedinto new
development.
3. Green verges with trees and vegetation
to serve to provide an additional buffer
4. Private routes or edge lanes used by
vehicles and cyclists.
5. Residential frontage with boundary
hedges and front gardens to enhance
rurality.
Figure 45: Sketch outlining an indicative relationship between development and open green spaces.
Design Code: LR.03
39

40East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.4.4 LR.04 Skyscapes & dark skies
-External lighting must only be
considered for new development
where it is necessary for security and
safety and to illuminate commercial and
community spaces. If lighting is required,
it must be kept minimal, at low level and
at low intensity, with hoods and baffles
used to direct the light to where it is
required to ensure that no light is emitted
upward.
-Where introduced, warm white light
sources of between 2700K and 3000K
on the Kelvin scale. Light shields are also
recommended for additional protection
over glare and light spill.
-Additionally, lighting such as solar cat’s-
eye lighting or ground-based lighting are
preferred along routes, particularly along
footpaths and cycle routes.
-Lighting schemes must be directed
downward to avoid reducing dark skies
or disturb neighbours or passers-by.
Up-lighting: Focus light and attention on an
object or tree from a low fixed location.
Downlighting: Bullet type fixture placed
well above eye level on an object or tree.
Backlighting: Fixtures placed at the back of
an object to create a ‘glowing’ effect.
Figure 46: Example of warm light with interventions to ensure
that light is focused on areas without emitting unnecessary light
pollution.
Design Code: LR.04
40

41East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.5 Movement network &
street character
A range of street and road types make up
the overall route hierarchy which contributes
to East Bergholt’s overall character. The
following guidance is intended to ensure
that proposals which impact movement and
streets around the parish make a positive
contribution to placemaking by:
-Accommodating movement for all
users including pedestrians, cyclists,
wheelchair users and vehicles.
The needs of each user should be
considered for all development
proposals.
-Considering the prevailing street
character of the immediate context,
taking account of street width, lighting
and street furniture designs, setbacks,
garden size and boundary treatments.
-Providing new footpath links, wherever
possible, that are connected to existing
walking and cycling routes and other
existing public rights of way.
-Proposing streets and paths that are
well connected and direct, responding to
any existing desire lines. Subsequently.
streets and footpaths should be
arranged in a permeable pattern,
allowing for multiple connections and a
choice of routes, particularly on foot.
-Considering traffic calming, particularly
along residential streets. Interventions
which have the effect of visually
narrowing the width of the road should
be considered. These could include
planted verges, kerb buildouts, and
contrasting surface materials which
would be a welcome addition to the
street scene.
-Ensuring that the presence of any dense
vegetation, including trees and hedges
particularly along rural routes outside the
village are preserved.
Figure 47: Public right of way through the countryside in East
Bergholt.
Figure 48: Dense vegetation lining Hadleigh Road.
Design Guidance
41

42East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.5.1 MS.01 Street character
-Development must not detract from
the existing enclosure and natural
surveillance.
-Material choices for pathways,
pavements, and public spaces must
consider options which are appropriate
for the character of the area. Additionally,
proposals must also consider the use
of permeable materials to support
sustainable drainage. These could
include cobblestones or resin bound
gravel.
-Planted verges, street trees and
any landscaping must be retained.
Additionally, landscaping interventions to
soften the overall street scene must be
provided where possible. More informal
interventions such as flowerbeds, grass
meadows and low-lying shrubbery may
be appropriate.
-The placement of street furniture such
as benches and litter bins must be
considered. These should be placed
at key activity areas in a manner that
doesn’t obstruct pedestrian movement
and desire lines. These should also be
placed prominently, avoiding overgrowth
and interference from trees and other
natural features.
-The use of street furniture such as
benches, signs, bins and lamp posts
must complement the heritage and rural
character of East Bergholt.
Figure 49: Use of resin bound gravel to provide a permeable
surface that also enables use for wheelchair users and buggies.
Figure 50: Example of planted verges and landscaping to soften
the street scene with lighting appropriate to retain dark skies.
Figure 51: Street trees and grass verges along Woodgates
Road.
Design Code: MS.01
42

43East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.5.2 MS.02 Parking
Parking standards for residential
developments in East Bergholt can be found
in the Suffolk Guidance for Parking
7
. This
document outlines minimum requirements
for parking provision within Suffolk and
should be considered alongside the
following design codes.
-There is a strong preference for on-plot
parking throughout the Neighbourhood
Area. Parking interventions of this type
must be placed to the side of a building
where possible and appropriately
integrated with any front gardens or
landscaping within a building’s cartilage.
-Garages and car ports, where required,
must be designed to be subservient to
the main building with their height and
massing smaller than that of the main
building. Additionally, garages and car
ports must not be placed ahead of the
main building line.
-Communal parking interventions may
be appropriate in some circumstances,
such as for farmstead style
developments with multiple dwellings.
These parking interventions must feature
parking space areas delineated with soft
landscaping to avoid cavernous parking
courts and provide effective screening of
vehicles to soften the view of vehicles.
7 Source: https://www.Suffolk.gov.uk/asset-library/Suffolk-
Guidance-for-Parking-v5.1.pdf
-Similarly, any proposed visitor parking
should be set away from any proposed
or existing routes and streets. Areas
should also be delineated with soft
landscaping to buffer any potential
‘street clutter’.
-Additionally, fast EV charging must
be integrated into both on-plot and
communal parking areas.
2.5m5m
Shared parking areas must be overlooked,
feature permeable surfacing and
appropriate landscaping to soften the
impact of abundant hard surfacing.
Figure 52:
Illustrative diagram showing an indicative layout of on-plot
side parking.
Figure 53: Illustrative layout of shared off-plot and visitor
parking.
Design Code: MS.02
43

44East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.6 Sustainable drainage
It is imperative that any new development
does not become a burden on the natural
environment and instead makes a positive
and limited impact on the East Bergholt’s
overall ecology. This can be best achieved
by prioritising sustainable drainage. The
following design guidance is intended to
ensure that development proposals avoid
siting homes in high-risk flood areas and
mitigate increased risk of storms or flooding
with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
These reduce the amount and rate at
which surface water reaches sewers and
watercourses in favour of filtration, and can
be achieved by:
-Integrating designs for water collection
systems. Examples of water collection
could include a water butt or a rainwater
harvesting system. This reduces
pressure on valuable water sources,
improving the overall sustainability of
buildings.
-Including sustainable drainage alongside
appropriate soft landscaping with
the dual purpose of enhancing the
aesthetic quality of new constructions.
Rain gardens should be a primary
consideration for these types of
interventions.
-Considering swales, basins and ponds
for more substantial landscaped areas
to assist with greater instances of water
Figure 54: Example of a rain garden. Elsewhere in the UK.
Source: https://www.meristemdesign.co.uk/rain-gardens-
london
Figure 55: Swale integrated into the landscaping of a housing
development. Elsewhere in the UK. Source: https://www.
pleydellsmithyman.co.uk/what-we-do/upton-northamptonshire/
run-off. These also should be set within
high quality soft landscaping, abundant
in native species.
-Utilising permeable surfacing for hard
spaces to improve drainage and avoid
standing water on footpaths, driveways
and other publicly accessible areas,
reducing the burden on existing drainage
infrastructure.
Design Guidance
44

45East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Figure 56: Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) as set out in the National Model Design Code.
Street tree planting:
SuDS designed into
highway provision
can provide dual-
use benefits when
integrated with street
tree provision.
Green roofs and
walls: Provide
capacity to hold
and attenuate
water run-off as
well as ecological
and leisure
benefits.
Rain capture: Water
butts and other
rainwater harvesting
systems collect
rainwater for use
in gardens or for
non-potable uses
reducing water
consumption.
Soakaways and
filter drains: Shallow
ditches and trenches
filled with gravel or
stones that collect
uncontaminated
water and allow it to
percolate into the
ground.
Swales: Shallow
channels
that provide
attenuation
while also
channelling
water to other
features such
as ponds.
Retention
tanks: In
high density
schemes
water can be
attenuated in
underground
structures.
Rain gardens:
Containers and
ditches with
native drought
tolerant plants
release water
gradually
and filter out
pollutants
Reedbeds and
wetlands: Topography
can be used to create
wetlands that provide
attenuation capacity
as well as filtering
out pollutants and
providing habitat for
wildlife.
Basins and ponds:
Attenuation ponds
that are normally
dry but fill during
a rain event and
then either store
or gradually
discharge water to
the system.
Permeable surfacing:
Surfaces that allow water
to percolate into the
ground including natural
surfaces, gravel and low
traffic volume engineered
road surfaces and
hard-standings in front
gardens.
Design Guidance
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46East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.7 Vernacular & architecture
East Bergholt is a proudly historic village
with immense heritage value. Its historic
core and surrounding landscapes make a
massive contribution to the identity and
overall character of the village. Many later
developments, particularly from the 20th
century have begun to age well, contributing
positively to the overall vernacular of East
Bergholt.
However, recent developments, such as
those at Moores Lane and Heath Road are
considered locally as out of step with East
Bergholt’s overall character. The following
guidance is intended to ensure that
future designs sensitively reflect the best
qualities of East Bergholt’s vernacular and
architectural value.
-Proposals should set out a strong
design rational, with quality material
specification and detailing, retaining the
local distinctiveness of East Bergholt and
inferring other best practice examples
highlighted in section .
-Buildings should apply an innovative use
of materials and design features in a way
that harmonises with adjacent buildings
and is complementary to the context of
East Bergholt, as detailed in section 3.5.
Designs could also introduce intricacy
and additional detailing by combining
a mix of external façade treatments,
alongside finer details such as brick
patterns and coursing.
-Windows and doors should employ a
particular design approach by adopting
either a contemporary or traditional
style. Contemporary style buildings
could have a variety of window designs
whereas traditional building styles
should have a limited range of patterns.
-Building services such as satellite
dishes, gutters and drainpipes should
be well integrated into the design of the
building. Where possible these should be
concealed from public view.
-Private, or shared, bin storage solutions
which are discreet and adequately
conceal refuse bins away from public
view should be integrated into the
designs of new buildings.
Figure 57: Grade II listed Blacksmiths Cottage on Quinton Road
of a rendered timber frame and handmade clay plain tile roof with
a red brick chimney stack and pitched roof dormer.
Figure 58: Traditional cottages on Cemetery Lane, including
Moss Cottage which was used as a studio by John Constable.
Both feature mansard roofs, Moss Cottage with a rendered
timber frame and the neighbouring cottage in brick with a
colourwashed front facade.
Design Guidance
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47East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.7.1 VA.01 Building scale & roofline
-Monotonous repetitions of the
same building elevations must be
avoided. Therefore differentiation in
building heights and roof pitch may
be permissible, provided that dwelling
heights must not exceed two storeys.
-The overall scale and appearance of the
roof line must be well articulated and in
proportion with the dimensions of the
building. Subtle changes in the roofline
could be used to avoid monotonous
elevations and avoid a bulky, featureless
appearance.
-Dormer windows must not be allowed
to distort the overall look of the building
or those adjoining and should not
be inserted out of context. Where
inserted they should be proportional
to the dimensions of the roof and the
design should be coordrinated with the
materials and architectural sytle used on
the rest of the elevation.
Figure 59: Slightly differntiated roof heights between dwellings.
Figure 60: Well articulated roofline avoiding monotonous
elevations and a bulky featuress appearance.
Figure 61: Limited and appropriately proportioned pitched
dormers.
Design Code: VA.01
47

48East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.7.2 VA.02 Fenestration
-Building designs must not feature blank
façades or buildings which ignore their
street or corner frontage. Buildings must
also feature a consistent pattern and
rhythm of windows and doors which
are complementary to that of adjacent
buildings.
-Windows must match the general
orientation, proportion and alignment of
other windows in the same building as
well as those on adjacent properties.
-Windows must also feature deep window
reveals with slim frames and a wall to
window ratio of between 15%-35%.
-While the use of PVC frames are not
accepted within the Conservation Area
and are strongly discouraged throughout
the rest of the parish. However, when
used, their design must be of a high
standard and appropriate to the historic
setting of East Bergholt.
-New development must use existing
architectural styles as inspiration in order
for new doors to be in keeping with the
town streetscape.
-Small porches and canopies at the
entrance of buildings must be in keeping
with the style and size of the house
and respect the building line of the
street, particularly where a strongly
defined building line is an important
characteristic of a street. The roof pitch
should match and blend in with the main
building.
Figure 62: Front facing windows with a consistent and
symetrical fenestration pattern and a positive wall to window
ratio to create an interesting building façade.
Figure 63: General orientation outward facing towards the
street.
Figure 64: Porch in keeping with the pitch, size and style of the
main building.
Design Code: VA.02
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49East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.7.3 VA.03 Materiality & architectural
style
-New development should reflect an
intelligent understanding of prevailing
building details without resulting in low-
quality pastiche imitations of past styles.
-Architectural features should only be
included within building designs where
they serve a function. For example,
features such as imitation fiberglass
chimneys are not acceptable.
-Any affordable housing development
should be of high-quality and be
indistinguishable from other houses.
-Appropriately scaled and contrasting
modern architecture is acceptable
provided there is a well-considered
design vision to fit naturally into the
context.
Figure 65: Example of appropriate materiality and architecture
that avoids pastiche imitations.
Figure 66: Additional example of a dwelling that appropriately
references prevailing building details and materiality avoiding
pastiche imitations.
Design Code: VA.03
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50East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.7.4 VA.04 Extensions
While housing extensions are in many cases
covered by permitted development rights, it
is expected that interventions of this nature
still refer to the following design codes.
-Housing extensions must be of an
appropriate scale and massing that is
complementary to the main building,
and other dwellings in the immediate
surroundings. Extensions should
generally be placed to the rear or side
of properties and not interfere with the
primary building line.
-Modest extensions to the front of a
property will be considered appropriate,
though they must match the form of the
existing building and mirror the existing
roof design and pitch. Additionally, they
must not drastically alter the building line.
-For extensions to the front of buildings,
materials and architectural features such
as windows, doors and cornice designs
must match or be complementary to the
rest of the building façade.
-Varied or contrasting exterior finishes
and architectural details may be
acceptable for extensions to the rear or
side of a building. However, these must
have regard to the original building’s
existing materials and the vernacular of
its immediately surrounding context.
-Extensions must not over-use plot
space or causes overlooking and
overshadowing to neighbouring
dwellings. Additionally, roof designs
must harmonise with that of the existing
dwelling with flat roofs only appropriate
for single storey rear extensions.
Side of dwelling
Behind dwelling
Front of dwelling
Figure 67: Example of extensions requirements within East
Bergholt.
Extension not
exceeding existing
building height or
floor plan.
Rear extension not
exceeding existing
building height or
number of storeys.
Modest floorplans
not exceeding
existing building
or dramatically
altering the plot
ratio.
Rdige not exceding
that of the roof
of the existing
dwelling.
Modest floorplan
so as to not
alter the existing
building line.
Design Code: VA.04
50

51East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.7.5 VA.05 Building conversions
-Proposals for the conversion of existing
property should be sympathetic to the
building and propose an appropriate
reuse/adaptation of the asset.
-The architectural character and scale
of the building should be carefully
considered, and traditional materials
and simple detailing employed when
converting existing buildings.
-Existing window and door openings
should be retained and reused, and
the number of new openings kept to a
minimum. This is particularly important in
the case of farm buildings to ensure that
their agricultural character is retained.
-Proposals that imitate historic
architectural styles, using cheaper
modern materials and demonstrating
a lack of attention to detail as to the
character and form of historic buildings
within the settlement (including matters
such as materials, proportion, massing,
fenestration, rooflines/detailing, etc.), will
be resiste.
-Conversion of existing garages must not
result ina reduction in existing on-site
parking.
Figure 68: XXXXX
Figure 69: XXXXX
Are there any
examples of building
conversions in
the village that we
can drop in as an
example here?
Design Code: VA.05
51

52East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.7.6 VA.06 Boundary treatments
-Proposals must include soft or open
boundary treatments which make valued
contribution to the overall street scene.
These could include a combination
of native species including low lying
shrubbery, hedges, tall trees and lawns,
as well as wooden fences and trellises.
-Hard boundary treatments such as brick
or stone walls must be limited to 1.5m
in height to retain visual connections
between buildings and the street.
-Existing hedge lines, banks and varying
ground levels must be preserved.
Therefore, the removal and replacement
of existing hedge lines with other fencing
and featureless landscaping or hard
standing must be avoided.
Figure 70: Dwellings featuring contextually approproate soft
boundary treatments.
Figure 71: Hard boundary treatments with appropriate
materiality and limited in height to preserve views of the building
facade from the street.
Design Code: VA.06
52

53East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.8 Designing for sustainability
The long-term sustainability of development
is a major concern for residents of East
Bergholt. In combination with meeting
existing environmental standards,
prioritising energy efficiency and
maintaining high-quality designs, contextual
to East Bergholt’s setting should be a
priority concern for new developments. This
could be achieved by:
-Demonstrating a thoughtful
consideration of a building’s
environmental impact and energy
consumption. Proposals for all dwellings,
including affordable and social housing,
should consider designs which support
sustainable energy consumption and
conservation;
-Avoiding dependence on fossil fuel
sources and maximising on-site
renewable energy generation (solar,
ground source, air source and wind
driven). This should be a primary
consideration and energy efficient
technologies could be incorporated into
existing buildings as well as from the
design stage for any new developments.
Eco-design features can be adapted
to a wide variety of architectural styles,
including historic buildings. It is important
that any eco-design features are
incorporated without visually damaging
the environment. Further guidance
on eco-design adaptations of historic
buildings can be found in Historic England
draft guidance: ‘Climate Change and
Historic Building Adaptations’ (November
2023);
-Incorporating the design of solar
panel features from the outset of new
development design to form part of the
design concept. Some attractive options
are shingles and photovoltaic slates. For
Annual heating demand (kWh/m
2
.yr)
25
20
15
10
5
N
South South/east East North/east North
Figure 72: An illustrative graph showing solar orientation of a room against the annual heating demand.
Main window orientation
Design Guidance
53

54East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
retrofits the proportions of the building
and roof surface should be analysed to
identify the best location and sizing of
the panels;
-Where possible, locating solar panels
on non-principal roofs. Particularly for
listed buildings this can reduce visual
incongruity. In addition, where there are
less visually prominent outbuildings
associated with a listed building it is
generally preferable to fit solar panels to
the roofs of these buildings;
-Considering ground conditions to
accommodate loops for ground source
heat and space for air source heat
pump units. Using bespoke covers and
landscaping can visually screen the heat
pump, for example wooden enclosures
can be used and stained to match the
colour of the building wall. However it
is important to ensure any covers are
durable and weather-resistant and that
neither the cover or any planting nearby
the pump obstructs ventilation;
-Orienting new buildings appropriately to
reduce their energy needs by avoiding
overshadowing and maximising passive
solar gain, internal daylight levels, and
ventilation. For example, proposals could
consider solar orientation by arranging
dwellings within 30 degrees south to
maximise the energy provided along the
sun’s path; and
-Designing windows to consider
orientation to balance heat loss and
beneficial solar gain, daylight and
sunlight. Southern facing glazing can
be beneficial in contributing to overall
energy demand in winter. It can lead to
overheating in summer and excessive
heat loss on cold cloudy days in winter.
Windows should therefore be sized
appropriately for the climatic context
and passive measures such as external
shading devices could be considered
to reduce reliance on mechanical
ventilation.
Figure 73: Wooden heat pump cover.
Figure 74: Building oriented to maximise solar gain, alongside
solar panels well integrated into the roof.
Design Guidance
54

55East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.8.1 AV.02 Sustainable designs
-Solar panel design should consider the
colour of the panels and how these will
complement the colour of the roof. Use
of black solar panels with black mounting
systems and frames can be an appealing
alternative to blue panels.
-Heat pumps should be placed to the
side or rear of properties, ideally in a
concealed location, to avoid visually
damaging the street scene and the main,
front elevation of a building. However
the pump must remain accessible for
maintenance.
-Heat pumps should be placed so that
they are protected from heavy snowfall
or flooding. They can be mounted on
the wall with anti-vibration dampers, to
mitigate noise impact to the interior of
the property, or on anti-vibration mounts
on the ground.
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
E
5
F
6
G
7
H
8
I
I
CLow-carbon heating
and no new homes on
the gas grid by 2025 at
the latest
Existing homes
Double or triple
glazing with shading
(e.g. tinted window film,
blinds, curtains and
trees outside)
Flood resilience
and resistance
with removable air
back covers, relocated
appliances (e.g. installing
washing machines
upstairs), treated wooden
floors
H
Electric car charging
point
Green space (e.g.
gardens and trees)
to help reduce the risks
and impacts of flooding
and overheating
Insulation
in lofts and walls (cavity
and solid)
Draught proofing
of floors, windows
and doors
Low- carbon heating
with heat pumps or
connections to district
heat network
Highly water- efficient
devices
with low-flow showers
and taps, insulated
tanks and hot water
thermostats
High levels of
airtightness
Triple glazed
windows and external
shading
especially on south
and west faces
Existing and new build
homes
A
B
E
F
G
D
More fresh air
with mechanical
ventilation and heat
recovery, and
passive cooling
Solar panels
Water management
and cooling
more ambitious water
efficiency standards,
green roofs and
reflective walls
Construction and site
planning
timber frames,
sustainable transport
options (such as
cycling)
Flood resilience and
resistance
e.g. raised electrical,
concrete floors and
greening your garden
Highly energy-
efficient appliances
(e.g. A++ and A+++ rating)
Figure 75: Example of sustainable interventions to improve
energy efficiency and the environmental impact of dwellings in
the parish.
Design Code: VA.03
55

56East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.9 Biodiversity
Achieving greater biodiversity is essential
for overall sustainability in East Bergholt.
It is mandatory that all new developments
achieve a biodiversity net gain of at least
10% under Schedule 7A of the Town and
Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by
Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021).
As such, applicants should consider all
relevant national policies and consult the
Local Planning Authority for any additional
guidance linked to local policy. Within East
Bergholt, applicants should:
-Deliver 20% on-site biodiversity net
gains to align with existing local targets.
On-site delivery will ensure that all
biodiversity net gains are retained within
East Bergholt for the benefit of residents
and to positvely enhance the village’s
overall character and feel.
-Development should also prioritise the
retention of existing trees and planted
verges alongside any enhancements
with additional greening a native species.
-Developments should incorporate
wildlife friendly features that support
movement and habitat. Bird or bat
boxes, bee bricks and bug hotels can
be installed to enhance biodiversity and
wildlife.
-A comprehensive landscape buffer
should be implemented at the
development edge to create a soft
edge. Hard or abrupt edges with little
vegetation or landscaping must be
avoided.
Figure 76: Example of a pollinator garden that could be placed in
a communal green space within the built environment.
Figure 77: Example of a bug hotel that could be placed in the
front or rear garden of a property.
Figure 78: An example of a hedgehog tunnel within a garden
fence.
Design Guidance
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57East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.10 Village Heart
The Village Heart is East Bergholt’s
primary activity area located within the
Conservation Area and the village’s historic
core. It is abundant with historic buildings
and features many of the village’s retail
and leisure facilities. As such, there are
opportunities to create a more pedestrian
friendly environment to benefit local
businesses around this key node within the
parish. The following guidance details how
this can be achieved.
-There is an aspiration to introduce
20mph speed limit along The Street
and replace parking spaces outside
close to the Co-op convenience store
with soft landscaping and appropriate
street furniture. While additional traffic
assessments and engineering studies
will be required, interventions could
improve pedestrian safety and enhance
quality of the public realm in the Village
Heart.
-Gateway interventions signifying entry
into the Village Heart along approaching
routes could be considered as part of
traffic calming interventions, particularly
along Rectory Hill, Hadleigh Road
and Gaston Road to safely signify the
introduction of a 20mph speed limit. Any
gateway intervention should be subtly
designed, include soft landscaping,
and signage appropriate to the historic
setting of the Village Heart.
-Build-outs which reduce the width of
the carriageway on the approach to
Village Heart gateways may also support
traffic calming. This could be achieved
Design Guidance
by widening pavements and planted
verges or introducing subtle painted road
markings. However, a full feasibility study
will be needed to ensure safety and
viability.
-Raised tables which create a shared
space could also be considered along
The Street at the junction with Cemetery
Lane. This would prioritise pedestrians
and those with buggies and wheelchairs,
with the added effect of slowing traffic
around this key activity area.
-Similarly, raised tables providing an
elevated section of road could also be
introduced at pedestrian crossings
along approaching routes from the north
and south of this junction to reduce
traffic speeds and prioritise the needs
of pedestrians, as well as those with
buggies and wheelchairs.
-The introduction of contrasting surface
materials presenting textural and visual
difference along the carriageway could
help delineate specific movement
corridors, parking areas, and activity
spaces within the Village Heart.
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58East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.11 Commercial & community
assets
It is crucial that development of community
assets supports increased vibrancy and
activity while serving as prominent spaces
within the community. Similarly, commercial
developments must also respect the
overall character of East Bergholt and its
rural setting. The following guidance is
intended to ensure that new development
of commercial and community spaces is
contextual to East Bergholt’s unique setting.
-Existing and proposed commercial
and community infrastructure should
be sympathetic with the existing
architectural style of the surrounding
buildings. In addition, the possibility of
retaining existing buildings should be
considered, if viable.
-Any new commercial and community
infrastructure should be designed to
serve as a focal point and landmark for
the area reflecting the civic pride and the
character of the parish.
-New community and commercial
facilities should be well connected
with the existing network of footpaths
and pedestrian routes to encourage
walking and cycling within the area.
It is encouraged for new routes to
be developed alongside any new
development.
-New commercial and community
facilities should not create additional
congestion in the area and parking
dominance should be avoided. Sharing
Figure 79: Houses and estate agent business at the junction of
The Street and Cemetery Lane.
Figure 80: The Co-op convenience store on The Street.
Figure 81: View south down The Street with the Bakery East
Bergholt fronting the pavement.
Design Guidance
58

59East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
parking areas with existing facilities
in the local centre could therefore be
considered.
-Active frontages should be encouraged
to add to the vitality and vibrancy of
the streets and public realm, whilst
enhancing the pedestrian experience of
the village.
-The design of shop fronts should take
account of the rhythm and character of
the street such as the width of building,
the horizontal or vertical emphasis, the
variety of style and architecture of the
building itself and signage that refers to
the existing material and colour palettes.
-Any proposed business units or
agricultural buildings must be
sympathetic to their historic and rural
setting. These should be limited in scale
and massing where possible and utilise
materials which harmonise with East
Bergholt’s surrounding vernacular and
landscape character.
Design Guidance
S
h
o
p
n
a
m
e

h
e
r
e

Signage
Avoid unnecessary visual
clutter
Use the fascia as the
predominant position for
signage
Signage should not be placed
on upper floors
Hanging signs should be in
proportion to the building
and street and should not
dominate pavements
Lighting & Safety
S
h
o
p
n
a
m
e

h
e
r
e

Avoid using internally-
illuminated box signs
Avoid using external roller
shutters and grilles. Favour
the use of internal open grilles
which cover only the glazed
part of the shop front
Conceal alarms from the shop
front facade and integrate
them in the design
Character & Design
Incorporate the overall
proportion, form, and scale of
the building’s upper floors into
the design of the shop front
Integrate the shop front with
the surrounding streetscape.
Consider adjacent buildings
and typical details in the area
S
h
o
p
n
a
m
e

h
e
r
e

Figure 82: Indicative shop frontage designs.
59

60East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
Figure 83: Analysis Map of East Bergholt highlighting its location and wider connectivity (source: ArcGIS)
4.12 Design codes for sites
The following design codes will be
applicable to sites SG1, EB1, and SG4 to
be designated within the East Bergholt
Neighbourhood Plan. Each site features
design codes aimed at proposing particular
development typologies, while also being
contextual for their location within the
village. The particular focus for each of
these sites is as follows:
– SG1 – located by the Old Congregational
Hall featuring lifetime homes, aimed at
older people’s living.
-EB1 – located along White Horse Road
featuring infill development contextual to
the site’s rural location.
-SG4 – an infill site located in the East
End settlement allocated for affordable
housing. Design codes for sites
Site: SG1
Site: SG4
Site: EB1
60

61East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.12.1 Site SG1
The following codes are specific to site SG1
allocated within the Neighbourhood Plan.
These are intended to inform proposals
which support developments that are
adaptable to the needs of ageing residents.
Additionally, these codes must be taken in
conjunction with codes BF.01, HE.01, and
all other codes applicable throughout East
Bergholt.
-Building designs must incorporate
flexibility and adaptability to allow
for future changes. This includes
designs which incorporate wheelchair
accessibility, the reconfiguration of
internal walls and ease of extension. This
should be reflected in the construction
design and use of space.
-The HAPPI (Housing our Ageing
Population Panel for Innovation)
principles , based on 10 key design
criteria, must be taken into consideration
in any new development. Those criteria
reflect space and flexibility, daylight in
the house and shared spaces, balconies
and outdoor space, adaptability, natural
environment, and energy efficiency.
-New development must be a maximum
of 1.5 storeys and of limited massing to
reflect the small site size and location
next to the heritage asset. Alms style
houses could be appropriate for this
context.
Figure 84: XXXXX
Figure 85: XXXXX
Design Code: Site SG1
Are there any photos
of the site that we
can drop in here?
61

62East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.12.2 Site EB1
The following codes are specific to site EB1
allocated within the Neighbourhood Plan.
These are additional requirements for the
small infill site along White Horse Road with
specific requirements owing to its location
and size. These codes must be taken in
conjunction with codes BF.01, LR.01, LR.02,
and all other codes applicable throughout
East Bergholt.
-Development must propose
developments with a maximum of two
storeys with low ridge heights and
appropriately spaced to mitigate any
negative visual impact on surrounding
landscape and views.
-Massing of development should be
appropriate for the site size. Plot ratios
must therefore reflect surrounding
context and feature generously sized
gardens to transition into the rural
landscape at the back of the site.
-Proposals must feature an appropriately
landscaped buffer from the main route
with hedges, large trees, or planted
verges to not deviate from the existing
settlement gap along White Horse Road.
-Proposals must sustain the linear
settlement pattern appropriately set
back from White Horse Road.
Figure 86: XXXXX
Figure 87: XXXXX
Design Code: Site EB1
Are there any photos
of the site that we
can drop in here?
62

63East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
4.12.3 Site SG4
The following codes are specific to site
SG4 allocated within the Neighbourhood
Plan. These are intended to ensure that
development within this infill site support the
provision of affordable homes on the site,
while ensuring the prevailing character of
the site is protected. These codes must be
taken in conjunction with codes BF.01, LR.01,
LR.02, LR.03 and all other codes applicable
throughout East Bergholt.
-Set back distances from the Straight road
and East End Lane must conform with
the prevailing building line. Slight variance
in the building line could be appropriate
in order to retain views of The Royal Oak
pub.
-Provision for public space must be
considered to respond appropriately to
the surrounding rural context of the site’s
location.
-Dwellings must respond to the gateway
qualities at the junction of the Straight
Road and East End Lane. Therefore,
dwellings at this corner must feature
facades animated with doors and
windows. Exposed, blank gable end
buildings with no windows fronting roads
and/or public spaces should be avoided.
-Higher density typologies such as
terraces may be permissible to deliver
affordable housing on the site. However,
the scale and massing of these must be
limited and not exceed those of adjacent
buildings within the site’s immediately
surrounding context.
Figure 88: XXXXX
Figure 89: XXXXX
Design Code: Site SG4
Are there any photos
of the site that we
can drop in here?
63

64East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes 64
5
Delivery

65East Bergholt | Design Guidance and Codes
5. Delivery
This document has set out design guidance
and codes to be embedded in or appended
to the East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan.
The table below provides a list of actors and
how they will use the document.
Actors How they will use the design guidelines
Applicants,
developers, and
landowners
As a guide to community and Local Planning Authority
expectations on design, allowing a degree of certainty – they will be
expected to follow the Guidelines as planning consent is sought.
Local planning
authority
As a reference point, embedded in policy, against which to assess
planning applications.
The Design Guidance and Codes should be discussed with
applicants during any pre-application discussions.
Parish council
As a guide when commenting on planning applications, ensuring
that the Design Guidance and Codes are complied with.
Community
organisations
As a tool to promote community-backed development and to
inform comments on planning applications.
Statutory
consultees
As a reference point when commenting on planning applications.
65

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