Sustainable Development Essay -- Environmental Issues

Upton’s premise is a mix-use development providing the full range of dwelling types supported by economic opportunity and social infrastructure. The site was assembled through English partnerships, which were granted outline planning permission for Upton in 1997 (Community and Local Government 2007). The scheme aims to deliver 1,382 homes by its completion in 2013 (Clark 2010). Engaging the community was an important aspect of the schemes development process. In 2001, English Partnerships (EP) collaborated with Northampton Borough Council, the Prince’s Foundation and EDAW, an urban design consultancy, to establish the Upton Working Group to implement the Upton project. Several revised additions of the Upton Urban Framework Plan followed through ‘Enquiry by Design’ for the period of 2001-2002, in late 2002 Northampton Borough Council granted planning consent for the new framework (Street 2006). The multi-faceted characteristics of high-quality urban extensions are detailed in the Sustainable Urban Extensions: Planned through Design report from the Princes Foundation, focusing particularly on the quality of new housing. Paraphrased below are the proposed requirements to create a successful development indicated by the report: Here the report identifies the physical attributes of an urban extension, focussing on quality of new housing. Higher density, a mix of housing types and tenures, legible neighbourhoods, communal areas including green space and communal amenities and facilities are all observed as necessary. However, due to adverse effects of the economic downturn, Upton is yet to provide the substantial amenities as originally proposed. Consequently, residents of Upton will require transportation to obtain essential serv... ... the primary mode of movement and as a result reducing their dependence on cars. Currently streets and buildings are orientated to maximise natural lighting in buildings whilst increasing the proficiency of rooftop photovoltaic cells. Additionally, attempts have been made to ensure a strong sense of place and community identity is incorporated as a parallel to the wider sustainability strategy. The Upton Design code established and set out the standard requirements and development framework on the site. Furthermore the design code commenced open dialogue between developers and their design groups and the Upton Working Group, essentially establishing a co-operative and creative partnership. Nonetheless, building character is determined by individual developers and architects (CABE 2011), and these houses comprise of various consciously-predetermined styles.