1. Introduction and how to use Part 2 - Small Sites
Introduction
London Borough of Bexley (the Council) has produced a series of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to provide design guidance and support to applicants, decision makers and developers for new development across the borough.
As demonstrated by Fig. 01 opposite, the guidance supports the Development Plan which comprises the Bexley Local Plan and the London Plan. The SPDs demonstrate how policies within these statutory documents can be met and the guidance documents should also be read in conjunction with national and regional design guidance on placemaking, such as the National Design Guide.
Overarching guidance, which applies across all types of development, is provided in the Design Guide SPD Part 1 – Design Principles. This should be read in conjunction with the guidance provided in Part 2 of the Design Guide SPD, which focuses on specific areas of development and comprises four documents which complement, and are structured around, the Design Principles.
Once adopted, the Design Guide SPD Part 2 will also be a material consideration in determining planning applications. As such proposals should conform with the guidance provided to achieve the best outcomes at determination.
This new guidance will replace the following Bexley planning guidance: Design and Development Control Guidelines SPD, Crayford Residential Design Code, Crayford Town Centre Design and Identity Guide, and the Sustainable Design and Construction SPD.
The production of this document has followed best practice and been informed by a robust local evidence base. The guidance has been shaped through engagement with stakeholders and the public consultation process.
It should be noted that during preparation of the Design Guide SPD Part 2, the government published its draft NPPF. Once the final version of the new NPPF is published, it takes precedence should any conflicts arise between the two documents.
Design Guide SPD Part 2 – Small Sites
The London Plan policy on small sites identifies a small site as one below 0.25 hectares in area and this SPD has been developed to support the delivery of new homes on Bexley's small sites.
The sustainable development of small sites offers the potential to incrementally address the housing needs of the borough to meet the requirements of the growing population.
This guidance should be used as a tool to develop high quality homes that respond to Bexley's character and contribute to places where people want to live, work and play.
In addition to the broader objectives set out in the Design Guide SPD Part 1 – Design Principles, the objectives of this specific guidance is to:
- increase the general quality of the small site developments taking place in the borough
- increase the provision of homes on small sites
- ensure proposed densification is delivered in a sustainable manner that protects the character of the borough
- demystify and streamline the planning application process to reduce risks and encourage people to consider building out smaller sites
The document is structured to set out a range of typical small site developments seen in Bexley, alongside general considerations and signposting to other documents, including those within the Design Guide SPD. Where relevant, links to policies within the Development Plan that should be considered in the delivery of a small site are also provided.
The guidance sets out advice tailored to each of the three principles of growth in section D 08 of the Design Principles – either Maintain, Enhance and Transform, as described in Fig. 02. D 08 provides further guidance on how these principles of growth should be applied within Bexley.
Figure 2
Fig. 02 Design Guide SPD Part 1 - Design Principles - Principles of Growth
| Principle of Growth | How is this applied? |
|---|---|
| Maintain – least capacity for growth Outside a Sustainable Development Location | Sites should play close attention to their context and respond carefully to the existing building typologies using an appropriate design approach. Capacity for growth is typically limited due to local infrastructure pressures |
| Enhance – medium capacity for growth Within a Sustainable Development Location | Developments will typically incrementally evolve the area. New types of development that are marginally denser than the existing context are more appropriate and may take the form of appropriate additional height or alternative development types, where infrastructure can support this |
| Transform – most capacity for growth Within Sustainable Development Locations and an Opportunity Area with an adopted Planning Framework, and/or a Suitable Location for Tall Buildings | Development can form part of a wider change in density and typology in the area. Generally these areas have specific area strategies or masterplans set out which should be read alongside other design guidance |
How to use this guide
The Design Guide is separated into several distinct documents. Part 1 of the Design Guide, the Design Principles was adopted in January 2025 and applies across all types of development in Bexley to ensure consistency and quality. This is followed by additional guidance specific to certain types of development, including:
- Small Sites – sites below 0.25 hectares
- Building Alterations and Extensions – extensions and alterations to existing residential and non-residential buildings
- Area Types – common and emerging development types in Bexley e.g. industrial sites
- Site Design Codes – design guidance for areas undergoing significant change (these will be provided as part of the new Local Plan for Bexley)
These documents are supported by a Technical Handbook that contains detailed specialist information and standards required for certain planning applications, including highways, waste, sustainability and biodiversity.
The documents are colour-coded to aid navigation and each section of design advice is given a sequential number for ease of reference. Design Principles are given the prefix D. Small Site codes are given the prefix S, Building Alterations codes B, and Area Types codes A. The prefix for the Site Design Codes will be based upon the name of the area that is being planned.
The codes either use the words must, should or could. These indicate the strength of the guidance and whether it is required to meet adopted policy or suggestive. The codes only apply to relevant forms of development as judged appropriate by the planning officer assessing the relevant proposal.
The document uses precedent examples to illustrate the guidance, with text provided that explains what is deemed successful about the development. The use of these precedents does not automatically guarantee the approval of similar designs. All submissions to the Council will be determined based on their individual merits within their Bexley context.