Brent LBC is set to radically change the way it plans and manages streetscene operations, following publication of its Placemaking guide.
The authority claims the document is the first of its kind in the UK to encompass so many different aspects of modern life in a town or city. It is designed for local businesses and council officers, involved in street care and planning duties, to ensure broad consistency of materials, colours, lighting and conservation priorities, while allowing for distinctions.
The initiative will be focused around reducing the amount of speed bumps, street clutter and excessive CCTV, ushering in a new era of street cafes, cycling and treeplanting.
Instead, width restrictions, rumble strips and a variety of options shown to work elsewhere will be considered.
It also includes guidelines on how to develop a safe, attractive and accessible place that encourages walking, play and leisure activities, and helps build a sense of community. There are sections on lighting, seating, traffic calming and discouraging crime, as well as protection for trees and wildlife.
Cllr James Powney, lead member for environment and neighbourhoods, said: ‘This plan is about ensuring that Brent’s streets are well designed and creating an environment where people want to use our public space.
‘Residents have told us that street clutter needs to be reduced, and I agree. Many signs and markings are simply redundant. We have more than 2,000 bollards in the borough. They have a role to play in public safety but have been installed ad hoc over the years.’
