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Jewel lery QuarterConservat ion Area

Design Guide

June 2005

E N G L I S H H E R I T A G E

W E S T M I D L A N D S R E G I O N

BIRMINGHAM’S Jewellery Quarter isunique, a heritage asset of internationalimportance. It contains the most significantand extensive group of surviving 19th and20th century buildings devoted to themanufacture of jewellery and small metalgoods in Europe. Many of these buildingsare still occupied for their original purpose,but industrial decline over a number ofyears has left others vacant and in a state ofdisrepair. Together with its partners theCity Council is bringing new life to the

Foreword

THE PUBLICATION of this DesignGuide completes the processes undertakenby the City Council and its partners toprotect the unique environment of theJewellery Quarter. This began with thearchitectural survey of the area carried outby English Heritage and their report, TheJewellery Quarter Urban Village, AnArchitectural Survey of the Manufactories1760-1999, produced in 1999. InSeptember 2000, on the basis of this work,the Council extended the Jewellery QuarterConservation Area and in January 2002 theJewellery Quarter Conservation AreaCharacter Appraisal and Management Plan

was adopted as Supplementary PlanningGuidance. The character appraisal definesthe special interest and character of thearea, the context in which any proposals forchange must be considered. Themanagement plan provides policies whichguide change so that this special characteris preserved or enhanced.

The plan recognises that new developmentmust respond sensitively to local context ifthe historic character of the JewelleryQuarter is to be protected. The promotionof sympathetic new design of high quality isessential to its successful management.

Quarter, promoting a thriving mixed useeconomy and encouraging the reuse of itsattractive and distinctive buildings.

The Council’s strategy for the revitalisationof the Jewellery Quarter underlines itscommitment to the principle of‘Regeneration through Conservation’, usingthe best of the past as a resource to guidethe future. Design quality in the Quarterwas historically high and is integral to thearea’s special character. This document is

intended to help maintain that quality,encouraging new development not only topreserve but also to enhance theexceptional historic environment of theJewellery Quarter.

Councillor Ken HardemanCabinet Member for Regeneration

The Jewellery Quarter Conservation AreaDesign Guide is intended provide clear andconsistent guidance to developers in orderto ensure that new buildings enhance thespecial qualities of the Quarter andcontribute to its successful regenerationand long term and sustainable future.

Clive DuttonDirector of Planning and Regeneration

Jewellery Quarter Design Guide

1Jewellery Quarter Design Guide

Contents

Contents

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Introduction

Status of the Document

Views

Hierarchy

Enclosure

Grain

Scale

Materials

Architectural Detail

Landscaping/Amenity Space

Signage, Shopfronts and Lighting

Security

Appendix 1: Building Regulations

Appendix 2: Additional Reading

Acknowledgements and Contact

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2 Jewellery Quarter Design Guide

Introduction

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarteris an extraordinary place. Therecent detailed research carriedout by English Heritage makes itvery clear that the Quarter is aunique historic environment inEngland and that it has few, ifany, parallels in Europe. Whatmakes it so special? We knowthat the Quarter is home to acomplex network of specialistskills and trades, to the busiestAssay Office in Britain and to adynamic School of Jewellery. Butwhat really puts the JewelleryQuarter in a class of its own isthe survival and continued use ofso many specialist factories andworkshops in one place,buildings which define what theQuarter is all about and whichmark its many phases ofdevelopment from the lateeighteenth century to the present

day. Seen from the air, theJewellery Quarter now appears asa tapestry made up almostentirely of long, thin plots of landon which has been developed themost extraordinary concentrationof industrial buildings.

What is so striking about thishistoric industrial landscapetoday is the number of survivingbuildings. The number ofbuildings still in use as industrialpremises is equally impressive.The Quarter is no museum oflost industrial skills, but remainsa thriving workplace andcommercial centre for thejewellery trade and other metalworking industries. It continuesto be, as it has always been, aplace where adaptation andchange remain significant factorsin the life of the community. But

changes in the pattern and scaleof manufacturing have broughtdemands for different uses andfor new types of development.

How should the pressure forchange in the Jewellery Quarterbe managed? On the one handextraordinary historicenvironments need special levelsof care and attention if theirspecial qualities are to survive.On the other hand an activeworking community has to reactto constantly changing economiccircumstances. Birmingham CityCouncil, with the help of EnglishHeritage, has worked to developplanning policies and guidancefor the Jewellery Quarter whichare both appropriate to theneeds of constructiveconservation management andsensitive to the needs of theQuarter’s business community.

The contribution made by newbuildings to historicenvironments is crucial to theirdevelopment and is invariably asignificant component ofsuccessful conservationmanagement. Where the

preservation and enhancementof special character is theprimary consideration, localauthority guidance on theacceptable parameters for newdesign is essential. Thisdocument completes a portfolioof publications designedspecifically for the managementof the Jewellery Quarter inappreciation of its specificqualities. The processes ofresearch, evaluation, protection,management planning and policydevelopment have followed onefrom the other, each stageinforming the next in thesequence. The City Council is tobe congratulated on itsdedication to this process and onthe production of policies andguidance which protect andenhance the special character ofthe Jewellery Quarter. Theseshould now be appliedconsistently and creatively aspart of a long-term commitmentto the care of this extraordinaryplace.

Bob HawkinsEnglish Heritage


The publication of design guidance for newdevelopment within the Birmingham JewelleryQuarter completes the programme of policydevelopment and management guidance establishedby the City Council to support the designation of theJewellery Quarter Conservation Area in 2002.

Introduct ion

This document was adoptedas Supplementary PlanningGuidance (SPG) to theBirmingham Plan on 13th June2005. It has been prepared inaccordance with and buildsupon guidance contained inthe Birmingham UnitaryDevelopment Plan (UDP) andthe Jewellery QuarterConservation Area CharacterAppraisal and ManagementPlan (adopted as SPG 2002).

The UDP at Chapter 3contains general designpolicies to guide developmentwithin all conservation areas.Paragraph 15.74 of the UDPrefers specifically todevelopment within theJewellery Quarter and statesthat it

…..should recognise and retainthe unique character of the areaand be sensitive to existing usesand buildings and consistentwith the requirements of itsConservation Area status.

The Jewellery QuarterConservation Area CharacterAppraisal and ManagementPlan provides more detaileddesign guidance and states inPart 2.2.1 that the City Councilwill produce a design guidefor new development in theQuarter.

The Jewellery QuarterConservation Area DesignGuide should be read inconjunction with the JewelleryQuarter Conservation AreaCharacter Appraisal andManagement Plan.

PURPOSEThis guide does not aim tostultify development butrather to promote sensitivenew design of high qualitywhich demonstrates asympathetic andcontemporary response to theunique historic context of theJewellery QuarterConservation Area. Proposalswhich follow the guidance willbe received positively. Poorquality proposals whichignore its requirements will beunlikely to gain consent.

All applications shouldcontain a design statementshowing how the principlescontained in this documenthave been addressed.



1The topography of theJewellery Quarter allows goodviews within, into and fromthe area and enhances thevistas along its streets. In anynew design therefore it isimportant to establish howand from where the proposeddevelopment will be seen.

ConsiderLong distance views to andfrom the site.

How the development isviewed within its immediatecontext.

ROOFSCAPEThe Quarter’s variedroofscape forms an importantelement in the views into andthrough the area. Featuressuch as chimneys and gablesadd variety and interest.

Rooftop plant can be bulkyand intrusive. Plant shouldalways be carefully integratedinto the design of any newdevelopment. Where possible

it should be accommodatedat basement level or in theroofspace.

Setback storeys and brise-soliels should be avoided.They introduce a dominanthorizontal elementuncharacteristic of the areawhich intrudes on the historicrooflines and the local streetscene.

ConsiderThe visual relationship ofthe proposed new roof withthe traditional roofscape inthe area.

Will the new roof sitcomfortably within theroofscape of thesurrounding buildings?


Views

Chimneys adding varietyto the roofscape

Typical streetscenes inthe Jewellery Quarter

The varied roofscape ofthe Jewellery Quarter

Views

HISTORIC LANDMARKSHistoric landmarks enhancethe legibility of the Quarter’stownscape and reinforce itssense of place. Newdevelopment should not blockimportant views of suchbuildings and structures asseen from public space.

ConsiderWhere these landmarks areand from where they can beseen.

Will the proposeddevelopment blockimportant views of anylandmarks?

Context plan showing viewsto and from the site.

Photomontages showingviews of proposeddevelopment.

Existing sections throughthe surrounding blocks.


Provide

Blocking a landmark

View of St Paul’s Church - a historic landmark in the Jewellery Quarter

2


Hierarchy

STREET HIERARCHYThe Jewellery Quarter has aclear hierarchy of streets. Anysite is defined by its locationwithin this pattern. Newdevelopment should reflectthe local hierarchy in scale,massing and architecturaldetail.

ConsiderThe location of thedevelopment site. Is it on aprimary, a secondary or atertiary route? A designwhich is appropriate for asite on a principal routemight not be suitable for adevelopment on asecondary or tertiary street.

How the proposeddevelopment relates to thehierarchy of the surroundingurban fabric.

Does the site run throughfrom one street to another?If so, street frontagesshould be designed toaddress each street.

Is it a corner site? If so,how does the cornertreatment relate to thestreet hierarchy? In somelocations architecturalemphasis should be givento the corner, in others asimple treatment is moreappropriate.

A simple corner treatmentBuildings fronting asecondary street

The frontages of this cornerbuilding address both streets

A corner that has been givenarchitectural emphasis

ConsiderHow the buildings within asite relate to one another.

Use of materials andarchitectural detail.

Plan showing primary andsecondary vehicular andpedestrian circulation.

Sketch showing how theproposed developmentrelates to the hierarchy ofthe surrounding urbanfabric. Identify existing andproposed principal andsecondary frontages.

Sketch showing hierarchy ofproposed developmentwithin the site.


Provide

Hierarchy

HIERARCHY WITHINBUILDING PLOTSThere is a distinct hierarchy ofbuildings within historic plots.Buildings behind the street/principal frontage aresubordinate in scale,architectural detail and varietyof materials, their secondarystatus providing a cleardivision between public andprivate space. The massingof new development shouldreflect this traditionalhierarchy. Workshop building behind

principal frontage

Examples of principal buildings on the main street frontage with subordinate buildings fronting the secondary streets

New development ina street scene

New build Existing

3The dense urban grain of theJewellery Quarter creates astrong sense of enclosure.The clear division betweenpublic and private space isemphasised by the viewsallowed through cart andcarriage entrances into yardsand courts.

STREET ENCLOSUREBuildings should follow thepredominant building line atback of pavement to create awell defined and harmoniousstreet frontage. The divisionbetween public and privatespace should be clearlydefined.

Some traditional propertiesare set behind front plotswhere boundary walls andrailings have been removedfor car parking. These shouldbe reinstated whereverpossible to maintaincontinuous enclosure alongthe street.

ENCLOSURE BEHIND THESTREET FRONTAGEOpen space at the rear ofbuilding plots traditionallytook the form of a narrowyard enclosed by buildingsand high boundary walls. New development shouldfollow this pattern.

VEHICLE ACCESSCarriage entrances off thestreet traditionally allowed asingle cart or carriagethrough. Gates were hung atback of pavement to openinwards. New developmentshould follow this pattern.Large vehicle entrances leavegaps in the street frontageswhich erode enclosure.


Enclosure

Buildings following the predominant building line at theback of pavement to create a well defined street frontage

Traditional carriageentrance which sits wellwithin the street frontage

Wooden gate tocarriage entrance

ConsiderThe width of the street andthe scale and massing ofthe buildings on either side.

The relationship betweenpublic and private space.

Access for emergencyservices in largerdevelopments. Firehydrants and wet/dry riserscan be installed to avoid theneed for large vehicleentrances.

View along the street toshow how the proposeddevelopment contributes toenclosure.


Provide

Enclosure

A view through acarriage entrance toprivate rear space

Street enclosure

Birmingham andFazeley Canal

Regent Place

Vittoria Street

Caroline StreetThe scale and massing of these buildingsrelate well to the width of the street

4The close urban grain of theJewellery Quarter isparticularly distinctive andshould be retained andwherever necessary enhancedby new development.

Where the characteristicallydense grain of the area hasbeen eroded, through thedemolition of rear workshopsfor example, it should bereinstated to reflect thetraditional form.Development must respectthe historic pattern of plotboundaries, particularly wherea proposed new buildingcovers two or more traditionalbuilding plots.


Grain

Traditional building plots

The close urban grain of the Jewellery Quarter

Street block, Great Hampton Street/Branston Street. First Edition OS 1889

BUILDING LINEExcept where historically therewas a front plot, newdevelopment should be builthard up against the back ofpavement to follow thehistoric street frontage line.Setbacks will not bepermitted. Where domesticprivacy at ground floor level isa design constraint,commercial use should beconsidered.

INFILL BUILDINGSInfill buildings should be builtup to the party walls on eitherside. Foundations should bedesigned to negate the needfor any gaps.

LARGE GRAINIn some parts of theIndustrial Fringe the closeurban grain has been lost.Here consideration may begiven to the retention of thelater larger grain.

ConsiderThe historic grain of thesite. It may be useful tolook at historic maps andplans.

How new street frontagescan be articulated to reflecthistoric plot boundaries.

How the historic plotpattern can be retained orredefined at the rear.

Figure and ground plan withbuildings blocked out.

Tissue study.

A 3D model for largerschemes.

Tissue studies are a method of siteand context appraisal where thescale and layout of differentsettlements can be compared. Thetechnique provides clues to howthe place may be structured bytracing plans and maps of familiarand successful places over aproposed development site at thesame scale.


Provide

Grain

An infill building which abutsthe party walls on either side

An example of the larger grainwithin the Industrial Fringe area

Tissue Study

5New buildings should respectthe urban context of the sitein height and scale. Newdevelopment should notgenerally attempt to matchthe height of adjacentbuildings precisely but shouldmaintain the subtle variety ofroofline characteristic of thearea.

Except in the City Fringebuilding height in theconservation area is limited toa maximum of four storeys.In some contexts howeverthree or even two storeys maybe more appropriate.

PROPORTIONTraditional buildings in theJewellery Quarter have regularand harmonious proportions.

The pattern of fenestration isvital in the expression ofproportion. As a general rulewindows should be regularlyspaced and set back within areveal. Glazing bars and,where appropriate, transoms

and mullions should alwaysbe incorporated into windowdesigns and profiles andsections should be correctlyproportioned.

Entrances should beproportioned to relate to theoverall design. They can beused to provide a focus atstreet level but should not bevisually dominant.

Floor to ceiling heights areimportant in establishingproportion. In the JewelleryQuarter these are generallyreduced in diminishingproportions from the groundstorey upwards. This shouldbe replicated in newbuildings. Provision forcommercial use can assist increating appropriate floor toceiling heights at ground floorlevel.


Scale

The subtle variation in theroofline of these buildings ischaracteristic of the area

Emphasis given tothe ground floor

RHYTHMThe rhythmic use ofarchitectural elements anddetailing is frequentlyemployed to break downscale.

LEVELSThe topography of theJewellery Quarter can createvarious changes in levelwithin a development site.New buildings should sit onactual ground level andfloorplates should step downthe hill. They shouldaccommodate any changes inlevel and follow the gradientwithin the development site.

ConsiderHow floor to ceiling heightsaffect proportion.

How the proposeddevelopment responds tothe height of thesurrounding buildings.

How the proposeddevelopment responds tothe rhythm and proportionof the surroundingbuildings.

A bird’s eye perspectiveshowing the height of theproposed development inrelation to the adjacentbuildings.

Perspective drawing of thenew development within theexisting street scene.

Indication of floor levels ofproposed and adjacentbuildings on drawings andperspectives.

1:50 indicative details ofwindows, together with 1:20window profiles andsections.

A site plan showing levels.


Provide

Scale

Diminishing proportions reducethe scale of this building

The use of rhythmic elements and detailing helpsbreak down the overall scale of this building

PerspectiveDrawing

6One of the definingcharacteristics of the JewelleryQuarter is the limited paletteof traditional materials,generally red brick with brick,stone or terracotta details andblue grey slate. Windowframes are timber or metal.These materials should beused in new development toreflect local context and createa harmonious street scene.Other high quality materialsmay be allowed where theyare sympathetic and can beshown to preserve andenhance the character of theconservation area.

Materials which disrupt theharmony of the streetscapesuch as silver/light greycladding, timber cladding,render or yellow brickwork willnot be allowed. The use ofUPVC for windows, doors andcladding will not bepermitted. The use ofreclaimed traditionalmaterials is sustainable andwill be encouraged.White glazed bricks were

sometimes employed in theQuarter to reflect natural lightthrough side or rear windows.The use of this material toachieve the same purposemay be acceptable in newdesigns.


Mater ia ls

A traditional slate roof

A brick buildingwith terracottadetails

A simple palette of materials used to create building detail

Glazed bricks used to reflect natural light

ConsiderHow materials are to beused. Stone, for example,must not be used to face anentire façade.

The sustainability ofmaterials.

How building materials willweather.

How mortar joints and brickbonding can contribute tothe overall quality of thedesign.

Full colour drawings ofelevations showing textureand 3-dimensional effect.

A condition requiringsamples of all materials willbe attached to planningapprovals. Details ofmaterials must besubmitted with yourapplication, preferably in theform of a colour sample/board.

A sample panel constructedon site, showing brickbonding and mortar joints.


Provide

Materials

Principal frontagein terracotta

Workshop with bandedbrickwork and traditionalmetal window frames

Stone used to give horizontal emphasis

Full colour drawing

7Architectural detail shouldalways be an integral part ofthe design of any newdevelopment in the Quarterand should never beconsidered as anafterthought. The primaryfrontage should be the focusof architectural display withsecondary buildings given asimpler treatment.

Architectural detail should befunctional. It should promotelegibility, reflect hierarchy,contribute to scale,proportion and rhythm andhelp protect the building fromthe weather.

There should be nounnecessary clutter on thefaçades of new buildings. Ifsafety rails are required,simple bars in the windowopening should be usedrather than Juliet balconies orrailings which project fromthe face of the building.

Balconies, whether projectingor recessed, should not bepositioned on streetfrontages. Balconies on therear of existing buildings willnot be permitted but may beallowed on the rear elevationsof new development wherethese are not open to publicview.

Entrance canopies disrupt theharmony of the streetscapeand should be avoided.


Archi tectura l Deta i l

Architectural detail as an integralpart of the overall building design

Architectural detail used toemphasise a principal entrance

Rainwater goods used tocontribute to proportionand rhythm

Detail used topromote legibility

ConsiderHow architectural detail canpromote legibility.

How it can reduce scale.

How it can provideprotection from the weather.

For all architectural details,

Large scale indicativedrawings.

Cross and vertical sections.


Provide

Architectural Detail

Architectural display on a primary frontage

Simple modernentrance in a yard

Large scale indicative drawings

8Private external space in theJewellery Quarter wastraditionally provided bynarrow rear yards, usuallypaved in blue brick. Newdevelopment should reflectthis tradition.

FRONT PLOTSSome properties have frontplots that have been pavedover for car parking and theboundary walls and railingsremoved. The reinstatementof front boundary walls, gatesand railings will beencouraged. Thedevelopment of car parkingspaces on forecourts will notnormally be permitted.

CAR PARKING



Reinstatement of an historicfront plot, boundary walls andrailings restored (BirminghamConservation Trust 1996)

A rear yard paved in blue brick

Landscaped rear yard

The demolition or partdemolition of buildings forthe development of carparking will not normally beallowed. Parking in the rearyards of existing buildingsmay be permitted where thereis a carriage entrance off thestreet. In new developmentcar parking should beaccommodated below ground,wherever possible, or in smallenclosed rear yards.

ConsiderThe use of surface materialsin rear yards. These shouldbe traditional, simple androbust, blue bricks orpaviors, for example.Planting schemes should belimited to pots and tubs ornarrow planting strips alongwalls.

The boundary treatment ofsurviving front plots. Thereinstatement of traditionalboundary walls, gates andrailings will enhance theappearance of both thebuilding and theconservation area.

How car parking can beintegrated into developmentto create the least impact onthe character of the area.

Site plan/perspectivesindicating landscapingdetails and materials.


Provide


A contemporary interpretationof a traditional paved yard

An example of amodern car parkingsolution in an existingrear yard. A turningplate allows cars toenter and exit inforward gear, and astacking systemenables more cars tobe accommodated

Yard perspective

9In a commercial area such asthe Jewellery Quarter signagecan make a significantcontribution to localcharacter.

There is a wide range oftraditional sign types in theQuarter:

Signs painted directly ontobrickwork.Painted timber boards.Relief lettering.Planted or incised lettering.Etched or painted windows.A series of metal or woodenplaques on buildings inmultiple occupation.

New signage should reflectone or other of these types,with the emphasis on qualityand finish.

Signage should be designedto suit the proportions of thebuilding. It should not clutterthe façade or destroy orobscure architecturaldetailing.

SHOPFRONTSRetail units generally have ashopfront or display window.The City Council’s ShopfrontsDesign Guide (adopted asSupplementary PlanningGuidance in 1995) containspolicies relating to theappearance of shopfronts andretail signage. Referenceshould be made to thesepolicies when designing newbuildings with a retail elementor shopfronts within anexisting building. In theunique context of the JewelleryQuarter special regard shouldbe paid to characteristic localdesign and materials.


Signage, Shopfronts and L ight ing

Examples of display windows

Well proportioned signage which forms partof the architectural detailing

Examples oftraditional andmodern signagein the JewelleryQuarter

ConsiderThe size and position of anyproposed sign.

Use of materials.

The appearance of aproposed shopfront inrelation to the building inwhich it is contained andthe local streetscene

LIGHTINGShopfronts and fascias shouldbe externally lit. Lightingshould be unobtrusive.Internally illuminated signsare not permitted in aconservation area.

Floodlighting may beacceptable for landmarkbuildings.

BLINDSDutch blinds, fan blinds andfixed blinds will not bepermitted. Traditionalretractable blinds will beallowed where appropriate.

Before displaying any signcheck with Planning whetherAdvertisement Consent isrequired. Advice can be givenon the appearance and sitingof proposed signage.

Detailed drawings at a scaleof 1:50 of entire elevationsshowing existing andproposed shopfronts andsignage.

Detailed scale drawings andsections of any proposedshopfronts and signs.

Photographs of existingshopfronts and those onany adjacent buildings.


Provide

Signage, Shopfronts and Lighting

Further examples of traditionalapproaches to signage

Jewellery Quarterdisplay window

10Security in the JewelleryQuarter, where valuable goodsare being manufactured andsold, is clearly an issue ofgreat importance. A balancemust be struck betweenpreserving the character andappearance of theconservation area andproviding appropriate security.

Acceptable solutions can beprovided by:

Security glazing.Internal window securitygrilles.Demountable externalsecurity grilles.

There is a generalpresumption against the useof security shutters on ListedBuildings and withinConservation Areas(Shopfronts Design Guide1995). This applies to alldevelopments in the JewelleryQuarter.


Secur i ty

Internal security grilles

External security grilles onground floor windows

External demountable security grilles

GATESGates in the Jewellery Quarterwere traditionally made oftimber and this is thepreferred material for newgates. Where, for securityreasons, visibility is requiredbeyond the gate, a metalgrille/visibility panel can befitted. Timber gates can bereinforced with steel at therear for increased security or aset of metal gates can beadditionally installed at theend of the cart or carriageentrance.

Detailed drawings ofelevations showing thepositions of proposedsecurity grilles.

Detailed drawings ofproposed security grillesshowing fixing and tracks.


Provide

Security

A wooden gate to apedestrian entrance

Vehicle entrance gatesincorporating glazed panels

Additional securitybehind wooden vehicleentrance gates

Security bars

Building RegulationsAll new development andmost proposals for change ofuse of or material alteration toexisting buildings in theJewellery Quarter will requireBuilding Regulation Approval.

The relevant ApprovedDocuments for work tohistoric existing buildings areas follows -

Approved Document B - FireSafety Covers fire safety issues suchas means of escape, internaland external fire spread,internal fire protection andFire Brigade access.

Sensitive individual solutionscan be designed andapproved to comply with therequirements.

Approved Document E -Resistance to the Passage ofSoundCovers sound insulation inthe case of a change of use

and applies to existing wallsand floors.

The document recognisesthat, where historic buildingsare concerned, it may not bepracticable to improve soundinsulation to the approvedstandards. In these cases abalance should be soughtbetween compliance and whatis practically possible.

Approved Document L1 andL2 - Conservation of Fuel andPowerCovers heat loss and thermalinsulation in the case of achange of use or materialalteration.

The document recognises theneed to conserve the specialcharacter of historic buildings.In these cases only reasonableprovision is required toimprove energy efficiency tothe extent that is practicallypossible. This is particularlyrelevant in the case ofreplacement windows.

Approved Document M -Access to and Use ofBuildingsCovers access to and use ofbuildings by all peopleregardless of disability, age orgender.

Historic buildings arerecognised as a finite andculturally important resourcewhere it is important toachieve an appropriatebalance between accessibilityand historic character andappearance.

Compliance with ApprovedDocument M is not arequirement under theDisability Discrimination Act(1995). Advice on thislegislation and its applicationto historic buildings shouldbe sought from a qualifiedaccess consultant.

Applicants are advised to referto the following publicationsby English Heritage

Building Regulations andHistoric Buildings Balancing theneeds for energy conservationwith those of buildingconservation: an InterimGuidance Note on theapplication of Part L (2002)

Easy Access for HistoricBuildings (2004)


Appendix 1: Bui ld ing Regulat ions

The Birmingham Plan, Birmingham Unitary Development PlanAlterations and Environmental Appraisal Deposit Draft 2001, SecondDeposit Changes 2002, Pre-Inquiry Changes 2002.

Regeneration through ConservationBirmingham Conservation Strategy 1999

Jewellery Quarter Conservation Area Character Appraisal andManagement Plan 2002

Shopfronts Design Guide 1995

The Jewellery Quarter Urban Village, Birmingham, Urban FrameworkPlan 1998

Building Regulations and Historic Buildings Balancing the needs forenergy conservation with those of building conservation: an InterimGuidance Note on the application of Part L English Heritage 2002

Easy Access for Historic BuildingsEnglish Heritage 2004


Building Regulations and Additional Reading

Appendix 2: Addi t ional Reading

“The Jewellery Quarter is recognised as a centre of excellence forhigh value-added goods and for its inspiring architecture and character.It is acknowledged as a spatial priority within the Regional EconomicStrategy.In support of our contribution to deliver the strategy, AWMwill offer assistance to projects located within the Quarter, which willbe sympathetically developed in line with this Design Guide.

Rosie PaskinsDirector for Birmingham and Solihull, Advantage West Midlands.

“The Jewellery Quarter is one of Birmingham's most unique areasand it is therefore vital that in regenerating it we do not compromisethe quality of design. The Design Guide sends out a clear but positivemessage to developers and landowners about what is expected toensure the area's regeneration is not undermined by mediocredevelopment."

Jan RowleyAssistant Director, Regeneration Birmingham City Council.

“The Jewellery Quarter is truly an architectural gem and I welcomethe introduction of clear design guidance for developers and landownerswhich will hopefully encourage not only the sympathetic refurbishmentof existing buildings but some exciting new designs”.

Andy MunroOperations Director, Jewellery Quarter Regeneration Partnership.

“The Jewellery Quarter Association and Birmingham Civic Societywelcome the Design Guide document as Supplementary PlanningGuidance, to help those involved in the regeneration and refurbishmentof the Jewellery Quarter; and to encourage good contemporary design

not a pastiche, in harmony with the particular buildings and streetsthat adjoin.”

Ross BellamyChair, Jewellery Quarter Association and Member of BirminghamCivic Society.

“Some developments over the last few decades have been an insultto the heritage of our City and the mistakes of the past must not beallowed to be repeated. The Guide concisely identifies the extraordinaryhistorical and unique character of The Quarter and then very succinctlysets out the standards, values and principles that future projects shouldaspire to achieve.”

Tim FieldChair, The Jewellery Quarter Community Web

“Good design is critical to attracting and retaining good businessesin the Quarter. We need an approach to development which reflectsthe creativity of the businesses working there and our aspirations forthe Quarter as a place which gets noticed nationally andinternationally”

David DraycottExecutive Director Business Services Birmingham Chamber ofCommerce and Business Link.

“Hopefully this guide will assist developers and their consultants inunderstanding the aspirations for the Quarter which will assist in theimplementation of future schemes and minimise delays”

Jon BellfieldBarberry Developments Ltd.


Quotes f rom Partnersh ip Board Members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSBen Bolgar - The Prince’s Foundation

The Jewellery Quarter Partnership Board

CONTACTBirmingham City CouncilPlanningAlpha TowerSuffolk Street QueenswayBirminghamB1 1TU

Conservation TeamToni Demidowicz/Richard HudsonTel: (0121) 303 1115Email: [email protected]

Local PlanningDiane SampsonTel: (0121) 303 2262Email: [email protected]

Design PolicySimon Delahunty-ForrestTel: (0121) 464 8258Email: [email protected]

Text: Simon Delahunty-Forrest, Toni Demidowicz, Richard Hudson, Diane Sampson

Graphics: Colin Smith

Photography: Jane Willetts

Jewellery Quarter Design Guide

Historic Building Plan showing shopping wings

Jewel lery QuarterConservat ion Area

Design Guide

June 2005E N G L I S H H E R I T A G E

W E S T M I D L A N D S R E G I O N www.birmingham.gov.uk