Frameworks provide broad development guidelines which may, where appropriate, be followed up with urban design studies and development briefs for specific areas and individual sites. The guidelines and objectives build upon the established character of the area represented by major buildings, landscapes and street patterns. Of the development areas, the Royal Docks represents the greatest challenge. It has been necessary for the development frameworks prepared by the Development Corporation to create a new urban framework plan based around the enclosed waters of the Royal Victoria, Royal Albert and King George Vth Docks which provide the context. The regeneration of such a large and diverse metropolitan area, significant parts of which are already settled, requires a sensitive approach.
New building is required to mend and extend the existing urban grain.
A large number of sites in Docklands exist within established or emerging residential and commercial areas where the Corporation seeks to consolidate and enhance the area's visual character. Circumstances vary considerably - some infill sites need to be developed to reinforce building lines and will be constrained by the height and massing of adjoining properties. Other sites offer the opportunity to be developed to provide focus and orientation. This does not mean that excessive levels of development will be supported in such locations, but that the site offers the opportunity of a distinct design solution, say, to acknowledge an important gateway or create a local landmark. Such opportunities must be designed to ensure that the new development enhances its setting and can be properly integrated with adjoining, existing and future developments.