The policy for housing design in the 2015 Local Plan for West Dorset is: ENV12. THE DESIGN AND POSITIONING OF BUILDINGS i) Development will achieve a high quality of sustainable and inclusive design. It will only be permitted where it complies with national technical standards and where the siting, alignment, design, scale, mass, and materials used complements and respects the character of the surrounding area or would actively improve legibility or reinforce the sense of place. This means that: • The general design should be in harmony with the adjoining buildings and the area as a whole; • The position of the building on its site should relate positively to adjoining buildings, routes, open areas, rivers, streams and other features that contribute to the character of the area; • The scale, mass and positioning of the building should reflect the purpose for which the building is proposed; • The quality of the architecture is appropriate to the type of building with particular regard to its architectural elegance, symmetry and rhythm, and richness of detail; • Materials are sympathetic to the natural and built surroundings and where practical sourced locally; • Any alterations to or extensions of buildings should be well related to, and not overpower, the original building or neighbouring properties, unless they achieve significant visual enhancement to both the building and surrounding area; • New housing should meet and where possible exceed appropriate minimum space standards. ii) The council will work with stakeholders and the local community to develop an approach for adaptable and accessible homes in accordance with the latest government guidance.