The market town of Louth has a beautiful, intact mediaeval layout and many buildings of note. With several potential redevelopment sites coming forward there is a need for contemporary responses to urban planning and architectural design that are duly respective to contextual references.

The study, prepared for East Lindsey District Council, provides a clear synopsis of the key environmental quality issues that have bearing upon the physical appearance and economic and social vitality of the town, including the effect of traffic circulation and parking.

Proposals are put forward based on an understanding of the town’s regional context and historic evolution. This underpins a characterisation study, which identifies particular features such as urban grain, street frontage, ‘backlands’ and architectural detailing that give the town its essential character and quality.

The study has three principal components: an urban design strategy that establishes the primacy of the street design in determining urban legibility and vitality; a traffic management strategy that balances ease of access whilst minimising congestion and the visual intrusion of parking; and guidance on the redevelopment of key sites.