What makes a streetscene?

The one clear reference is the Grade II Ingress Abbey, which survived the intervening hundred years of industrial development across the site on the banks of the Thames. Architectural references from the mansion house can be seen in the first phase of new homes at Ingress Park, which is one of ten character areas to be developed in the next two-to-three years. Gables, render and stone architraves are some of the features that borrow from the abbey.

For further inspiration Crest and Tibbalds TM2, the masterplanner and architect, undertook study trips to nearby towns and villages to develop a feel for the north Kent vernacular. The design team included representatives from Dartford Council, which has helped to smooth the planning process for the 900 homes, says Atkins.

The design team were widely influenced by Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which fitted in with an earlier decision to build at a high density. "When we started the project four years ago we knew that PPG3 was coming, and we wanted to take the principles on board," says Atkins. And because of the open book discussions with the planners, the council was also happy with this route. "Part of the agreement was that we would deliver quality in return for density," says Atkins.

Atkins' architectural gems are in Greenhithe's village centre, which contains a variety of Kent house types. These buildings will mostly be reflected in the Village Quarter of Ingress Park, which will sit next to the old village at the waterfront. Materials may include weatherboarding and knapped flint, but Atkins says that some local materials are no longer readily available. As a result materials such as Kentish Rag stone and flint will be sparingly used.

The housing won't be entirely traditional. There will be an opportunity along the riverfront to be more contemporary, says Fraser Stewart, director at Tibbalds TM2. These homes will still be in keeping with the overall tone of the development. "The integration of detail is important," he says.

Roof tiles, brick and overall designs change gradually as you move between areas. For example, as you near the abbey more dwellings are rendered and have decorative gables. Stewart says that the gradual transformation of architectural detail between character areas "helps to create a real sense of place and not a Disney land of distinct themed villages." To ensure cohesion between different areas of the development Stewart says he has tried to "keep a tight palette in the public realm." Tibbalds TM2 was careful to ensure the houses related to each other and to the river, surrounding woods, abbey and landscape. The practice also had to take into consideration a 26 m drop in the height of the land, which though creating visually interesting rooflines added greatly to the complexity of the project.

The architect was keen to maintain contiguous terraces, because it believes that it contributes to a more attractive streetscape. The mix of arches, balconies, dormer windows, bespoke garages, bays, gables, orangeries, and different materials also adds drama and ensures a rich variety of housetypes (over 50 in the first 100 homes). "It's about identifying architectural embellishments that give the townscape value," says Stewart.

Atkins says the investment in architecture is worth it, particularly in the first stage. "We are setting out our stall. We needed something new that raised the tone and attracted key buyers," he says "There are competing schemes nearby and our first phase is near the main road which gave us the chance to stand out from the crowd." Stewart says that quality housing is more important on brownfield land. "If a location is uninspiring the homebuilder has to pay more attention to the architecture in the first instance." Although the site has been used for industrial processes for the last 100 years, the development of Ingress Park still had to be handled sensitively. Capability Brown had a say in the original landscaping and as well as the Grade II listed house there are seven listed Victorian follies. Atkins says that by working alongside the project the planners could see the amount of investment Crest was putting into the building and restoration of the land. As a result of Crest's work, which included spending £6m restoring the Abbey, the council is only demanding 10% affordable housing.

According to Stewart, Kent County Council is using Ingress Park as the blueprint for all future developments. This will presumably apply to Crest's next development in the county. It has bought land on the peninsula next to Ingress Park and is planning to build up to 3000 more dwellings, which will use the 40 000 sq ft of retail planned at Ingress Park.

Garage
Garages have habitable space above them, which increases density of housing and maintains the street frontage. It also allows residents to drive into their own homes. Some garages have another door at the rear, a porte cochere, which allows residents to park a second car in their gardens and means vehicles are removed from the street.

Archway
Archways create permeability in contiguous terraces, enabling pedestrians to reach other parts of the village without walking along roads. They also create vistas to the Thames, woods, open space and other features such as the restored Victorian follies.

Gables
The brick gables reflect those of Ingress Abbey, which is where the arrow slits come from. Towards the abbey housing will feature more decorative rendered gables to match those of the 19th century originals.

Oriel windows
There are a large number of oriel windows, which as well as adding interest to the elevation, maximise river views.

Roofs
The architect has varied the roofs in the terrace to give homes individual character. Varying pitches, gutter valleys, and hipped roofs all help to define roofs. The roofs are made from Cembrit Zeeland, artificial riven-faced slate, which contrasts with the terracotta ridge tiles.

Balconies
Balconies feature prominently at Village Heights, the first phase of Ingress Park. They may be cantilevered, or supported by columns, brackets and bays. Some are open, some colonnaded, and some simple such as Juliets.

Bay windows
As well as bringing light into homes the bays add decoration to elevations and afford views to residents of natural features and the Abbey and follies. The wraparound bay on the corner house has views in all four directions.

Dormer window
These dormer windows are either set forward on the elevation or set back on the slope of the roof. The dormer heads are hipped but elsewhere on Village Heights dormer windows also have gabled heads and flat lead roofs.