In new residential development there should be a minimum distance of 21 metres between properties with facing windows to habitable rooms to avoid overlooking, and 10.5 metres to a neighbouring garden. This distance should be increased by three metres for each additional storey over two storeys. Where overlooking is a problem, especially in relation to neighbouring development, a higher degree of privacy will be required. In town centre developments and regeneration areas, these standards may not apply. In the case of higher density developments where less distance is provided, proposals should include innovative design solutions to avoid overlooking.