Design moves to the centre
Following the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, the July 2021 revision made design quality a stronger test in planning decisions. It said that development which is not well designed should be refused, particularly where it fails to reflect local design policies and guidance.
Design codes
Councils were encouraged to produce design codes, prepared with local communities, setting clear rules for new development in their area, using the government’s National Model Design Code as a basis.
Trees
New streets should be tree-lined, and existing trees retained wherever possible, unless there are clear reasons why this would be inappropriate.
What it means today
Design quality remains a decisive issue, especially on small infill sites and in conservation areas. A design-led application that responds to local character, backed by a clear design and access statement, is far more likely to succeed.
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Sources
- GOV.UK: National Planning Policy Framework (current and previous versions)
- GOV.UK: National Model Design Code
This article is general information about planning in England at the date shown. It is not advice on any particular site, and the law and policy may have changed since. Please speak to us before relying on it.