Preparing Design Codes - GOV.UK

1 Preparing Design CodesA Practice ManualThis manual has been specifically published to show howdesign Codes can help deliver good quality places, and toconvey the means by which Design coding can be integratedinto the planning, Design and development processes thatshape the built environment. The use of Design Codes is not mandatory. The key fordevelopers, local authorities and other interested parties is to understand when and why Design Codes may be the righttool to use, and under what circumstances Design Codes canstreamline processes, add value and deliver better qualitydevelopment.

2 This manual addresses these important issues. It forms the what , how and who guide to Preparing and implementingdesign copies available from:RIBA Publishing15 Bonhill StreetLondonEC2P 2 EATel: 020 7256 7222 Fax: 020 7374 2737 Email: Design Codes A Practice ManualPreparing Design CodesA Practice ManualDepartment for Communities and Local Government: LondonISBN-10 1 85946 260 XISBN-13 978 1 85946 260 7 Stock Code Further copies are available from:RIBA Publishing15 Bonhill StreetLondonEC2P 2 EATel: 020 7256 7222 Fax: 020 7374 2737 Email.

3 Crown Copyright 2006. Printed on material containing 100% post-consumer waste (text), 75% post-consumer waste and 25% ECF pulp (cover). November 2006 Product code 06 PD 03945 Copyright in the contents, the cover, the Design and the typographical arrangement rests with the document/publication is value added. If you wish to re-use this material, please apply for a Click-Use Licence for value added material at applications can be sent to:OPSI, Information Policy Team, St Clements House, 2-16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1 BQFax: 01603 723000E-mail: publication has been approved by Ministers and has official status.

4 The contents of this publication may bereproduced free of charge in any format or medium for the purposes of private research and study or for internalcirculation within an organisation. This is subject to the contents being reproduced accurately and not in a way thatimplies official status. Any publisher wishing to reproduce the content of this publication must not use or replicatethe HMG logo or replicate the official version s style and appearance, including the Design , and must not presenttheir publication as being an official publication as this may confuse the public.

5 The reproduced material must beacknowledged as Crown Copyright and the title of the publication specified. HM Government does not accept anyresponsibility for the accuracy and the comprehensiveness of any other other use of the contents of this publication would require a copyright licence. Further information can obtainedfrom Guide Purpose, Structure and How to use it6 PART A: Design Codes A tool for delivering high quality environments81. Introducing Design codes102. Factors to consider before selecting a Design coding approach193.

6 The basis for successful Design coding25 PART B: Design Codes The process, a practice manual38 Stage 1: Initiating a Design coding process41 Stage 2: Coordinating inputs into the Design coding process49 Stage 3: Appraising the local context for Design coding57 Stage 4: Designing and testing the Design code65 Stage 5: Formalising the Design code81 Stage 6: Implementing the Design code99 Stage 7: Managing Design code compliance107 Annex 1: Using Design Codes in conjunction with LDOs112 Annex 2: The Design coding process summarised114 Annex 3: Glossary of terms116 Annex 4: Credits119 ForewordGood quality, inclusive Design is essential increating and maintaining places where peoplewant to live and work, now and in the Design is not just about making placesvisually attractive.

7 It has a fundamental role in achieving more sustainable development,helping to create flourishing economies anddiverse, vibrant and attractive local hallmark of good Design is a place that isdesigned around people, with its own identity,that functions well and that creates variety andchoice. To achieve this requires the developmentof creative and innovative solutions that respondto the challenges of modern life, therequirements of a specific location and thathelp tackle climate change and create placessuitable for the changes in climate nowaccepted as has a critical role to play in thedelivery of good Design .

8 The Government srecent reforms have ensured that good designand good planning are indivisible and haveset a policy framework that facilitates thedelivery of good quality places on the Codes can play a significant part inimplementing these reforms through helpingachieve consistently better quality three-year nationwide pilot researchprogramme we have carried out with theCommission for Architecture and the BuiltEnvironment (CABE) and the subsequent report Design Coding in Practice: An Evaluation confirmed that, when used correctly, designcoding is a very useful and exciting tool to helpraise the Design quality of new Codes are a particularly robust form of planning guidance.

9 Developed and usedeffectively with the right skills and expertise,they will be key to delivering one of thecentral policy objectives for our new PlanningPolicy Statement on housing (PPS3) which isto ensure that all housing is well-designedand built to a high standard. This guide, which we have produced jointlywith CABE, is intended as a user friendlymanual which provides helpful and practicaladvice to local authorities, developers andother key stakeholders on how Design codescan be prepared and used effectively. It setsout good practice drawn from real examplesof developing and implementing Design Codes across England, and from widerinternational Coding is one option open to localauthorities and designers to achieve highquality, well designed places.

10 Although it is not the only option, it is one which Ibelieve, if used effectively, will present local authorities and designers with greateropportunities to achieve good quality designin a transparent, streamlined and collaborativeway and which is tailored to reflect localneeds and circumstances. I hope that overtime, more and more development teams willadopt this new approach, and will contributeto developing a body of knowledge abouthow best to use this flexible tool to achievethe quality communities we all aspire AndrewsHouse of Lords Minister for Housing and Planning5 This Guide Purpose,Structure and How to use itPurpose of the GuidePlanning Policy Statement 1.