Jun 13 2006
Lords Planning Minister, Baroness Kay Andrews, today called on local authorities and developers to make sure that all new developments are of high quality design.
The challenge came as new guidance was published on planning reforms that mean the majority of planning application will now have to be accompanied by design and access statements. The statements will set out how issues such as disabled access have been addressed in the proposal, ensuring there is a greater understanding of what is being planned and what the final development might look like.
In addition, a good practice guide on how the statements will work was released today by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). The guidance gives practical advice for developers and local authorities on what will need to be included and how the statements should be interpreted.
New research also published today shows that the quality of new developments is increased when Design Coding is used. The evaluation report shows that Design Codes - locally agreed guidance that sets out three-dimensional, site specific design requirements - has led to a more efficient, transparent development process. The research reviews 7 pilot schemes, which in some locations have been responsible for setting new benchmarks for design quality.
Baroness Andrews said:
"The Government is committed to putting high quality design at the heart of planning. We have reformed the planning system to ensure that good design is an integral part of any new development coming forward. The challenge now is for local authorities and developers to take these new approaches on board and to make sure that bad design is a thing of the past."
Design Coding in Practice: An Evaluation shows that codes create a shared understanding between developers, investors and occupiers about what is expected for a development. In this way, they can help to reduce the risk that is associated with conventional approaches to planning and development, where individual applications can often be held up because of arguments about design and layout.