All new developments must meet local standards

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced that local communities will be at the heart of plans to make sure that new developments in their area are beautiful and well-designed.

In response to the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission report, the government is proposing changes to the National Planning Policy Framework to place greater emphasis on beauty and place-making, and to ensure that all new streets are lined with trees.

Alongside this, ministers will be publishing a draft national design code that provides a checklist of design principles to consider for new developments, such as street character, building type, façade, and the requirements that address well-being and environmental impact, which councils can use as a foundation for their own local design codes.

As part of the measures, the government is encouraging all councils to publish their unique design code, so residents have a real say in the design of new developments in their area. In turn local communities will be supported by an ‘Office for Place’, to be created within the next year, to turn their designs into the standard for all new buildings in their area.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government will also be opening a new Community Housing Fund to support community-based organisations to bring forward local housebuilding projects for the £11.5 billion Affordable Homes Programme, backed by £4 million of support for local plan.

Jenrick said: “We should aspire to pass on our heritage to our successors, not depleted but enhanced. In order to do that, we need to bring about a profound and lasting change in the buildings that we build, which is one of the reasons we are placing a greater emphasis on locally popular design, quality and access to nature, through our national planning policies and introducing the National Model Design Codes.

“These will enable local people to set the rules for what developments in their area should look like, ensuring that they reflect and enhance their surroundings and preserve our local character and identity. Instead of developers forcing plans on locals, they will need to adapt to proposals from local people, ensuring that current and new residents alike will benefit from beautiful homes in well-designed neighbourhoods.”

David Renard, housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “We look forward to seeing the details of the draft national design code and the new Office for Place. We want to continue to work with the government to get these proposals right.

“Councils need to be at the forefront of a locally determined planning system which meets the housing needs and aspirations of their communities, and support proposals that go some way to facilitating that. Along with government, we want to ensure that homes are built to a high standard, with the necessary infrastructure to create sustainable, resilient places, and ensure that affordable housing is provided.”