South Kesteven are producing a Design Code for the District and are starting off by asking people what it should contain and what it should say. The aim of the Code is to improve the design quality of new development in the District.
Since 2023, Local Planning Authorities have been required by Central Government to produce a Design Code. The Code will help set out what South Kesteven’s design expectations are for new development.
This new Design Code must take account of local aspirations for new development.
- Would you like to help shape the future of the District?
- Would you like to influence how new development will be designed?
- Are you interested in seeing higher quality new development in the District?
We are seeking the views of local people, communities, industry and other relevant organisations to help shape the Design Code.
There will be 3 stages of engagement and we are at Stage 1.
Stage 1 - Content
Please complete the short questionnaire (link below) – to answer a couple of questions and register your interest for future events.
Design Code Questionnaire
Background Information on Design Codes
Design Codes are more prescriptive and precise than Design Guides (such as the Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven, 2021) and are defined as:
“a set of simple, concise, illustrated design requirements that are visual and numerical wherever possible to provide specific, detailed parameters for the physical development of a site or area” (National Model Design Code).
This new Design Code will supplement the Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven and may eventually replace it.
The Government (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government) have produced a guide to help Local Planning Authorities to produce Design Codes – this is the National Model Design Code (and Part 2 Guidance Note). The Government have also set up The Office for Place, a department aiming to provide support in raising design standards.
Local Planning Authorities are required to have a Design Code (or Codes) by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (15F in Schedule 7) and they will carry full weight in making decisions on new development proposals.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that:
“To provide maximum clarity about design expectations at an early stage, all local planning authorities should prepare design guides or codes consistent with the principles set out in the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code, and which reflect local character and design preferences. Design guides and codes provide a local framework for creating beautiful and distinctive places with a consistent and high quality standard of design. Their geographic coverage, level of detail and degree of prescription should be tailored to the circumstances and scale of change in each place, and should allow a suitable degree of variety.” (NPPF, 12.133)
Design Codes should follow the principles set out in the National Design Guide.
It is an essential that the Design Code is based on effective community engagement and reflects local aspirations for new development.