Nature hits the National Design Guide

As a society we have never been more aware of the natural environment and the devastating consequences we could have on it, if what we do is not planned and managed appropriately. As consultants working in the built environment sector, we have vast opportunities, with the many skills and expertise, technology and foresight to make a positive impact. Now we also have good guide, which draws upon 10 key components when considering development.

Just remember the three C’s - Character, Community & Climate.

On Tuesday 1 October the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published a new National Design Guide, along with an update to the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) in relation to ‘good design’. This is the first national update to design guidance in nearly a decade. The government’s current intent is for the Design Guide to be supplemented by a National Design Code later this year.

The new Design Guide provides some more substance to the definition of ‘good design’ for use by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and developers.

“This design guide, the National Design Guide, illustrates how well-designed places that are beautiful, enduring and successful can be achieved in practice.”