Design codes

Screen

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Go back to Design codes summary

These are the questions we answer during the Screen stage.

Answering them wil help us learn more about the Design codes consideration, determine if a data standard is required and whether we know enough to move on to the next stage.

  • What is the 'Design codes' consideration?

    A Design Code is a set of design requirements providing specific parameters for the physical development of a site or area. They set expectations of design quality for any upcoming development.

  • Is there legislation that defines 'Design codes'?

    Yes

    • What is the legislation that defines 'Design codes'?

      Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, Schedule 7, 15F -

      "(1)A local planning authority must ensure that, for every part of their area, the development plan includes requirements with respect to design that relate to development, or development of a particular description, which the authority consider should be met for planning permission for the development to be granted."

    • What is the specific part of the legislation that describes how a 'Design codes' gets designated?

      There is NO legislation on design code creation, but there is some guidance on "Creating a design code".

    • What is the specific part of the legislation that requires the publication of 'Design codes'?

      Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, Schedule 7, 15LC -

      "1) The Secretary of State may prescribe information within subsection (3) which each local planning authority must make available to the public."

      "(3)Information is within this subsection if it relates to— (a)the implementation of the local planning authority’s local plan timetable; (b)the implementation of policies in their local plan and any supplementary plans they have prepared; (c)the implementation of any policies which relate to the authority’s area, in any spatial development strategy that is operative in relation to their area; (d)the extent to which specified environmental outcomes (within the meaning of Part 6 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023) are being delivered in relation to the authority’s area."

      "(4)The information must be in such form, and made available or provided in such manner, as may be prescribed."

  • Who, in law, is responsible for the planning consideration or makes decisions about 'Design codes'?

    Planning authorities are expected to have at least 1 Design Code covering their area

  • Which organisations do we think should publish the data?

    • Local authorities

  • Is the Design codes a trigger?

  • Is the Design codes something to consult during plan making?

  • Is there any Design codes data already available?

    Yes

  • Do we think the data should come from a single source?

    No

  • Will a data standard be required?

    Yes