Design now has an even stronger role to play in the planning system, both in terms of plan making and decision taking. While the UK Government has announced a strategic review of guidance documents, there is a wealth of expertise and evidence on how best to achieve good quality design outcomes which are still relevant today.
Design Council Cabe has recently released Design Wayfinder, a short 'wayfinding' document to help planners and others make the case for good design.
In future planning authorities, applicants (and their advisers) and local communities will be expected to take responsibility for securing good design, and for taking the opportunities available to improve an area. The Design Wayfinder provides help for authorities, developers and communities. It identifies the main sources of guidance and best practice on good design, on robust local plan policies on design, and the type of analysis required to decide whether proposed development is acceptable.
"We are delighted to publish this document, which elegantly pulls together existing guidance on design in planning," said Kathy MacEwen, Head of Localism and Planning at Design Council Cabe. "It is based on our 12 years of experience in helping to create better places through planning."
The document is supported by the Planning Officers Society, RTPI, RIBA, and Landscape Institute.