Updated design guidance published for new build housing developments

The UK Government has published updated national guidance for housebuilders and local planning authorities to use in the design and assessment of new housing developments.

The new guidance looks to ensure new neighbourhoods being built are of a high standard, sustainable and liveable, with access to local amenities within walking distance.

The changes ?the guidance forms part of the new rules-based system where developers meeting clear standards can progress more quickly through the planning process. Model design codes for developers are set to be launched later this year with clear rules to create successful places.?

Updated national guidance will also sit alongside local authority planning documents, including local plans and local design codes. The seven features set out in the new design guidance for new housing developments include:?

• Identity: Character shaped by local history, culture, and landscape, reflected in building types, and architectural details.
• Liveability: Homes close to amenities such as shops and GPs, designed for all stages of life, with communal and private space.??? 
• Climate: Buildings that cope with climate change, green spaces and adequate shade to reduce overheating, solar panels, green and brown roofs, and EV charging stations.???? 
• Nature: Hedgehog highways, swift bricks, green spaces and parks, and protection for existing natural features.?
• Movement: Safe streets, accessible public transport, and good parking without car dominated design.???? 
• Built Form: Rooms sized to promote health and wellbeing, with good storage, minimising outside noise, privacy and security, sunlight, and good ventilation, and with consideration for modern needs such as home-working.??
• Public Space: well-located spaces that encourage social interaction, with natural surveillance from windows and balconies.??? 

Draft guidance was published on the government website on 21st January, with a consultation on the proposals running until Tuesday 10 March.