National Model

Design Code
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January 2021
Contents
The Coding Process Guidance Notes (separate document)

Purpose.............................................1 Code Content

Objectives..........................................2 Community Engagement
Application...........................................4
Coding Process...................................5

Glossary

References

Credits

* Glossary, references and credits are

included in this document and cover the
content of both the coding process and
guidance notes
The Coding Process
Purpose
1. The purpose of the 2. The National Planning Policy Framework
(NPPF) makes clear that local planning
5. A design code is a set of simple, concise,
illustrated design requirements that are visual
National Model Design authorities should ensure that visual tools and numerical wherever possible to provide
such as design codes and guides are used specific, detailed parameters for the physical
Code is to provide detailed to inform development proposals to provide development of a site or area. This guide is a
guidance on the production maximum clarity about design expectations toolkit to guide local planning authorities on
at an early stage and reflect local character the design parameters and issues that need
of design codes, guides and preferences. They should provide a to be considered and tailored to their own
and policies to promote framework for creating high-quality places,
with a consistent and high-quality standard of
context when producing design codes and
guides, as well as methods to capture and
successful design. It design to inform development proposals. reflect the views of the local community from
expands on the ten 3. It also makes clear that the level of detail
the outset, and at each stage in the process.

characteristics of good and degree of prescription within design

codes and guides should be tailored to the
6. The National Model Design Code forms
part of the government’s planning practice
design set out in the National circumstances and scale of change in each guidance and should be read as part of the
Design Guide, which reflects place and should allow a suitable degree of
variety where this would be justified.
National Design Guide, and alongside the
planning practice guidance notes referenced
the government’s priorities in Part 3 of the National Design Guide,
4. Design coding is one tool available to Manual for Streets, and other forthcoming
and provides a common local planning authorities, communities and guidance relating to the natural and
overarching framework for developers to define and deliver design
quality, in addition to design guides, planning
environmental characteristics of development.
This guidance is not a statement of national
design. briefs, heritage characterisation studies, policy, however, the government recommends
standards and masterplans as set out in the that the advice in this guidance on how to
NPPF and planning practice guidance. prepare design codes and guides is to be
followed.

1
Objectives
7. The National Planning 8. The National Model Design Code sets out
design considerations which local planning
11. The National Model Design Code sets
a baseline standard of quality and practice
Policy Framework expects authorities will be expected to take into which local planning authorities are expected
account when developing local design codes to take into account when developing
local planning authorities to and guides and when determining planning local design codes and guides and when
develop local design codes applications. determining planning applications, including;

or guides, taking account 9. Design codes are important because • The layout of new development, including
they provide a framework for creating street pattern;
of the National Design healthy, greener, environmentally responsive, • How landscaping should be approached
Guide and the National sustainable and distinctive places, with a including the importance of streets being
consistent and high-quality standard of tree-lined;
Model Design Code. This design. This can provide greater certainty • The factors to be considered when
guidance sets out clear for communities about the design of
development and bring conversations about
determining whether façades of buildings
are of sufficiently high quality;
design parameters to design to the start of the planning process, • The environmental performance of place
help local authorities and rather than the end. Creating more beautiful
places requires a greener approach, with
and buildings ensuring they contribute to
net zero targets;
communities decide what more energy efficient buildings, integrating • That developments should clearly take
with the natural environment and contributing account of local vernacular and heritage,
good quality design looks positively to the net zero carbon target by architecture and materials.
like in their area, based on 2050.
12. Design codes can provide a more specific
local aspirations for how 10. The government understands that quality steer on what is acceptable when they are
design does not look the same across
their area will develop, different areas of the country, for instance,
visual and numerical rather than relying on
detailed policy wording, as well as being
following appropriate local that by definition, local vernacular differs and easier to engage with. They can also give
design priorities differ for scale and types of
consultation. development.

2
developers greater certainty about what 15. Paragraph Introducing
132 of the thetenNational
characteristicsPlanning
signed p
may be acceptable when seeking planning Policy Framework 35
states that development
Well-designed places have individual
well-de lac
characteristics which work together to A e
permission, and can help lead to faster that is not well create
designed
its physicalshould betenrefused
Character. The
characteristics help to nurture and sustain a
decisions based on whether a proposal permission, especially where
sense of Community. it work
They failsto positively
to Lif
esp
an Cont
ext C
complies with a code, which can help to reflect local design policies and government
address environmental issues affecting

h
e
Climate. They all contribute towards the es
I

a
Made to last Enhances the

speed up the delivery of development. guidance on design, taking intogoodaccount

design set outany

at

de
cross-cutting themes for

ra
surroundings

c
ur

nt
in the National Planning Policy Framework.

m
so
local design guidance and supplementary

ity

ct
Re
Efficient and Attractive and
The ten characteristics set out in Part 2

Cli
36
13. For larger schemes, design codes can
resilient distinctive

planning documents which use visual

er
are:

Homes and
help to maintain consistency in the delivery

buildings

B u il t f o r m
tools such as design codes and guides.
Context – enhances the surroundings.
■■
Functional, healthy
A coherent
pattern of
and sustainable

of development over a longer period of time. Identity – attractive and distinctive. development

Conversely, it states that significantpattern ofweight will

■■

Built form – a coherent

Codes also set out a necessary level of
■■

be given to development which reflects local

Accessible and
development. Mixed and easy to move
integrated around

detail in sensitive locations, for example, with

t
design policies and government guidance

en
Movement – accessible and easy to
■■

Us

em
Enhanced
move around.
heritage considerations, and they can set

es
Safe, social and

on design, takingNature into– enhanced

account any local

ov
and inclusive optimised M
■■ and optimised.
out specific ways to maintain local character. design guidance and supplementary
Public
■■ spaces – safe, social and planning
Pu
sp blic
ace N atu
re

Design codes and guides can also be helpful

s
inclusive.
documents which use visual tools such as Co y
Uses – mixed and integrated. m m u nit
in facilitating custom-build, self-build and the
■■

design guides and Homescodes.

and buildings – functional,
use of modern methods of construction.
■■
healthy and sustainable. The ten characteristics of well-designed places

16. In the absence of local design guidance,

Resources – efficient and resilient.
■■
10 Characteristics of Well Designed Places
14. When preparing design codes and local planning authorities will be expected to
Lifespan – made to last.
■■
(National Design Guide Extract)
guides, communities need to be involved defer to the National Design Guide, National
at each stage of the process in order to Model Design Code and Manual for Streets
8

gain measurable community support that is which can be used as material considerations
appropriate for the scale and location of new in planning decisions. This supports an
development. This will address the ambition aspiration to establish a default for local
in a new planning system to bring democracy design principles and settings as part of
forward so that communities decide what forthcoming planning reforms that lead to well
good design means locally and that this is designed and beautiful places and buildings.
enshrined in design codes and guides.

3
Application
be determined locally. A coding plan will other parties. Local planning authorities
be needed to show the area covered by should follow the advice in the plan making
the code or guide. There is an option to Planning Practice Guidance, particularly
use area types so that the guidance can when producing design codes or guides
be adjusted to reflect local character. as a supplementary planning document.
17. This document should The commentary in Part 2 provides a Neighbourhood planning groups may choose
checklist of content for design guidance to produce their own design codes or guides
be used as a basis for or policies that local authorities may as part of the neighbourhood plan process.
the production of design consider including in their local plans if a
design code is not appropriate.
codes and guides by local 1. Local Authority
19. The National Planning Policy
planning authorities. It uses Framework is clear that design
Some elements of the code may
apply to the entire local authority

information that should be

area.
policies should be developed with
local communities, so they reflect
readily available to the local local aspirations. Local authorities 2. Area type
authority and is intended to
Some elements of design codes
may collaborate with developers can apply to types of area, for
and landowners on design codes, example, all villages, or all inner
be applied flexibly according particularly in relation to specific sites. suburbs.

to local circumstances as Developers and landowners may also

choose to prepare their own design
3. Development Sites
not all characteristics and
Parts of the code can relate
code as part of a planning application. specifically to development sites
such as urban extensions, new
design parameters may be 20. Through preparing local plans and settlements and other large sites
where the code may be guided by
relevant. supporting supplementary planning
guidance, local planning authorities
masterplans.

18. The document provides design guidance should develop an overarching design 4. Plot
and needs to be used alongside the National vision and objectives that can inform Parts of the code can be used to
guide individual building plots, for
Design Guide to inform local design guides design codes, guides and other example relating to a single house
and decision making as well as to inform tools that inform the design of the or block of flats, whether they be
design codes and guides. The area covered built and natural environment in their in existing urban areas or new
development.
by the design code and the level of detail is to area, whether prepared by them or

4
Coding Process
Figure 1. Design Code Process

21. The process of preparing a local design code is based on the

1.
following seven steps:

Consultation
1. Analysis A B
Scoping Baseline
1A - Scoping: Agreeing on the geographical area to be covered
by the code and the policy areas that it will address.          
Analysis
1B – Baseline: Bringing together the analysis that will underpin
the code and inform its contents.    

2. Vision

2.
2A – Design Vision: Dividing the area covered by the code into
A B C

Consultation
a set of typical ‘area types’ and deciding on a vision for each of
these area types.      Design Coding Master-
2B – Coding Plan: Preparing a plan that maps out each of Vision Vision Plan planning
the area types and also identifies large development sites from
allocations in the local plan.   
2C – Masterplanning: On larger sites working with land
owners and developers to agree a masterplan for each of the

3. A B
development sites establishing the key parameters and area

Consultation
types.
Guidance for General
3. Code Code Area types Guidance
3A – Area Type Guidance: Developing guidance for each area
type by adjusting a set of design parameters.   
3B – Design Code Wide Guidance: Agree on a set of policies
that will apply equally across all area types.

5
1.A Scoping 24. There are benefits in having a single
design code covering one of the above
options, rather than having separate design
27. All design codes should include as a
minimum:

codes for each site. • Movement strategy where appropriate

22. The first step is to • Access and street hierarchy where
Content: appropriate
decide on the scope of the • Landscape and open space strategy
code, in particular which 25. The guidance notes include all of the •
•
Land use and mix
Density
potential issues that might be covered by a
parts of the local area it design code. These are organised under the • Heights
needs to cover, and which ten headings of the National Design Guide •
•
Number of homes
Identity and character of buildings and
and include sub-headings. Codes are not
policy areas it addresses. expected to cover all of these issues, and public spaces
the context and scale of development will
28. Some issues will depend on the decision
Coverage: determine the appropriate issues that need to
about the coverage of the code. Codes that
be included.
cover large scale development will need to
23. In terms of geographical coverage
26. Some design parameters are an essential include guidance on creating a new street
some authorities may wish to create a code
component of design codes for their effective network, public transport routes, planning
that covers their entire area. Codes may
use such as movement pattern, built form, and designing green spaces and providing
cover all existing built-up areas, or just new
height, land use, character of buildings and schools and other facilities. By contrast
development sites. The options are therefore
public spaces, open space and density while in existing built-up areas where the street
that the code covers:
others are discretionary (see Figure 2). The network etc. already exists, these elements of
• The whole local authority area including latter include, for example, housing standards the code will be less relevant (see Figure 2).
all existing settlements and development that are crucial but may be dealt with
sites. elsewhere in local plans.
• Selected parts of existing settlements and
development sites.
• Just development sites.

6
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4
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U.1.i Land ;Use;
UseEfficient Land;; Use; ;;
consultation will take place, what N3:2
N3:1
Net Gain
Biodiversity
Net Gain R RU.1.ii
R U.1.ii 4 U1:3 Active
Mix
MixU1:2 MixR R R; R R;
Frontage RRR;; R
N.3.i N.3.i
Net Gain
N.3.i NetR GainR RR R RR R R Mix U.1.ii
techniques will be used and how the N3:3
N3:2 Street Trees
Biodiversity R R 4U.1.iii
R4U.1.iii
■R 4 U2:1 Housing
Active
U1:3Frontage for
Frontage All ;RR
R ;RR; covered in a code
N.3.ii N.3.ii Biodiversity
Biodiversity
N.3.ii Biodiversity
R R RR R RR4R R Active
ActiveU.1.iii
Frontage ActiveR Frontage
R RR R RR
community will be engaged.
N.3.iii N.3.iii StreetN3:3
Street N.3.iii
Trees Trees Street Trees
Street Trees R R ■R
R R ■R 4R R R ■R ■R 4U.2.i
R4U.2.i
4
Housing forU2:1
Housing
U.2.i forHousing
All Housing All ;
; forfor
All All
;; ; ;; ;;;;; Issues that may be covered elsewhere
and so not included in the code

7
1.B Baseline
29. Design codes need to
be based on an analysis
of the area covered. The
purpose of the analysis is
to understand the area and
inform a vision that will, in
turn, form the basis for the
code.
30. Local planning authorities will need to
have an understanding of their area informed
by recent evidence such as characterisation
studies or site analysis, with input from the
community, to support design coding. Local Figure 3. Figure Ground Plan: A set of analysis plans can help
planning authorities may already hold this Heritage assets, including understand the local area and inform area types described on the following pages.
information, so it is possible that they will conservation areas
not need to carry out further analysis for the
Land use, economic uses 31. This analysis will feed into the
purpose of producing a design code. The
analysis could include: Built form, density, massing identification of the ‘area types’ described
Community infrastructure and schools in the next two steps as well as providing a
Topographical, ecology, river and
baseline on issues such as street hierarchy,
waterways, flood risk Public transport accessibility open space provision, public transport and
Open space and green infrastructure Road/street hierarchy community facilities that will inform elements
Local character of the code.

8
Figure 4. Street Figure 5. Transport
Hierarchy: Parts of the Accessibility: Parts of
design code relate to the the design code may allow
character of different street an increase in densities or
types. This would be facilitated building heights in areas
by classifying all of the streets of high public transport
of the local area on the basis accessibility. If this is the case,
of a street hierarchy. This can it will be important to have a
be done by identifying primary plan showing public transport
streets and secondary streets, accessibility such as a public
the remainder being local transport accessibility level
streets. plan or equivalent.

Figure 6. Open Figure 7. Land Use

Space Provision: The Pattern: The use section of
Nature section of the design the design code relates to land
code relates to open space use pattern, including cultural
provision, ecology, green spaces, schools and other
and blue environments and community facilities and again
their resilience. There may be it may be useful to have an
value in having an authority- authority-wide plan showing
wide plan showing each type the location of existing
of open space and natural facilities.
designations and their relevant
proximity zones.

9
2.A Design Identifying Area types
34. When preparing a design code for the Few urban areas will include all of these

Vision
whole local planning authority area, one types.
approach is to divide the existing built-up area
to be covered by the code into area types. 37. The area types should be analysed
These are areas of character that will be used using a standard worksheet (See Fig 8). This
to set common parameters in the code. If the is something that can be done as part of
code is covering a small area, then this stage consultation events with local communities.
32. Design codes need to be may not be necessary. However, many places This analysis will feed into a vision for what
based on a vision for how a will include a number of different area types that area type should become in the future.
which will need to be analysed and mapped.
place will develop in the future,
35. Area types can be identified through
as set out in the local plan. This characterisation studies, GIS analysis or a
Consultation
vision needs to be developed combination of these and the experience of
The design visioning process will be an
planning officials and local communities.
with the local community and important focus for consultation. This
36. Area types are based both on the existing could be undertaken through a series
is likely to be an important part character of the place and how the local of workshops across the local area that
of the community engagement authority and community expect the area to involve communities and stakeholders
develop in the future. In Step 2B we describe in the analysis of existing character and
process. ten possible area types as a starting point. visioning of how this character may
change.

33. Local planning authorities may wish Its character and appearance. Wider surveys may also be necessary
to create a vision statement which sets The mix of uses and facilities. to ensure widespread local input
out the specific aims for the design code. beyond workshop attendees. This
The amount and character of green
These visions need to be aspirational can include ‘walking workshops’,
space.
and set the context for the subsequent photographic surveys and visual
development of the code covering: The way in which it deals with preference surveys to understand the
traffic, parking, walking and cycling.
aspects of local character that people
An appreciation of the existing area or Sustainability including energy
site, its natural, topographical, historical value and those that they would like to
efficiency. change.
and heritage features.

10
Figure 8. Extracts
of Example Area
type Worksheet See
guidance notes appendix
for template

11
2.B Coding Figure 9. Coding Plan: This plan

Plan
shows the area to be covered by the code
and divides this up into a series of area types
as described opposite. Most places will not
include all of these area types, and some
38. The analysis will feed into may include types that fall outside all of these

a plan similar to Figure 9, that

examples.

shows the areas of the authority High Rise City (not shown)

to which the code will apply Town/City Centre

along with the distribution of Urban Neighbourhood

the area types. The plan also
Inner Suburb
shows major development sites
based on local plan allocations Industrial Area

that will be subject to the Business Park (not shown)

masterplanning exercise in Step Local Centres and High Streets
2c.
Outer Suburb

Urban Green Space

39. The existing built-up area to be covered should be identified to avoid the design code being too
by the code needs to be identified as an complex.
Rural
area type or a mixture of area types as
illustrated in Figure 10. 41. Area types can include other uses, such as a
small factory or school within a suburban area type. Village
40. Some places will include only a few area The principle being that, if that site came up for
types, and some may include examples of development, then it would be appropriate to be guided Locally Designated
all ten types. A limited number of area types by the identified area type.
Development Areas (see Step 2c)

12
 Figure 10. Example Area Types

High rise city Town/City centre Industrial areas Business, science Local centres
This could apply to parts of large A typical dense city typology with Industrial areas of single or retail parks: Areas of This relates to district and
city centres where there would over 120 dwellings per hectare storey manufacturing and retail, office development, neighbourhood centres and
be no or limited restrictions on (dph) and a strong mix of uses. storage units. science and technology parks. high streets, typically 3-5 storey
height. blocks with other uses at ground
floor.

Urban neighbourhood Suburbs Outer suburbs Villages Rural settlements

Urban neighbourhoods with net Neighbourhoods with net Lower density suburbs with net Villages have their own distinctive Rural areas may include rural
housing densities of 60-120 dph residential densities of 40-60 densities of 20-40 dph, few character often with 2 and 3 building and settlement types.
and a mix of uses. dph. A mix of short terraces and apartments and less of a mix of storey buildings in an informal
semi-detached units. uses. layout.

13
2.C Master Who is responsible? application, community consultation, outline

planning
44. The coding framework for development or detailed application stages. Landscape
sites can be produced, by the landowner/ can be a major driver in a design process
developer on their own, in partnership with at masterplanning scale. The exercise may
a local planning authority, or by the local include an illustrative masterplan that shows
planning authority on its own. This would what the area could be like in the future for
be done when the site is allocated for the purposes of consultation, but the detailed
42. If a design code is development in the local plan and included in plan would be illustrative.
being prepared for larger a design code.
Figure 11. Development Site
sites, it may be necessary What the masterplan includes:
Masterplan: The aim of the masterplan is to
45. Figure 11 shows a notional masterplan
to produce a masterplan as for one of the development sites identified on
provide a framework for the application of the design

part of the design coding the coding plan in step 2b. The level of detail code to the site. This is likely to include:
will vary depending on whether the authority
exercise. This masterplan
The landscape strategy, taking account of existing
or developer is preparing the masterplan natural features and new structural elements.
will establish a new street and the complexity of the site. It will also
depend on where the site is in the planning The amount and position of open space provision.
network, decide which area process – local plan preparation, pre-
The number of homes and other uses (from the local
types apply, along with plan allocation).

various other parameters. Consultation The points of access and connection to the wider
street network.
The masterplanning exercise for
43. These development sites will usually development sites needs to be subject The broad position of the primary and secondary
have been allocated in the local plan and will to a separate community engagement streets but not local streets.
generally be larger sites. Smaller sites can be exercise. This will need to be co- The position of the local centre if relevant.
dealt with within the area type framework. ordinated with the consultation on
the local plan allocation as well as The area types that will apply to different parts of
consultation being undertaken by the the site (which will in turn reference rules on density,
owner/developer. height, street building line etc.)

14
Illustrative plan Local centre Area types

Points of access Primary and secondary streets Open space

15
3.A Guidance for Area types
46. This section describes 48. This section should be read in conjunction
with the guidance notes and the relevant
Built Form: This is the main issue that
varies by area type including density,
the area type policies that sections are indicated for each issue. grain, building line and height.
authorities should consider 49. The issues covered are: Identity: The design of buildings will vary
by area type and may vary to a lesser
when creating design codes degree within area types.
Movement: The guidance relating to
or guides. These issues will the network of streets, active travel, and Public Space: The character of each
need to be addressed for public transport relates to all area types. type of street will vary by area type.
The key variables being the street types
each area type. If the code and parking arrangements. Use: The opportunities for intensification,
mix of uses and housing types mix of
is not using an area type Nature: Most of the guidance on uses, and active frontage will all vary by
approach, these issues will nature also applies to all area types, the
potentially being open space standards,
area type.

need to be considered for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and Homes and Buildings: Guidance of
privacy distances and garden/balcony
the whole code area. urban greening.
sizes may vary by area type.

Figure 12. Illustrative Area types

47. We have used the town centre, urban
neighbourhood and suburban area types as
examples in this section. These are purely
illustrative, and the suggested settings are
illustrative and should not be taken as a policy
suggestion.

Town centre
Urban Suburbs
neighbourhood

16
Movement
50. Well-designed places should be accessible and easy to move around. This can be achieved
through a connected network of streets, good public transport, the promotion of walking and Figure 14. Residential Parking Options:
cycling and well-considered parking and servicing. Detailed information is provided in Guidance
Note Code Content: Movement. The following might require area type-specific guidance:

Car barns or decked Within an integral

i New streets: All new streets should be safe and ii New junctions: Guides might specify traffic signalled parking structures garage in a town
overlooked and correspond to their role in the street junctions on high streets and less formal, unmarked junctions house
hierarchy and area type - e.g. a primary street in an on local streets. See M.2.ii - Junctions and Crossings
urban centre will have a different character to one in a In the rear garden
village See M.1.iii - Street Hierarchy iii Car parking: Standards for all uses will be set in the local
plan, but the ways in which they are accommodated will vary.
See Fig 13 and 14 and M.3.i - Car Parking
iv Cycle parking: Standards will be set in the local plan and
Figure 13. Parking Arrangements specified in codes according to context. e.g. public cycle
parking on a high street or private cycle storage in a dwelling.
See M.3.ii - Cycle Parking

On-street in
defined bays

At the front of
Parking courts
the property
within blocks,
normally gated
At the side of the
property often with a
Town centre: New provision should Urban neighbourhood: Likely to Suburbs: Likely to be in-curtilage, at the
garage
be at basement, semi-basement or be on-street (for visitors), within the front (with suitable landscaping) or to the side
decked. New surface parking might be building (townhouse), or to the rear in of the property, so cars don’t dominate the
UNALLOCATED ALLOCATED
prohibited where there is a clear and gardens or parking courts. street. Visitor parking is likely to be on-street.
compelling justification.

17
Nature
51. Nature and green spaces should be woven into the fabric
of our villages, towns and cities. This provides benefits in Boundary treatment Entrances on desire lines
terms of health and wellbeing, biodiversity, climate and flood
mitigation. Detailed information is provided in Guidance Note Maintenance and
Code Content: Nature. Most of the guidance on nature will management Surveillance:
be general. The following might require area type-specific overlooked
guidance: and safe

i Open spaces: Open space standards may vary, with less open
space in smaller, accessible pockets required in town centres and
more generous provision in suburbs. Key principles for integrating Activity: space for
Ecology: nature rich areas
different uses
green space can be adapted for different contexts. See Fig 15
and N.1.iii Open Space Design Accessible to all
ii Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS): In urban areas, these Lighting
may be integrated into the built environment, while suburbs could
make use of natural/landscape features. See Fig 16 and N.2.ii
Sustainable Drainage
iii Green infrastructure: Urban area types might include Rain capture (water butts)
requirements for green roofs and walls, lower density areas for
more natural green spaces and habitats. See N.3.ii Planning for Permeable surfacing
Soakaways and filter drains
Biodiversity
Green roofs

Street trees
Figure 15. Open Space Design (top): Key principles of
how green space can be integrated to improve the environment and
liveability, and which can be tailored to different contexts. Swales Basins and ponds

Figure 16. SuDS Toolkit (bottom): A variety of tools Retention tanks Reedbeds and wetlands
that can boost sustainable drainage in different contexts.
Rain gardens

18
 Built Form
52. Built form refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of buildings, iii Party wall: How buildings town/local centres and coarser (larger
blocks, streets and spaces. This will form the core of the design code and adjoin or relate to their plot sizes) in suburbs. See B.1.iii
the settings for each element of built form will vary considerably by area type. neighbours. Likely variation in Building Types and Forms
Detailed information is provided in Guidance Note Code Content: Built guidance by area type is shown
v Public/private: New development
Form. in Fig 17. See B.1.ii Party
Wall Condition should create a clear separation
between the public fronts of buildings
i Density: Codes should define density ranges, ii Floor area ratio: Calculated by dividing
iv Grain: The pattern of plots and the private rears within the centre
which are likely to be higher for town and local the gross floor area of the building by
in an urban block/area. New of development blocks. This is normally
centres and lower in suburbs (example below) the area of the plot, FAR can be used to
development should, where achieved using blocks. Likely variation
Mixed use schemes can be calculated on a regulate the density of non-residential uses
possible, be sympathetic to the by area type is shown in Fig 18. See
pro-rata basis. See B.1.i Density (example below) See B.1.i Density
existing grain. The grain is likely B.2.i Blocks
to be finer (smaller plot size) in
Town Centres: >200d/ha Town Centres: >2
Urban Neighbourhoods: 60-120d/ha Urban Neighbourhoods: >1
Suburbs: 30-50 d/ha Suburbs: <0.5

Figure 18. Block Types

Figure 17. Party Wall Conditions

Suburbs: Buildings are

either detached or only
join on one side.
Town centres:
Buildings should be
allowed to join on Urban neighbourhoods:
either side and to the Buildings should be allowed/ Town centre Urban neighbourhood Suburban informal
rear. required to join on either side. courtyard blocks perimeter blocks blocks

19
Built Form
vi Building line: The building line
Figure 19. Examples of is created by the primary front face
Typical Area Type Built Form of buildings along a street and is a
Settings key element of design codes. New
development should follow the
established building line where it exists.
Where there is no building line (for
example on the periphery of a town
centre or a development site), codes
should set one. Coding for building
lines can include:

Variation: The extent to which

buildings can be set forward or back
from the line.
Projections: Allowance for elements
such as balconies.
Compliance: The percentage of the
building line that should be occupied
Town centre: Urban Suburb: by development.
Density: >200d/ha neighbourhood: Density: 30-50 d/ha
FAR: >2 Density: >60-120d/ha FAR: >0.5 Set-Back: The distance that buildings
Party Wall: Side and rear FAR: >1 Party Wall: One side are set back from the pavement.
Block Type: Courtyard Party Wall: Both sides Block Type: Informal
Figure 20 shows how building line
Building Line: Continuous Block Type: Perimeter Building Line: 50%
guidance might change by area type.
Set Back: 0-1m Building Line: 75% Set Back: 3-6m
Eaves Height: 18m Set Back: 1-3m Eaves Height: 9m See B.2.ii Building Line
Eaves Height: 12m

20
 vii Heights: The height of buildings will viii Tall buildings: In many areas codes
be a key element of design codes. This will need to make provision for taller
Figure 20. Building Line: In urban areas, the building line will be
is regulated through eaves heights, buildings. Some city area types may
continuous and the set-back limited. In suburban and rural areas the set-back
total heights and exceptions. Figure 21 include no limit on height. However,
will be greater and there will be much more variation.
shows how heights might vary by area in most area types codes can either
type. See B.2.iii Height indicate zones where taller buildings
Compliance can be considered or indicate the
circumstances where exceptions to
the height coding might be considered
See B.2.iii Height Para 118 -119

Figure 21. Heights

Urban building line Suburban building line

Town centre heights: An example Urban neighbourhood and suburban

showing an eaves height of 18m and heights: An example showing an eaves
a maximum height of 23m, allowing height of 12m and 9m with maximum height
5 storeys of housing or 4 storeys of of 3m above this, allowing for 4 or 3 storeys
offices over active ground floor uses. of housing.

21
Identity
53. The identity of an area comes not just from its built form and iii Boundaries: The treatment of iv Roofscape: Variation in eaves
public spaces but from the design of its buildings. This is not about boundaries has a significant role to height and roof forms will vary
architectural style, but about key principles of building design. All new play in creating character. Figure 23 based on the character of the local
buildings should relate to the architectural character and materials shows how guidance on boundaries area. Historic town centres, villages
of the surrounding area. In local design codes guidance on identity might change according to area type and suburbs tend to have a variety
will vary considerably by area type, informed by the worksheet at the of roof types whereas a Georgian
appendix of the guidance notes, and may include guidance on the inner neighbourhood, for example is
following components. Detailed information is provided in Guidance typically uniform.
Note Code Content: Identity, in particular Section I.2.i Building
Design Principles
Town centre: May
i The base of the building: ii Thresholds: Entrances should be have small set-backs
The ground floor may be treated emphasised in the architectural treatment that are part of the
differently to the upper floors to of façades. This can include porches, public realm.
create a relationship with the street. recessed doors and other entrance
It may use different materials and features.
include active uses, especially in the
Urban
context of a town/local centre.
neighbourhood:
May have a small
front garden with
boundary treatment.

Suburb: May have

a larger front garden
with landscaped
boundary treatment.

Figure 22. Base/Ground Floor Figure 23. Boundaries Figure 24. Roofscape

22
v Windows: Guidance may be vi Variation in frontages: vii Detailing: Guidance may be Tall building design principles: Tall buildings may
provided on the design of windows Guidance may be provided on provided on the use of colour, be permitted in certain area types which will require
based on the character of the area. the level of articulation such as quality of materials and detailing, guidance on their design. Key principles are set out
The proportion of glazing may set-backs, porches, balconies and drawn from the surrounding below. See I.2.i Para 49 for more detail
vary with city centres allowing fully bays, especially if the character context, e.g. an area might be
Top: Consider the impact on the skyline. Services
glazed façades but elsewhere the of such features are particular to characterised by the use of a
need to be concealed, and both the street views
glazing ratio might be limited to the existing area. Fig 26 shows particular type of brick. A degree
and the long views need to be considered.
35%. Guidance can also direct the how frontage variation can create of complexity will ensure that
orientation of the windows and the different characters. buildings are attractive from a Form: Should be well-proportioned in terms of
depth of reveals. distance and close-up. Fig 27 slenderness when viewed from all frontages.
shows how depth and interest can
be created with window details. Materials: The use of materials to be consistent
and simple.
Base: Consider following the building line at street
level, which may require a base to the building that
is scaled to the surrounding buildings.
Public realm: Public spaces around the base to
be generous, well designed and contribute positively
to the local context.
Entrance: The entrance needs to clearly marked.
Micro-climate: Needs to be considered in terms
of overshadowing and wind. It may be necessary
to protect the surrounding public realm from down
draughts.
Active frontage: If required by the design code
the ground floor of the tall building needs to include
active frontages.

Figure 25. Windows Figure 26. Frontage Variation Figure 27. Detailing

23
Public Space

Town centres Urban neighbourhoods Suburbs

Primary streets: Enclosure Ratio: 1:2 Enclosure Ratio: 1:2 Enclosure Ratio: 1:5
Designed to take through traffic Active Frontage: 30% Active Frontage: 10% Active Frontage: 10%
and public transport See P.1.i
Primary Streets

25-35m 25-30m 28-35m

High streets:
The focus for local shopping
centres, often with traffic but Enclosure Enclosure Enclosure
sometimes traffic-free See P.1.i Ratio: 1:1 Ratio: 1:1.5 Ratio: 1:3
Primary Streets Active Active Active
Frontage: Frontage: Frontage:
15-20m 17-23m 70%. 17-22m 60%
80%.

Secondary streets:
Taking local traffic into
neighbourhoods and often the Enclosure
location of shopping parades and Enclosure Enclosure Ratio: 1:3
local services such as shops See Ratio: 1:1 Ratio: 1:1 Active
P.1.ii Local and Secondary Active Active Frontage:
13-16m Frontage: 50% 13-16m Frontage: 30% 17-22m
Streets 20%

Local streets:
Enclosure
Providing vehicle access only to
Enclosure Enclosure Ratio: 1:2.5
the properties on the street but
Ratio: 1:1 Ratio: 1:1 Active
with through pedestrian and cycle
Active Active Frontage:
traffic See P.1.ii Local and 10-14m 11-14m 14-18m
Frontage: 30% Frontage: 0% 0%
Secondary Streets

24
54. The quality of public space is partly Figure 29. Street Types: The guidance notes contain a range of
about the way it is designed and partly about examples of the design of street types from major cities to market towns and
the way it is enclosed by well-proportioned villages. The excerpt below shows how the identity of a primary street can
buildings. Detailed information is provided vary considerably depending on context; from an urban primary street with
in Guidance Note Code Content: Public tall buildings and a public transport hub to a market town high street with
Space. Streets are a component of public mid-density buildings and a market square.
space which will vary considerably by area
type. Section P.1 details different types of
street, showing how urban form can be
coordinated with the guidance in Manual for
Streets.

i Streets: New development should contribute to the

character of the street on which it is located. This
character will be different depending where the street
sits in the street hierarchy and the context in which it
is located. Figure 28 illustrates how the characteristics
of a street might vary by area type and position on the
street hierarchy. A similar diagram could form part of
design code guidance at local level. See P.1 Streets

Figure 28. (Opposite) Street Matrix: An

illustrative example showing how street character and form
might change by area type and by position on the street
hierarchy. Urban primary street Market town high street

25
Use

55. Sustainable places include a mix of uses that support everyday activities
including space to live work and play. Detailed information is provided in Guidance
Note Code Content: Use. The following components are likely to vary by area type.

i Intensification: Making more efficient use of land. Figure 30. (Right) Active Frontage: An
In urban areas this might mean infill development or example of uses that can create activity at the
development of airspace. In suburban areas it might level of the street, e.g. community facilities, cafes
mean garden development. See U.1.i Efficient use and restaurants, shops and offices.
of land.
Figure 31. (Below) School Design: Both
ii Mix: A mix of uses will likely be a requirement in the suburban (left) and urban (right) schools complete
centres, will be encouraged in urban neighbourhoods the block and address the existing building line, but
and may be permitted but not required in suburbs See differ in height and density according to their context.
U.1.ii Mix
iii Active frontage: Ground floor uses that create
interest and activity. Requirements for such uses will
likely be higher in town/local centres than suburbs
and will also vary by street type. See U.1.iii Active
Frontage
iv Housing: The mix of housing tenures and types
will vary with apartments being the norm in town
centres and a greater mix being required in urban
neighbourhoods and suburbs See U.2. Housing Mix
v Schools: Guidance on schools will likely be based on
similar principles of integrating with the existing built
form, but urban areas are likely to require more dense
solutions. See U.3.i Schools

Suburban school Urban school

26
Homes and Buildings
56. Well-designed homes and buildings are functional, accessible and
sustainable. Detailed information is provided in Guidance Note Code Content:
Homes and Buildings. The majority of issues are unlikely to vary by area type,
the elements that may vary are detailed here.

i Lighting, aspect and privacy: In more urban

areas there may be a need for more lighting and
shorter privacy distances might be acceptable, while Figure 32. Privacy
in suburban areas lighting might be more minimal and
Distances:
privacy distance might be greater. See H.2.i Lighting
These are the distances between
Aspect and Privacy
dwellings to ensure private amenity,
ii Gardens and balconies: Codes might specify in particular the distance between
minimum sizes for gardens and balconies to improve the windows of habitable rooms.
well-being and amenity. In more urban areas this might The illustration shows how minimum
be smaller, while in suburban areas larger garden distances might be specified.
spaces might be specified See H.2.iii Gardens and
Balconies

Figure 33. Gardens: Illustration

showing how private gardens, shared
gardens and parking might be
specified in a courtyard layout.

27
3.B Code Wide Guidance Context
57. An understanding of the context history
and character of an area must influence the
siting and design of new development as
set out in Guidance Notes Code Content:
Context. This should be informed by:
59. In addition to the
i Character studies: All schemes should consider their
guidance in step 3a the context and schemes over a specified size should be
following guidance relates to accompanied by a context study See C.1 Character
Studies
all development within the ii Historic assets: Schemes should respect the historic
area covered by the design assets of the site and its surroundings, making use of
existing structures where possible See C.2 Cultural
code or guide regardless of Heritage
area type. All of this must be
referenced back to a policy
within the local plan.

Figure 34. Context Study Extract See C.1.ii

for example of context study content

28
Movement
58. A connected network of streets, good ii Active travel: New development should contribute to iii Car parking: The arrangements for car parking can
public transport and the promotion of walking the creation of well-lit, direct and overlooked pedestrian have a major impact on the quality of place. They should
and cycling are key principles, as set out in and cycle routes. See M.2 Active Travel aim to minimise the impact of the car and solutions will
Guidance Notes Code Content: Movement vary depending on context, as set out in Section 3A
and summarised below: Low traffic neighbourhoods may be appropriate but P17. See M.3.i Car Parking
only where supported by the local community.
i Connected places: All schemes should contribute to iv Cycle parking: Provision of the storage of cycles for
the creation of an integrated, walkable and safe street All streets should be accessible to all members of residents, workers and visitors needs to be integrated
network: the community. into all development. See M.3.ii Cycle Parking
New streets should link at either end to other streets All new streets other than local and tertiary streets v Servicing: New development should integrate the
where possible. See M.1.i The Street Network should include separate cycle lanes. requirements of utility providers, refuse collection and
Cul-de-sacs are acceptable only as tertiary streets. Junctions should be designed in accordance with emergency access without compromising the quality of
Manual for Streets to be safe, convenient and place by obstruction of movement or visual intrusion.
All new streets should be allocated to a level of the See M.3.iii Services and Utilities
street hierarchy and follow the appropriate guidance. attractive for all users. See M.2.ii Junctions and
See M.1.iii Street Hierarchy Crossings

All development should be within easy reach of

public transport. See M.1.ii Public Transport

Figure 35. A Hierarchy of Streets Extract Figure 36. Junction Options Extract See Figure 37. Refuse Collection Options
See M.1.iii for example street hierarchy diagram M.2.ii for examples of junction types Extract See M.3.iii for types of refuse provision

29
Nature
60. All development should enhance the All schemes over 200 dwellings should include a All schemes should integrate sustainable drainage
natural as well as the built environment as Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) within 400m. systems into the early stages of design to achieve
set out in Guidance Notes Code Content: greenfield run-off rates. See N.2.ii Sustainable
Nature. Most of the guidance will apply to all All schemes over 500 dwellings should include a
Drainage
area types and is summarised below: Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play (NEAP) within
1,000m. All schemes should take account of flood risk and
i Green infrastructure: New development should the need for active flood resilience measures. See
ii Water and drainage: Schemes should make the
contribute towards the creation of a network of green N.2.iii Flood Risk
spaces. Summary below. See N.1.i Network of most of waterside locations and address sustainable
Spaces drainage and flooding: iii Biodiversity: All schemes will be expected to
follow national policy by achieving a 10% net gain in
The requirement for new green space should Schemes should make the most of their waterside
biodiversity.
be based on the government’s open space and location, facing onto the water and retaining public
recreation guidance. access to the water’s edge. See N.2.i Working Schemes should incorporate biodiversity design
with Water principles, e.g. creating and enhancing habitats. See
All housing schemes over 15 dwellings should N.3 Biodiversity
include a Local Area of Play (LAP).
All new streets should include street trees. See
N.3.iii Street Trees

Figure 38. Biodiversity Design Figure 39. Street

Principles Extract. See N.3.ii for a Trees Extract See
N.3.iii for street tree
range of biodiversity design principles design principles

30
Built Form Identity Public Space
61. Most of this guidance will change based 62. All schemes should be designed to 63. Details about how guidance might
on context and area type as set out in respect and enhance the existing character of change by context and area type is set out
Guidance Notes Code Content: Built Form. the surrounding area. The principles set out in in Guidance Notes Code Content: Public
The following will apply to all development: Guidance Notes Code Content: Identity will Space. The key principles below will apply
apply to most development (summary below) more broadly:
i Public and private: There should be a clear i Streets: The design of streets should be based on
i Sense of place: All schemes should be designed to
separation between public and private space, which
enhance local character and legibility by: their place in the street hierarchy and their context. See
will generally be achieved through development blocks. P.1 Streets
New development should repair the existing block Making use of local materials and detailing.
structure, where possible. See B.2.i Blocks ii Social interaction: Public spaces should encourage
Incorporating legibility and wayfinding strategies activity and social interaction. See P.2.i Meeting
Places
Being guided by a strong masterplan.
iii Multi-functional streets: Streets should aim to
See I.1 A Sense of Place
accommodate a range of travel modes. See P.2.ii
ii The identity of buildings: All buildings should take Multi-functional Streets
account of the principles set out in I.2 The Identity of
iv Secured by design: All schemes should aim to
Buildings
create a safe and secure environment See P.3.i
Secured by Design

Figure 40. Blocks Extract: See B.2.i for more Figure 41. Creating Identity Extract: See I.1.iii Figure 42. Street Design Extract: See P.1 for
detail on Blocks for masterplanning principles to create a sense of place examples of street design in different contexts

31
Use Homes and Buildings
64. Much of the guidance on use will vary by 65. Standards relating to the design of homes and
context or area type as set out in Guidance buildings are important and can be included in design
Notes Code Content: Use. The following policies with the detailed design of inter-related
guidance could apply more generally: requirements resolved at project level. The following
may be included (See Guidance Notes Code
i Intensification: Making more efficient use of land is Content: Homes and Buildings for more information):
encouraged taking into account context and constraints. i Space standards: Nationally described space standards may be
See U.1.i Efficient Use of Land included in codes. See H.1.i. Space Standards
ii Variety of activity: A mix of different uses is ii Accessibility: Codes can identify accessibility standards as set out
encouraged, to create variety and activity. See U.1.ii in Part M of the Building Regulations. See H.1.ii Accessibility
Mix
iii Lighting, aspect and privacy: All habitable rooms should
iii Housing mix: All schemes should include a mix receive adequate levels of daylight. Single aspect north-facing
of tenures and house-types including live/work and dwellings should be avoided. See H.2.i Lighting, Aspect and
custom-build units where possible. See U.2 Housing Privacy
Mix
iv Secured by design relating to the home: Codes may
iv Schools: Should be designed as part of the incorporate guidance on the security of the home in accordance
neighbourhood, integrating into the existing building line with Part Q of the Building Regulations. See H.2.ii Security
and block pattern. See U.3.i Schools
v Community facilities: Larger schemes should
make provision for new community facilities. See U.3.ii
Community Facilities
vi Local services: All new housing should be within
walking distance of a range of local services including
shops and health facilities. See U.3.iii Local
Services
Figure 43. Facilities Extract: See
U.3.ii for suggested facilities that should be Figure 44. Security and the Home Extract
accessible in all neighbourhoods See H.2.ii for more guidance on security and the home

32
Resources Lifespan
66. Standards relating to sustainability are important and can be incorporated into codes or 67. Lifespan relates to way schemes are
covered in other policy, and the detail design of inter-related requirements resolved at project managed and the way that residents are
level. They might include the following (See Guidance Notes Code Content: Resources): involved in design and management. These
issues can be included in design codes and
i Energy efficiency standards: Local authorities iii Local low energy networks: May be encouraged
may include the following (See Guidance
can set policies for higher energy efficiency standards by codes. See R.1.iii Neighbourhood Energy
Notes Code Content: Lifespan for more
for their area or specific development sites. See R.1.ii Issues
information):
Energy Efficiency
iv Environmental standards: Codes may set
i Management plans: These set out the approach
ii Passive energy design: Development should be standards for new development to meet relating to:
to adoption and management, including the potential
designed to optimise passive solar gain without risking
• Embodied energy for community management. They may be a
overheating. Orientation should be optimised in as far as
requirement for schemes over a certain size. See L.1.i
it does not contradict other policies in this guide. See • BREEAM Ratings Management Plan
R.1.ii Energy Efficiency
• Modern Methods of Construction ii Community participation: Codes may require
• Water usage that consultation take place on all schemes prior to
the submission of a planning application. See L.1.ii
See R.2 Sustainable Construction Participation in Design

Figure 45. Low Energy

Networks Extract See R.1.iii for Figure 46. Management Plan Extract See
examples of low energy network tools L.1.i for example management plan

33
Glossary
Glossary Area type
Parts of the local area that share common
Area type work sheet
A set of prompts and sections to be
features and characteristics. completed, detailing the key elements and
features that should be considered when
For example, a suburban area type might undertaking a character study. This is not an
bring together a number of different housing exhaustive list and should be adapted locally.
estates with common densities, heights,
building line, party wall condition etc.)under Character study
the umbrella term “outer suburbs”.
A process of analysis at area type level to
Common rules and parameters can then be determine the elements and features that
applied to the “outer suburbs” area type in contribute to the unique character of a place.
the design code. This process can be used to determine
existing area types, using the area type work
Example area types are provided in the sheet.
National Model Design Code, but in practice
area types should be defined locally.
Coding plan
Area type matrix A plan at local authority level showing the
local areas to which a code will apply. The
A table detailing the elements of the design coding plan can show:
code that are likely to differ between area
types. • Existing built-up areas
• Landscape designated areas
• Heritage areas
• Protected open space
• Special policy areas
• Development areas
Context study Development area Site study
A mapping exercise detailing spatial Parts of the local area where radical, rather A mapping or diagrammatic exercise,
information about the area surrounding a site. than incremental change is planned. These detailing spatial information about a site and
A suggested list of information that could might include regeneration areas where its immediate surroundings. A suggested
be included is provided within the context significant change is expected to the existing list of information that could be included
section of Guidance Note: Code Content. urban form, urban extensions and new is provided within the context section of
settlements. Guidance Note: Code Content.
Design code
Framework plans
A set of illustrated design requirements that
provide specific, detailed parameters for the A set of plans at local area or settlement level
physical development of a site or area. that detail spatial information, for example,
street hierarchy, transport accessibility, open
Explanations of the above are provided in space, land use and patterns of built form.
Step 2B on page 12.
Historic study
Design vision
A mapping and research exercise detailing
A clear articulation of what an area should historical information about the area
be like in the future, developed with the local surrounding a site. Suggestions about
community. Local planning authorities may information that could be included is provided
wish to create a vision statement setting out within the context section of Guidance Note:
specific aims of the design code. Code Content.
References
References to Context
There are many other guides to urban design
and placemaking that provide more detailed
guidance on the themes set out within this

Further Guidance
Understanding Place, Historic Area
document to inform local design codes. Assessments, Historic England, 2017,
The following is a list of key references that https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/
provide further information to the guidance publications/understanding-place-historic-
set out within the National Model Design area-assessments/
Code.
Movement
Key references
Cycle infrastructure design (Local
Manual for Streets, Department for Transport Note 1/20), Department for
Transport and Department for Communities Transport, 2020, https://www.gov.uk/
and Local Government, 2007, www.gov.uk/ government/publications/cycle-infrastructure-
government/publications/manualfor-streets design-ltn-120

Manual for Streets 2, Department of Highway Tree Management Operations

Transport, 2010, www.gov.uk/government/ Note 51, Forestry Commission, 2019 https://
publications/manual-forstreets-2 www.gov.uk/government/publications/
highway-tree-management-operations-
National Planning Policy Framework, note-51
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local
Government, 2019, https://www.gov.uk/ Inclusive Mobility, Making transport
government/publications/national-planning- accessible for passengers and
policy-framework--2 pedestrians, Department for Transport,
2005, https://www.gov.uk/government/
Planning Practice Guidance, Ministry publications/inclusive-mobility
of Housing, Communities and Local
Government, 2016, www.gov.uk/government/
collections/planning-practiceguidance
Traffic Signs Manual, Chapter 6 Traffic Flood risk assessments: climate change Nature Nearby - Accessible Natural
Control, Department for Transport, 2019, allowances, Environment Agency, 2020, Greenspace Guidance (NE265), Natural
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk- England, 2010, https://webarchive.
traffic-signs-manual assessments-climate-change-allowances nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140605145320/
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/
Traffic Signs Regulations and General Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play publication/40004?category=47004
Directions, an Overview, Department Beyond the Six Acre Standard, England,
for Transport, 2016, https://www.gov.uk/ Fields in Trust, 2015, http://www.fieldsintrust. Open space, sports and recreation
government/publications/traffic-signs- org/guidance facilities, public rights of way and
regulations-and-general-directions-2016-an- local green space, Ministry of Housing,
overview Improving access to greenspace A new Communities and Local Government, 2014,
review for 2020, Public Health England, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-space-
Nature 2020, https://assets.publishing.service.gov. sports-and-recreation-facilities-public-rights-
uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ of-way-and-local-green-space
Environment Bill 2020, Department for attachment_data/file/904439/Improving_
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, https:// access_to_greenspace_2020_review.pdf Sustainable drainage systems: non-
www.gov.uk/government/publications/ statutory technical standards, Department
environment-bill-2020 (forthcoming) Flood risk emergency plans for new for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
development, Environment Agency and 2015, https://www.gov.uk/government/
National Framework of Green ADEPT, 2019, https://www.adeptnet.org.uk/ publications/sustainable-drainage-systems-
Infrastructure Standards (forthcoming floodriskemergencyplan non-statutory-technical-standards
guidance to be announced)
National Area Type Profiles, Natural The Biodiversity Metric 2.0
A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to England, 2014, https://www.gov.uk/ (JP029), Natural England, http://
Improve the Environment, Department for government/publications/national-character- publications.naturalengland.org.uk/
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2018, area-profiles-data-for-local-decision-making/ publication/5850908674228224
www.gov.uk/government/publications/25- national-character-area-profile
year-environment-plan The Mosaic Approach: Managing
Habitats for Species (B2020-
009), Natural England, 2013, http://
publications.naturalengland.org.uk/
publication/6415972705501184
The Right Tree in the Right Place for a Public Space Vehicle security barriers within the
Resilient Future – Urban Tree Manual, streetscape (TAL 01/11), Department
Forestry Commission and Forest Research, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation, Centre for the for Transport, 2011, https://www.gov.uk/
https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and- Protection of National Infrastructure, https:// government/publications/vehicle-security-
resources/urban-tree-manual/ www.cpni.gov.uk/hostile-vehicle-mitigation-0 barriers-within-the-streetscape

The SuDS Manual (C753), CIRIA, 2015, Influence of bollards on pedestrian Use
https://www.susdrain.org/resources/SuDS_ evacuation flow (TAL 01/16), Department
Manual.html for Transport, 2017, https://www.gov.uk/ DH health building notes, Department
government/publications/influence-of- of Health and Social Care, 2017. https://
Built Form bollards-on-pedestrian-evacuation-flow- www.gov.uk/government/collections/health-
tal-0116 building-notes-core-elements
Increasing Residential Density in Historic
Environments, Historic England, 2018, Integrated Security, A Public Realm School design and construction,
https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/ Design Guide for Hostile Vehicle Department of Education, 2020, https://
publications/increasing-residential-density-in- Mitigation - Second Edition, Centre for www.gov.uk/government/collections/school-
historic-environments/ the Protection of National Infrastructure, design-and-construction
2014, https://www.cpni.gov.uk/system/
files/documents/40/20/Integrated%20 Homes and Buildings
Identity Security%20Guide.pdf
Streets for All, Advice for Highway Technical housing standards – nationally
Secured By Design, Police Crime described space standard, Ministry
and Public Realm Works in Historic
Prevention Initiatives Limited, 2020, www. of Housing, Communities and Local
Places, Historic England, 2018, https://
securedbydesign.com Government, 2015, https://www.gov.uk/
historicengland.org.uk/images-books/
publications/streets-for-all/ government/publications/technical-housing-
Using bollards to reduce threats from standards-nationally-described-space-
vehicles (TAL 02/13), Department for standard
Transport, 2017, https://www.gov.uk/
government/publications/tal-213-bollards-
and-pedestrian-movement
Resources
BREEAM Technical Standards, BRE, www.
breeam.com

Future Homes Standards changes to Part

L and Part F of the Building Regulations
for new dwellings, Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local Government, https://
www.gov.uk/government/consultations/
the-future-homes-standard-changes-to-part-
l-and-part-f-of-the-building-regulations-for-
new-dwellings

Lifespan
Community engagement: guidance for
local authorities, Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local Government, 2019,
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/community-
engagement-and-eu-exit-guidance-for-local-
authorities
Credits
Credits
Unless otherwise stated the illustrations, diagrams and maps were produced by URBED for MHCLG

Section Page Information Image Credit

Main Document

Front Cover - Background N/A Masterplan for The Avenue, Saffron Pollard Thomas Edwards
Walden, Pollard Thomas Edwards
Front Cover - Images N/A Portobello Square, London, PRP PRP Architects LLP
Architects LLP
Front Cover - Images N/A Carrowbreck Meadow, Norwich, Jefferson Smith (Photographer)
Hamson Barron Smith
Front Cover - Images N/A The Avenue, Saffron Walden, Thomas Tim Crocker Architectural Photography
Pollard Edwards
Front Cover - Images N/A Nansledan, Newquay, Cornwall, ADAM ADAM Architecture
Architecture
The Coding Process Section Break Gas holders, Kings Cross, Wilkinson James O Davies, Historic England
Eyre Architects
Glossary Section Break Brandon Yard, Bristol. AWW Architects James O Davies, Historic England

References Section Break Beaulieu, Chelmsford, Gardner Stewart The Land Trust/Countryside Properties
Architects
Credits Section Break Brandon Yard, Bristol. AWW Architects James O Davies, Historic England
Section Page Information Image Credit
Guidance Notes

Front Cover As Main Document

Code Content Section Break Brandon Yard, Bristol. AWW Architects James O Davies, Historic England.

Context P2 Nansledan, Newquay, Cornwall, ADAM ADAM Architecture

Architecture
Movement P7 Kensington High Street, London Public Domain, HTUK at English
Wikipedia
Movement P9 PTAL Plan, Croydon, London Interactive PTAL map-
www.tfl.gov.uk
Movement P11 Orford Road, Waltham Forest, London, [email protected]
before and after images
Movement P15 Public Cycle Parking Example Public Domain, Cyclestreets.net

Movement P15 Apartment Cycle Parking Example David Hawgood, licensed for reuse
under Creative Commons Licence
Movement P15 Residential Street Cycle Parking Example David Hawgood, licensed for reuse
under Creative Commons Licence
Movement P15 Workplace Cycle Parking Example, Cycle Works
Central St Giles, Google HQ
Nature P18 Freiburg, Germany URBED

Nature P19 Stanage Edge, The Peak District URBED

Nature P19 Victoria Mill Park, Manchester URBED

Nature P19 Heaton Park, Manchester URBED

Nature P19 The University of Manchester, Burlington URBED

Street Campus
Section Page Information Image Credit
Nature P19 Central Park, Chelmsford Jane Houghton, Natural England

Nature P20 Grove Terrace Gardens, Highgate Road, Forestry Commission

London
Nature P20 Communal Gardens, Accordia, URBED
Cambridge
Nature P20 Food Growing, Levenshulme, URBED
Manchester
Nature P20 Private Gardens, The Malings, Newcastle URBED

Nature P20 Balconies, Timekeepers Square, Salford URBED

Nature P20 Deansgate Castlefield Metrolink Stop Jan Chlebik (Photographer)

Design by SimpsonHaugh.
Nature P23 Central Park, Chelmsford Jane Houghton, Natural England

Nature P25 RIBA Home for All Seasons, JTP JTP Architects/TEDS
Architects

Nature P26 Bee Brick Green and Blue

Nature P26 Hedgehog Street Peoples Trust for Endangered Species

Built Form P29 Timekeepers Square, Salford, Buttress Buttress Architects

Architects
Built Form P35 The Roof Gardens, Salford, Ollier URBED
Smurthwaite Architects
Built Form P35 Lenton Green, Nottingham, JTP URBED

Built Form P35 Marmalade Lane, Cambridge, Mole TOWN.

Architects
Section Page Information Image Credit
Built Form P35 Accordia Sky Villas, Cambridge, Alison URBED
Brooks Architects
Built Form P35 Donnybrook Quarter, Tower Hamlets, Morley von Sternberg (Photographer)
Peter Barber Architects

Identity P42 Tibby’s Triangle, Southwold , Ash Sakula Peter Cook (Photographer)
Architects
Identity P43 Chelmsford Wayfinding Project, IS Group IS Group

Identity P43 Timekeepers Square, Salford, Buttress Buttress Architects

Architects
Identity P49 121 Upper Richmond Rd, London, Rob Parrish (Photographer)
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
Identity P49 Blackfriars Circus, London, Maccreanor Tim Crocker Architectural Photography
Lavington
Identity P49 67 Southwark Street, London by Allies Nick Guttridge (Photographer)
and Morrison
Identity P49 Mapleton Crescent, London, Simon Kennedy (Photographer)
Metropolitan Workshop
Public Space P50 Goldsmith Street, Norwich, Mikhail Tim Crocker Architectural Photography
Riches
Public Space P61 Abode at Great Kneighton, Proctor and Tim Crocker Architectural Photography
Matthews Architects
Use P64 Wapping Wharf, Bristol, Alec French Alec French Architects
Architects
Homes and Buildings P73 Derwenthorpe, York, Joseph Rowntree Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Foundation
Section Page Information Image Credit
Resources P78 Officers Field,Weymouth, HTA Design Richard Downer (Photographer)

Resources P80 Micro-climate Modelling Dr Brian Miller of Wilde Analysis, part of

the Wilde Group of Companies
Lifespan P83 The Malings, Newcastle, Ash Sakula Jill Tate (Photographer)

Community Engagement Section Break Masterplanning Workshop URBED

Community Engagement P88 Gleadless Valley Consultation 2018 URBED

Community Engagement P91 Old Trafford Consultation 2008 URBED