Design Codes in Practice: A report for communities to consider
In late June this year, JTP hosted a range of industry and community experts, including representatives from Civic Voice, at their London studio for the Design Codes in Practice event. Civic Voice was invited to participate, and Robert Osborne attended on their behalf, actively engaging in the discussions throughout the evening. A summary report of the outcomes and learnings from this stimulating event has been made available. Read the report here.
Following the publication of the National Model Design Code (NMDC) in 2021, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act mandated that every local planning authority produce a design code for its area. This requirement has prompted local authorities and industry practitioners to collaborate with communities to develop tailored design codes and guidance.
Civic Voice is keen to hear from civic societies involved in design coding. One such group, the South Woodford Society, has been working hard over the past couple of years, having been selected as one of only four neighbourhood forums in the country to participate in the government’s funded Design Code Pathfinder Programme, alongside 21 local authorities. Their involvement highlights the potential for communities to shape their local areas through design codes. The South Woodford Society has engaged the community in defining principles such as building heights, local materials, and street layouts, ensuring that development aligns with the vision of creating beautiful, sustainable places.
The society’s previous public engagement emphasised the need for improved green spaces, infrastructure, and a vibrant high street. They continue to seek input from the community, ensuring the process remains community-driven. To get involved, visit their South Woodford Design Code community portal at Home | South Woodford Society (sowodesigncode.org). There are interactive ways to share your views, which will be taken into account in the development of their design code.
The idea for the Design Codes in Practice event was inspired by JTP's experience leading the NMDC pilot project at Weyside Urban Village in Guildford and the Calderdale Placemaking & Design Guide. The event was further motivated by JTP’s participation in the Design Codes in Practice Round Table discussions, hosted by Ben Derbyshire, Chair of HTA Design.
While the industry is familiar with site-specific design codes, area-wide local authority codes present different challenges. It became clear that organising a broader gathering to share and discuss experiences, particularly around engaging communities and stakeholders, would be valuable—and this proved successful. Robert Osborne from Civic Voice played an active role in conversations around community involvement in the development of local codes.
The summary document is intended to provide insights and value to those interested. JTP encourages anyone with questions or comments to get in touch.
Since the event, the newly elected Government has placed a strong emphasis on growth and housing delivery. In line with this, a consultation has been launched on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), reaffirming a commitment to the NMDC and design codes as "the primary means of assessing and improving the design of development". The Government also proposes that local authorities focus on "localised design codes, masterplans, and guides for areas of most change and potential", rather than district-wide coding.
The Design Codes in Practice Group, with Civic Voice continuing to be involved, intends to keep meeting to further the conversation and contribute to the ongoing policy debate. In the recent planning reforms survey, we asked civic societies what training they would like, and design coding was one of the top five areas of interest. With that in mind, we are planning to organise an event on design coding and will invite the authors of the publication to participate.