To coincide with the announcement of proposed changes to the NPPF, MHCLG has published a National Model Design Code, which outlines the design standards that new developments will be expected to meet.

A new “Office for Place” would be set up within the next year, it went on to say, to help councils and communities set expectations of design quality in their area and pioneer design and beauty within the planning system.

The new National Model Design Code provides a checklist of design principles to consider for new developments, including street character, building type, façade, wellbeing and environmental impact. The checklist is intended to be the a foundation for Councils to develop unique local design codes, which would allow residents to “have a real say in the design of new developments in their area”.

In 2021, pilots for the National Model Design Code with 20 communities will be launched.

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