## National Model Design Code © Crown Copyright, 2021

Copyright in the typographical arrangement rests with the Crown. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence visit http://www.

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## Contents

Guidance Notes (separate document) 

## The Coding Process

Code Content Community Engagement
Purpose.............................................1 Objectives..........................................2 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

2.	 The National Planning Policy Framework 
(NPPF) makes clear that local planning authorities should  ensure that visual tools such as design codes and guides are used to inform development proposals to provide maximum clarity about design expectations at an early stage  and reflect local character and preferences. They should provide a framework for creating high-quality places, with a consistent and high-quality standard of design to inform development proposals.
5.	 A design code is a set of simple, concise, 
illustrated design requirements that are visual and numerical wherever possible to provide specific, detailed parameters for the physical development of a site or area. This guide is a toolkit to guide local planning authorities on the design parameters and issues that need to be considered and tailored to their own context when producing design codes and guides, as well as methods to capture and reflect the views of the local community from the outset, and at each stage in the process.
3.	 It also makes clear that the level of detail 
and degree of prescription within design codes and guides should be tailored to the circumstances and scale of change in each place and should allow a suitable degree of variety where this would be justified.
1.	The purpose of the National Model Design Code is to provide detailed guidance on the production of design codes, guides and policies to promote successful design. It expands on the ten characteristics of good design set out in the National Design Guide, which reflects the government's priorities and provides a common overarching framework for design.

4.	 Design coding is one tool available to 
local planning authorities, communities and developers to define and deliver design quality, in addition to design guides, planning briefs, heritage characterisation studies, standards and masterplans as set out in the NPPF and planning practice guidance.
6.	 The National Model Design Code forms 
part of the government's planning practice guidance and should be read as part of the National Design Guide, and alongside the planning practice guidance notes referenced in Part 3 of the National Design Guide, Manual for Streets, and other forthcoming guidance relating to the natural and environmental characteristics of development. This guidance is not a statement of national policy, however, the government recommends that the advice in this guidance on how to prepare design codes and guides is to be 
followed.

## Objectives

8.	 The National Model Design Code sets out design considerations which local planning authorities  will be expected to take into account when developing local design codes and guides and when determining planning applications. 

11.	The National Model Design Code sets 
a baseline standard of quality and practice which local planning authorities are expected to take into account when developing local design codes and guides and when determining planning applications, including;
•	 The layout of new development, including 
street pattern; 
•	 How landscaping should be approached 
including the importance of streets being tree-lined; 
•	 The factors to be considered when 
determining whether façades of buildings are of sufficiently high quality; 
•	 The environmental performance of place 
and buildings ensuring they contribute to net zero targets;
•	 That developments should clearly take 
account of local vernacular and heritage, architecture and materials.
9.	 Design codes are important because they provide a framework for creating healthy, greener, environmentally responsive, sustainable and distinctive places, with a consistent and high-quality standard of design. This can provide greater certainty for communities about the design of development and bring conversations about design to the start of the planning process, rather than the end. Creating more beautiful places requires a greener approach, with more energy efficient buildings, integrating with the natural environment and contributing positively to the net zero carbon target by 2050.

12.	Design codes can provide a more specific 
steer on what is acceptable when they are visual and numerical rather than relying on detailed policy wording, as well as being 
easier to engage with. They can also give 
7.	The National Planning Policy Framework expects local planning authorities to develop local design codes or guides, taking account of the National Design Guide and the National Model Design Code.  This guidance sets out clear design parameters to help local authorities and communities decide what good quality design looks like in their area, based on local aspirations for how their area will develop, following appropriate local consultation.

10.	The government understands that quality design does not look the same across different areas of the country, for instance, that by definition, local vernacular differs and design priorities differ for scale and types of development. 

Introducing the ten characteristics developers greater certainty about what may be acceptable when seeking planning permission, and can help lead to faster decisions based on whether a proposal complies with a code, which can help to speed up the delivery of development. 

35 
     Well-designed places have individual 
characteristics which work together to 
create its physical Character. The ten 
characteristics help to nurture and sustain a 
sense of Community. They work to positively 
address environmental issues affecting 
Climate. They all contribute towards the 
cross-cutting themes for good design set out 
in the National Planning Policy Framework. 

36 
The ten characteristics set out in Part 2 
are:

- **Context**  - enhances the surroundings.
■
- **Identity**  - attractive and distinctive.
■
- **Built form**  - a coherent pattern of 
development.
■
- **Movement**  - accessible and easy to 
move around.
■
- **Nature**  - enhanced and optimised.
■
- **Public spaces**  - safe, social and 
inclusive.
■
- **Uses**  - mixed and integrated.
15.	Paragraph 132 of the National Planning Policy Framework states that development that is not well designed should be refused permission, especially where it fails to reflect local design policies and government guidance on design, taking into account any local design guidance and supplementary planning documents which use visual tools such as design codes and guides. Conversely, it states that significant weight will be given to development which reflects local design policies and government guidance on design, taking into account any local design guidance and supplementary planning documents which use visual tools such as design guides and codes.

■
- **Homes and buildings**  - functional, healthy and sustainable.

13.	For larger schemes, design codes can help to maintain consistency in the delivery of development over a longer period of time. Codes also set out a necessary level of detail in sensitive locations, for example, with heritage considerations, and they can set out specific ways to maintain local character. Design codes and guides can also be helpful in facilitating custom-build, self-build and the use of modern methods of construction.

■
- **Resources**  - efficient and resilient.

■
- **Lifespan**  - made to last.

16.	In the absence of local design guidance, local planning authorities will be expected to defer to the National Design Guide, National Model Design Code and Manual for Streets which can be used as material considerations in planning decisions. This supports an aspiration to establish a default for local design principles and settings as part of forthcoming planning reforms that lead to well designed and beautiful places and buildings.

14.	When preparing design codes and guides, communities need to be involved at each stage of the process in order to gain measurable community support that is appropriate for the scale and location of new development. This will address the ambition in a new planning system to bring democracy forward so that communities decide what good design means locally and that this is enshrined in design codes and guides.

## Application

other parties. Local planning authorities should follow the advice in the plan making Planning Practice Guidance, particularly when producing design codes or guides as a supplementary planning document. Neighbourhood planning groups may choose to produce their own design codes or guides as part of the neighbourhood plan process.

be determined locally. A coding plan will be needed to show the area covered by the code or guide. There is an option to use area types so that the guidance can be adjusted to reflect local character. The commentary in Part 2 provides a checklist of content for design guidance or policies that local authorities may consider including in their local plans if a design code is not appropriate.

1. Local Authority
Some elements of the code may apply to the entire local authority 
area.
2. Area type
Some elements of design codes can apply to types of area, for example, all villages, or all inner suburbs. 

19.	The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that design policies should be developed with local communities, so they reflect local aspirations. Local authorities may collaborate with developers and landowners on design codes, particularly in relation to specific sites. Developers and landowners may also choose to prepare their own design code as part of a planning application.

 3. Development Sites 
Parts of the code can relate specifically to development sites such as urban extensions, new settlements and other large sites where the code may be guided by masterplans.

17.	 This document should be used as a basis for the production of design codes and guides by local planning authorities. It uses information that should be readily available to the local authority and is intended to be applied flexibly according to local circumstances as not all characteristics and design parameters may be relevant.

4. Plot 
Parts of the code can be used to guide individual building plots, for example relating to a single house or block of flats, whether they be in existing urban areas or new 
development.

20.	Through preparing local plans and supporting supplementary planning guidance, local planning authorities should develop an overarching design vision and objectives that can inform design codes, guides and other tools that inform the design of the built and natural environment in their area, whether prepared by them or 
18.	The document provides design guidance and needs to be used alongside the National Design Guide to inform local design guides and decision making as well as to inform design codes and guides. The area covered by the design code and the level of detail is to 

## Coding Process

21.	The process of preparing a local design code is based on the following seven steps:  
1. Analysis
1A - Scoping: Agreeing on the geographical area to be covered by the code and the policy areas that it will address.            
1B - Baseline: Bringing together the analysis that will underpin the code and inform its contents.    
2. Vision
2A - Design Vision: Dividing the area covered by the code into a set of typical 'area types' and deciding on a vision for each of these area types.     
2B - Coding Plan: Preparing a plan that maps out each of 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 development sites establishing the key parameters and area types.  
3. Code
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.

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

•	 Movement strategy where appropriate •	 Access and street hierarchy where 
appropriate

## Content:

•	 Landscape and open space strategy •	 Land use and mix •	 Density •	 Heights •	 Number of homes •	 Identity and character of buildings and 
public spaces
22.	 The first step is to decide on the scope of the code, in particular which parts of the local area it needs to cover, and which policy areas it addresses.  

## Coverage:

25.	The guidance notes include all of the potential issues that might be covered by a design code. These are organised under the ten headings of the National Design Guide and include sub-headings. Codes are not expected to cover all of these issues, and the context and scale of development will determine the appropriate issues that need to be included. 

23.	In terms of geographical coverage some authorities may wish to create a code that covers their entire area. Codes may cover all existing built-up areas, or just new development sites. The options are therefore that the code covers:
28.	Some issues will depend on the decision about the coverage of the code. Codes that cover large scale development will need to include guidance on creating a new street network, public transport routes, planning and designing green spaces and providing schools and other facilities. By contrast in existing built-up areas where the street network etc. already exists, these elements of the code will be less relevant (see Figure 2).

•	 The whole local authority area including 
26.	Some design parameters are an essential component of design codes for their effective use such as movement pattern, built form, height, land use, character of buildings and public spaces, open space and density while others are discretionary (see Figure 2). The latter include, for example, housing standards that are crucial but may be dealt with elsewhere in local plans. 

all existing settlements and development sites. 
•	 Selected parts of existing settlements and 
development sites. 
•	 Just development sites. 

R R R
U.3.i
Schools
R ;
;
4
C.1.i
Character Types
R R R
B.1.i
Density 
R R R
U.3.i
Schools
R ;
C.1.i
Character Types
R R R
B.1.i
Density 
R R R
U.3.i
Schools
R ;
;
4
C1:3
Site Assessment
R R R
B1:3 Types and Forms
R R R
4
U2:3
Local Services
R ;
;
C1:2
Site Context
R R R
B1:2 Party Wall
R R R
4
U3:2
Community Facilities R ;
;

The scoping stage should include the development of a consultation strategy for the code based on the guidance set out in the community engagement section of the guidance notes. 

C.1.ii
Site Context
R R R
B.1.ii
Party Wall
R R R
4
U.3.ii
Community Facilities R ;
C.1.ii
Site Context
R R R
B.1.ii
Party Wall
R R R
4
U.3.ii
Community Facilities R ;
;
4
C.1.ii
Site Context
R R R
B.1.ii
Party Wall
R R R
4
U.3.ii
Community Facilities R ;
;
4
C2:1
Historic Assessment R R R
B2:1 Blocks
R R R
4
Homes and Buildings 
C1:3
Site Assessment
R R R
B1:3 Types and Forms
R R R
4
U2:3
Local Services
R ;
;
C.1.iii
Site Assessment
R R R
B.1.iii
Types and Forms
R R R
4
U.3.iii
Local Services
R ;
;
4
C.1.iii
Site Assessment
R R R
B.1.iii
Types and Forms
R R R
4
U.3.iii
Local Services
R ;
C.1.iii
Site Assessment
R R R
B.1.iii
Types and Forms
R R R
4
U.3.iii
Local Services
R ;
;
4
C2:1
Historic Assessment R R R
B2:1 Blocks
R R R
4
Homes and Buildings 
C.2.i
Historic Assessment R R R
B.2.i
Blocks
R R R
4
Homes and Buildings 
C.2.i
Historic Assessment R R R
B.2.i
Blocks
R R R
4
Homes and Buildings 
C.2.i
Historic Assessment R R R
B.2.i
Blocks
R R R
4
Homes and Buildings 
C2:2
Heritage Assets 
R R R
B2:2 Building Line
R R R
4
H1:1
Space Standards
; ;
;
Movement
B2:3 Height
R R R
H1:2
Accessibility
; ;
;
C.2.ii
Heritage Assets 
R R R
B.2.ii
Building Line
R R R
4
H.1.i
Space Standards
; ;
C.2.ii
Heritage Assets 
R R R
B.2.ii
Building Line
R R R
4
H.1.i
Space Standards
; ;
;
M1:1 Street Network
R R R
Identity
H2:1
Light, aspect, priv.
; ;
;
C2:2
Heritage Assets 
R R R
B2:2 Building Line
R R R
4
H1:1
Space Standards
; ;
;
Movement
B2:3 Height
R R R
H1:2
Accessibility
; ;
;
C.2.ii
Heritage Assets 
R R R
B.2.ii
Building Line
R R R
4
H.1.i
Space Standards
; ;
;
Movement
B.2.iii
Height
R R R
H.1.ii
Accessibility
; ;
;
Movement
B.2.iii
Height
R R R
H.1.ii
Accessibility
; ;
Movement
B.2.iii
Height
R R R
H.1.ii
Accessibility
; ;
;
M1:2 Public Transport
R R R
I1:1
Local Character
R R R
H2:2
Security
; ;
;
M1:1 Street Network
R R R
Identity
H2:1
Light, aspect, priv.
; ;
;
M.1.i
Street Network
R R R
Identity
H.2.i
Light, Aspect, Priv.
; ;
;
4
M.1.i
Street Network
R R R
Identity
H.2.i
Light, Aspect, Priv.
; ;
M.1.i
Street Network
R R R
Identity
H.2.i
Light, Aspect, Priv.
; ;
;
4
M1:3 Street Hierarchy
R R R
I1:2
Legibility
R R R
H2:3
Gardens+Balconies
; ;
;
M1:2 Public Transport
R R R
I1:1
Local Character
R R R
H2:2
Security
; ;
;
M.1.ii
Public Transport
R R R
I.1.i
Local Character
R R R
H.2.ii
Security
; ;
;
4
M.1.ii
Public Transport
R R R
I.1.i
Local Character
R R R
H.2.ii
Security
; ;
M.1.ii
Public Transport
R R R
I.1.i
Local Character
R R R
H.2.ii
Security
; ;
;
4

The engagement process will be heavily dependent on the geographical coverage of the code and the extent to which it applies to existing settlements. This in itself should be the subject of an initial consultation exercise that will: 

M1:3 Street Hierarchy
R R R
I1:2
Legibility
R R R
H2:3
Gardens+Balconies
; ;
;
M2:1 Walking + Cycling R R R
I1:3
Masterplanning
R R R
Resources 
M.1.iii
Street Hierarchy
R R R
I.1.ii
Legibility
R R R
H.2.iii
Gardens+Balconies
; ;
;
4
	
M.1.iii
Street Hierarchy
R R R
I.1.ii
Legibility
R R R
H.2.iii
Gardens+Balconies
; ;
M.1.iii
Street Hierarchy
R R R
I.1.ii
Legibility
R R R
H.2.iii
Gardens+Balconies
; ;
;
4
M2:2 Junction+Crossings R R R
I2:1
Design of buildings R R R
R1:1
Energy Hierarchy
; ;
;
M2:1 Walking + Cycling R R R
I1:3
Masterplanning
R R R
Resources 

•	 Provide briefing and training to 

M.2.i
Walking + Cycling R R R
I.1.iii
Masterplanning
R R R
Resources 
M.2.i
Walking + Cycling R R R
I.1.iii
Masterplanning
R R R
Resources 
M.2.i
Walking + Cycling R R R
I.1.iii
Masterplanning
R R R
Resources 
M2:3 Inclusive Streets 
R R R
Public Space
R1:2
Energy Efficiency
; ;
;
M2:2 Junction+Crossings R R R
I2:1
Design of buildings R R R
R1:1
Energy Hierarchy
; ;
;
M.2.ii
Junction+Crossings R R R
I.2.i
Design of buildings
R R R
R.1.i
Energy Hierarchy
; ;
;
M.2.ii
Junction+Crossings R R R
I.2.i
Design of buildings
R R R
R.1.i
Energy Hierarchy
; ;
M.2.ii
Junction+Crossings R R R
I.2.i
Design of buildings
R R R
R.1.i
Energy Hierarchy
; ;
;
M3:1 Car Parking 
R R R
4
P1:1
Primary
R R R
R1:3
N'hood Energy
; ;
;
M2:3 Inclusive Streets 
R R R
Public Space
R1:2
Energy Efficiency
; ;
;
M.2.iii
Inclusive Streets 
R R R
Public Space
R.1.ii
Energy Efficiency
; ;
;
4
M.2.iii
Inclusive Streets 
R R R
Public Space
R.1.ii
Energy Efficiency
; ;
M.2.iii
Inclusive Streets 
R R R
Public Space
R.1.ii
Energy Efficiency
; ;
;
4
M3:2 Cycle Parking 
R R R
4
P1:2
Local+Secondary R R R
R2:1
Embodied Energy
; ;
;

community groups involved with the built environment about what a code is and how it is developed. 

M3:1 Car Parking 
R R R
4
P1:1
Primary
R R R
R1:3
N'hood Energy
; ;
;
M.3.i
Car Parking 
R R R
4
P.1.i
Primary
R R R
R.1.iii
N'hood Energy
; ;
M.3.i
Car Parking 
R R R
4
P.1.i
Primary
R R R
R.1.iii
N'hood Energy
; ;
;
4
M.3.i
Car Parking 
R R R
4
P.1.i
Primary
R R R
R.1.iii
N'hood Energy
; ;
;
4
•	 Consult with groups about whether 
M3:2 Cycle Parking 
R R R
4
P1:2
Local+Secondary R R R
R2:1
Embodied Energy
; ;
;
M.3.ii
Cycle Parking 
R R R
4
P.1.ii
Local+Secondary R R R
R.2.i
Embodied Energy
; ;
;
M.3.ii
Cycle Parking 
R R R
4
P.1.ii
Local+Secondary R R R
R.2.i
Embodied Energy
; ;
M.3.ii
Cycle Parking 
R R R
4
P.1.ii
Local+Secondary R R R
R.2.i
Embodied Energy
; ;
;
M2:3 Services + Utilities R R R
4
P1:3
Tertiary
R R R
R2:2
Construction 
; ;
;
Nature 
P2:1
Meeting Places
R R R
R2:3
MMC
; ;
;
M.3.iii
Services + Utilities R R R
4
P.1.iii
Tertiary
R R R
R.2.ii
Construction 
; ;
M.3.iii
Services + Utilities R R R
4
P.1.iii
Tertiary
R R R
R.2.ii
Construction 
; ;
;
they wish their area to be included within a code. 
N1:1 Network of Spaces R R R
P2:2
Multi-functional
R R R
R2:4
Water
; ;
;
M2:3 Services + Utilities R R R
4
P1:3
Tertiary
R R R
R2:2
Construction 
; ;
;
Nature 
P2:1
Meeting Places
R R R
R2:3
MMC
; ;
;
M.3.iii
Services + Utilities R R R
4
P.1.iii
Tertiary
R R R
R.2.ii
Construction 
; ;
;
Nature 
P.2.i
Meeting Places
R R R
R.2.iii
MMC
; ;
;
Nature 
P.2.i
Meeting Places
R R R
R.2.iii
MMC
; ;
Nature 
P.2.i
Meeting Places
R R R
R.2.iii
MMC
; ;
;

•	 Discuss with the groups who wish 

N1:2 OS Provision
R R R
P2:3
Home Zones
R R R
Lifespan 
N1:1 Network of Spaces R R R
P2:2
Multi-functional
R R R
R2:4
Water
; ;
;
N.1.i
Network of Spaces R R R
P.2.ii
Multi-functional
R R R
R.2.iv
Water
; ;
;
N.1.i
Network of Spaces R R R
P.2.ii
Multi-functional
R R R
R.2.iv
Water
; ;
N.1.i
Network of Spaces R R R
P.2.ii
Multi-functional
R R R
R.2.iv
Water
; ;
;
N1:3 Design
R R R
P2:1
Secured by Design R R R
4
L1:1
Management Plan
; ;
;
N1:2 OS Provision
R R R
P2:3
Home Zones
R R R
Lifespan 
to be involved, what the code should cover. 
N.1.ii
OS Provision
R R R
P.2.iii
Home Zones
R R R
Lifespan 
N.1.ii
OS Provision
R R R
P.2.iii
Home Zones
R R R
Lifespan 
N.1.ii
OS Provision
R R R
P.2.iii
Home Zones
R R R
Lifespan 
N2:1 Working with Water R R R
4
P3:2
Counter Terrorism R R R
L1:2
Participation
; ;
;
N1:3 Design
R R R
P2:1
Secured by Design R R R
4
L1:1
Management Plan
; ;
;
N.1.iii
Design
R R R
P.3.i
Secured by Design R R R
4
L.1.i
Management Plan
; ;
;
N.1.iii
Design
R R R
P.3.i
Secured by Design R R R
4
L.1.i
Management Plan
; ;
N.1.iii
Design
R R R
P.3.i
Secured by Design R R R
4
L.1.i
Management Plan
; ;
;
N2:2 SUDS
R R R
4
Uses
L1:3
Community
; ;
;
N2:1 Working with Water R R R
4
P3:2
Counter Terrorism R R R
L1:2
Participation
; ;
;
N.2.i
Working with Water R R R
4
P.3.ii
Counter Terrorism R R R
L.1.ii
Participation
; ;
;
N.2.i
Working with Water R R R
4
P.3.ii
Counter Terrorism R R R
L.1.ii
Participation
; ;
N.2.i
Working with Water R R R
4
P.3.ii
Counter Terrorism R R R
L.1.ii
Participation
; ;
;
N2:3 Flood Risk
R R R
4
U1:1
Efficient Land Use ; ; ;
N2:2 SUDS
R R R
4
Uses
L1:3
Community
; ;
;
N.2.ii
SUDS
R R R
4
Uses
L.1.iii
Community
; ;
;
N.2.ii
SUDS
R R R
4
Uses
L.1.iii
Community
; ;
N.2.ii
SUDS
R R R
4
Uses
L.1.iii
Community
; ;
;
N3:1 Net Gain
R R R
U1:2
Mix
R R ;
N2:3 Flood Risk
R R R
4
U1:1
Efficient Land Use ; ; ;
N.2.iii
Flood Risk
R R R
4
U.1.i
Efficient Land Use ; ; ;
N.2.iii
Flood Risk
R R R
4
U.1.i
Efficient Land Use ; ; ;
N.2.iii
Flood Risk
R R R
4
U.1.i
Efficient Land Use ; ; ;
N3:2 Biodiversity
R R R
4
U1:3
Active Frontage
R R R
N3:1 Net Gain
R R R
U1:2
Mix
R R ;
U.1.ii
Mix
R R ;
R R R
U.1.ii
Mix
R R ;
U.1.ii
Mix
R R ;
R R ■R
4
U2:1
Housing for All
; ; ;
R R R
4
U1:3
Active Frontage
R R R
4
U.1.iii
Active Frontage
R R R
4
U.1.iii
Active Frontage
R R R
4
U.1.iii
Active Frontage
R R R

The results of this initial engagement will feed into a consultation strategy that will include the stages at which consultation will take place, what techniques will be used and how the community will be engaged. 

N3:3 Street Trees
                   R R ■R
                                 4
                                       U2:1
                                             Housing for All
                                                           ; ; ;

4
U.2.i Housing for All
; ; ;

N.3.iii
          Street Trees
                             R R ■R
                                                4
                                                         U.2.i
                                                                    Housing for All
                                                                                       ; ; ;

4
U.2.i Housing for All
; ; ;

## Figure 2.	 Design Code Coverage

Issues that you would expect to be covered in a code Issues that may be covered elsewhere and so not included in the code

## 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.

	 Heritage assets, including 
conservation areas
	 Land use, economic uses Built form, density, massing
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 planning authorities may already hold this information, so it is possible that they will not need to carry out further analysis for the purpose of producing a design code. The analysis could include: 

  Community infrastructure and schools
	 Topographical, ecology, river and 
waterways, flood risk
	 Public transport accessibility
	 Open space and green infrastructure
	 Road/street hierarchy
	 Local character
31.	This analysis will feed into the 
identification of the 'area types' described in the next two steps as well as providing a baseline on issues such as street hierarchy, open space provision, public transport and 
community facilities that will inform elements of the code. 

Hierarchy: Parts of the 
design code relate to the 
character of different street 
types. This would be facilitated 
by classifying all of the streets 
of the local area on the basis 
of a street hierarchy. This can 
be done by identifying primary 
streets and secondary streets, 
the remainder being local 
streets. 

Nature section of the design code relates to open space provision, ecology, green and blue environments and their resilience. There may be value in having an authoritywide plan showing each type of open space and natural designations and their relevant proximity zones.

## Transport

Accessibility: Parts of 
the design code may allow 
an increase in densities or 
building heights in areas 
of high public transport 
accessibility. If this is the case, 
it will be important to have a 
plan showing public transport 
accessibility such as a public 
transport accessibility level 
plan or equivalent.   

## Land Use

Pattern: The use section of 
the design code relates to land 
use pattern,  including cultural 
spaces, schools and other 
community facilities and again 
it may be useful to have an 
authority-wide plan showing 
the location of existing 
facilities.  

## Identifying Area Types 2.A Design Vision

34.	When preparing a design code for the whole local planning authority area, one approach is to divide the existing built-up area to be covered by the code into area types. These are areas of character that will be used to set common parameters in the code. If the code is covering a small area, then this stage may not be necessary. However, many places will include a number of different area types which will need to be analysed and mapped.   
35.	Area types can be identified through characterisation studies, GIS analysis or a combination of these and the experience of planning officials and local communities.

32.	 Design codes need to be based on a vision for how a place will develop in the future, as set out in the local plan. This vision needs to be developed with the local community and is likely to be an important part of the community engagement process. 

36.	Area types are based both on the existing character of the place and how the local authority and community expect the area to develop in the future. In Step 2B we describe ten possible area types as a starting point. 

	 Its character and appearance. The mix of uses and facilities. The amount and character of green 
space. 
	 The way in which it deals with 
33.	 Local planning authorities may wish to create a vision statement which sets out the specific aims for the design code. These visions need to be aspirational and set the context for the subsequent development of the code covering:

traffic, parking, walking and cycling.
	 An appreciation of the existing area or 
	 Sustainability including energy 
efficiency. 
site, its natural, topographical, historical and heritage features.
Few urban areas will include all of these types. 

37.	The area types should be analysed 
using a standard worksheet (See Fig 8). This is something that can be done as part of consultation events with local communities. This analysis will feed into a vision for what that area type should become in the future. 

## Consultation

The design visioning process will be an important focus for consultation. This could be undertaken through a series of workshops across the local area that involve communities and stakeholders in the analysis of existing character and visioning of how this character may change. Wider surveys may also be necessary to ensure widespread local input beyond workshop attendees. This can include 'walking workshops', photographic surveys and visual preference surveys to understand the aspects of local character that people value and those that they would like to change.

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

## 2.B Coding Plan

38.	 The analysis will feed into a plan similar to Figure 9, that shows the areas of the authority to which the code will apply along with the distribution of the area types. The plan also shows major development sites based on local plan allocations that will be subject to the masterplanning exercise in Step 2c. 

should be identified to avoid the design code being too complex. 

39.	The existing built-up area to be covered by the code needs to be identified as an area type or a mixture of area types as illustrated in Figure 10.

40.	Some places will include only a few area types, and some may include examples of all ten types. A limited number of area types 
41.	Area types can include other uses, such as a small factory or school within a suburban area type. The principle being that, if that site came up for development, then it would be appropriate to be guided by the identified area type. 

Town/City centre
A typical dense city typology with 
over 120 dwellings per hectare 
(dph) and a strong mix of uses. 

Industrial areas 
Industrial areas of single 
storey manufacturing and 
storage units. 

High rise city
This could apply to parts of large 
city centres where there would 
be no or limited restrictions on 
height.  

Urban neighbourhood Urban neighbourhoods with net housing densities of 60-120 dph and a mix of uses.  

Outer suburbs 

Lower density suburbs with net 
densities of 20-40 dph, few 
apartments and less of a mix of 
uses. 

Suburbs 
Neighbourhoods with net 
residential densities of 40-60 
dph. A mix of short terraces and 
semi-detached units.  

## Figure 10.	 Example Area Types Business, Science Or Retail Parks: Areas Of Retail, Office Development, Science And Technology Parks.

Local centres 
This relates to district and 
neighbourhood centres and 
high streets, typically 3-5 storey 
blocks with other uses at ground 
floor.

Rural settlements
Rural areas may include rural 
building and settlement types.

Villages
Villages have their own distinctive 
character often with 2 and 3 
storey buildings in an informal 
layout. 

## 2.C Master Planning

Who is responsible?

44.	The coding framework for development sites can be produced, by the landowner/ developer on their own, in partnership with a local planning authority, or by the local planning authority on its own. This would be done when the site is allocated for development in the local plan and included in a design code.

What the masterplan includes:
45.	Figure 11 shows a notional masterplan for one of the development sites identified on the coding plan in step 2b. The level of detail will vary depending on whether the authority or developer is preparing the masterplan and the complexity of the site. It will also depend on where the site is in the planning process - local plan preparation, pre-

## Consultation

42.	  If a design code is being prepared for larger sites, it may be necessary to produce a masterplan as part of the design coding exercise. This masterplan will establish a new street network, decide which area types apply, along with various other parameters. 

43.	These development sites will usually have been allocated in the local plan and will generally be larger sites. Smaller sites can be dealt with within the area type framework. 

The masterplanning exercise for development sites needs to be subject to a separate community engagement exercise. This will need to be coordinated with the consultation on the local plan allocation as well as consultation being undertaken by the owner/developer. 

application, community consultation, outline or detailed application stages. Landscape can be a major driver in a design process at masterplanning scale. The exercise may include an illustrative masterplan that shows what the area could be like in the future for the purposes of consultation, but the detailed plan would be illustrative.

## Figure 11.	 Development Site Masterplan: The Aim Of The Masterplan Is To Provide A Framework For The Application Of The Design Code To The Site. This Is Likely To Include:

	 The landscape strategy, taking account of existing 
natural features and new structural elements.
	 The amount and position of open space provision. The number of homes and other uses (from the local 
plan allocation).
	 The points of access and connection to the wider 
street network.
	 The broad position of the primary and secondary 
streets but not local streets.
	 The position of the local centre if relevant.
	 The area types that will apply to different parts of 
the site (which will in turn reference rules on density, height, street building line etc.)

## 3.A Guidance For Area Types

48.	This section should be read in conjunction with the guidance notes and the relevant sections are indicated for each issue.

49.	The issues covered are: 
	 **Movement:** The guidance relating to 
the network of streets, active travel, and public transport relates to all area types. The key variables being the street types and parking arrangements.      
	 **Nature:** Most of the guidance on 
nature also applies to all area types, the potentially being open space standards, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and urban greening. 
46.	 This section describes the area type policies that authorities should consider when creating design codes or guides. These issues will need to be addressed for each area type. If the code is not using an area type approach, these issues will need to be considered for the whole code area.

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.

	 **Built Form:** This is the main issue that 
varies by area type including density, grain, building line and height.   
	 **Identity:** The design of buildings will vary 
by area type and may vary to a lesser degree within area types.
	 **Public Space:** The character of each 
type of street will vary by area type.
	 **Use:** The opportunities for intensification, 
mix of uses and housing types mix of uses, and active frontage will all vary by 
area type. 
	 **Homes and Buildings:** Guidance of 
privacy distances and garden/balcony sizes may vary by area type.  

## 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 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:

## I	 New Streets: All New Streets Should Be Safe And

 **ii	 New junctions:** Guides might specify traffic signalled 
junctions on high streets and less formal, unmarked junctions 
on local streets. See M.2.ii - Junctions and Crossings
iii	 Car parking: Standards for all uses will be set in the local 

overlooked and correspond to their role in the street 
hierarchy and area type - e.g. a primary street in an 
urban centre will have a different character to one in a 
village  See M.1.iii - Street Hierarchy

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 
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
decked. New surface parking might be prohibited where there is a clear and compelling justification.  

## Nature

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

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 
green space can be adapted for different contexts. See Fig 15 
and N.1.iii Open Space Design
ii	 Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS): In urban areas, these 
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 
requirements for green roofs and walls, lower density areas for 
more natural green spaces and habitats. See N.3.ii Planning for Biodiversity

## Built Form

52.	Built form refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of buildings, blocks, streets and spaces. This will form the core of the design code and the settings for each element of built form will vary considerably by area type. 

Detailed information is provided in Guidance Note Code Content: Built Form.  

i	 Density: Codes should define density ranges, 
ii 	 Floor area ratio: Calculated by dividing 
which are likely to be higher for town and local centres and lower in suburbs (example below) Mixed use schemes can be calculated on a 
pro-rata basis. See B.1.i Density
the gross floor area of the building by the area of the plot, FAR can be used to regulate the density of non-residential uses 
(example below) **See B.1.i Density** Town Centres: >200d/ha 
Urban Neighbourhoods: 60-120d/ha Town Centres: >2 
	
Urban Neighbourhoods: >1 
	
Suburbs: 30-50 d/ha
	
Suburbs: <0.5
    
Buildings should be allowed to join on either side and to the rear. 

iii	 Party wall: How buildings 
town/local centres and coarser (larger 
plot sizes) in suburbs. See B.1.iii Building Types and Forms
v	 Public/private: New development 

adjoin or relate to their 
neighbours. Likely variation in 
guidance by area type is shown 
in Fig 17. See B.1.ii Party 
Wall Condition 

iv Grain: The pattern of plots 

should create a clear separation 
between the public fronts of buildings 
and the private rears within the centre 
of development blocks. This is normally 
achieved using blocks. Likely variation 
by area type is shown in Fig 18.  See 
B.2.i Blocks

in an urban block/area. New 
development should, where 
possible, be sympathetic to the 
existing grain. The grain is likely 
to be finer (smaller plot size) in 

## Figure 19.	 Examples Of Typical Area Type Built Form Settings

Town centre:
Density: 		
>200d/ha
FAR: 	
	
>2

## Urban Neighbourhood: Density: >60-120D/Ha

| Party Wall: 	                | Side and rear    | FAR: 	                | 	            |
|----------------|------------------|----------------|------------|
| Block Type:    | Courtyard        | Party Wall:    | Both sides |
| Building Line: | Continuous       | Block Type:    | Perimeter  |
| Set Back:      | 0-1m             | Building Line: | 75%        |
| Eaves Height:  | 18m              | Set Back:      | 1-3m       |
| Eaves Height:  | 12m              |                |            |

vi	 Building line: The building line 
is created by the primary front face of buildings along a street and is a 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 by development. 

Suburb:
Density: 		
30-50 d/ha

	 Set-Back: The distance that buildings 

| FAR: 	   | 	   | >0.5   |
|---|---|--------|

are set back from the pavement. 

| Party Wall: 	             | One side   |
|-------------|------------|
| Block Type: | Informal   |

     Figure 20 shows how building line 

Building Line:	
50% 

guidance might change by area type.     

| Set Back:	               | 3-6m   |
|---------------|--------|
| Eaves Height: | 9m     |

     See B.2.ii Building Line

## Vii Heights: The Height Of Buildings Will Viii	Tall Buildings: In Many Areas Codes

be a key element of design codes. This 
is regulated through eaves heights, 
total heights and exceptions. Figure 21 
shows how heights might vary by area 
type. See B.2.iii Height

will need to make provision for taller 
buildings. Some city area types may 
include no limit on height. However, 
in most area types codes can either 
indicate zones where taller buildings 
can be considered or indicate the 
circumstances where exceptions to 
the height coding might be considered 
See B.2.iii Height Para 118 -119 

height of 12m and 9m with maximum height of 3m above this, allowing for 4 or 3 storeys of housing.

showing an eaves height of 18m and a maximum height of 23m, allowing 5 storeys of housing or 4 storeys of offices over active ground floor uses.  

## Identity

53.	The identity of an area comes not just from its built form and public spaces but from the design of its buildings. This is not about architectural style, but about key principles of building design. All new buildings should relate to the architectural character and materials of the surrounding area. In local design codes guidance on identity will vary considerably by area type, informed by the worksheet at the appendix of the guidance notes, and may include guidance on the following components. Detailed information is provided in Guidance Note Code Content: Identity, in particular Section I.2.i Building Design Principles

ii	
Thresholds: Entrances should be 
emphasised in the architectural treatment of façades. This can include porches, recessed doors and other entrance features. 
i	
The base of the building: 
The ground floor may be treated differently to the upper floors to create a relationship with the street. It  may use different materials and include active uses, especially in the context of a town/local centre. 
iii	 Boundaries: The treatment of 
iv	 Roofscape: Variation in eaves 
boundaries has a significant role to play in creating character. Figure 23 shows how guidance on boundaries might change according to area type
height and roof forms will vary based on the character of the local area. Historic town centres, villages and suburbs tend to have a variety 
of roof types whereas a Georgian inner neighbourhood, for example is typically uniform.    
 

## Vi	 Variation In Frontages:

Guidance may be provided on the level of articulation such as set-backs, porches, balconies and bays, especially if the character of such features are particular to the existing area. Fig 26 shows how frontage variation can create different characters.

v	
Windows: Guidance may be 
provided on the design of windows based on the character of the area. The proportion of glazing may 
vary with city centres allowing fully glazed façades but elsewhere the glazing ratio might be limited to 35%. Guidance can also direct the orientation of the windows and the depth of reveals.       
  vii 	
Detailing: Guidance may be 
provided on the use of colour, quality of materials and detailing, drawn from the surrounding 
context, e.g. an area might be characterised by the use of a particular type of brick. A degree of complexity will ensure that buildings are attractive from a distance and close-up. Fig 27 shows how depth and interest can be created with window details.
Tall building design principles: Tall buildings may 
be permitted in certain area types which will require guidance on their design. Key principles are set out 
below. See I.2.i Para 49 for more detail
	 Top: Consider the impact on the skyline. Services 
need to be concealed, and both the street views and the long views need to be considered. 
	 Form: Should be well-proportioned in terms of 
slenderness when viewed from all frontages. 
	 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.    

## Public Space Primary Streets: .1.I

High streets: 
The focus for local shopping centres, often with traffic but sometimes traffic-free See P
.1.i Primary Streets Secondary streets: 
Taking local traffic into neighbourhoods and often the location of shopping parades and local services such as shops See P
.1.ii Local and Secondary Local streets: 
Providing vehicle access only to the properties on the street but with through pedestrian and cycle traffic See P.1.ii Local and Secondary Streets 
54.	The quality of public space is partly about the way it is designed and partly about the way it is enclosed by well-proportioned buildings. Detailed information is provided in Guidance Note Code Content: Public Space. Streets are a component of public 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 
might change by area type and by position on the street hierarchy. 

examples of the design of street types from major cities to market towns and villages. The excerpt below shows how the identity of a primary street can vary considerably depending on context; from an urban primary street with tall buildings and a public transport hub to a market town high street with mid-density buildings and a market square.

## 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. 
level of the street, e.g. community facilities, cafes and restaurants, shops and offices.

In urban areas this might mean infill development or 
development of airspace. In suburban areas it might 
mean garden development. See U.1.i Efficient use 
of land.

ii	 Mix: A mix of uses will likely be a requirement in 
centres, will be encouraged in urban neighbourhoods 
and may be permitted but not required in suburbs See 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

## 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 in suburban areas lighting might be more minimal and 
privacy distance might be greater. See H.2.i Lighting Aspect and Privacy 
ii	 Gardens and balconies: Codes might specify 

Figure 32.	 Privacy 
Distances: 

These are the distances between 
dwellings to ensure private amenity, 
in particular the distance between 
the windows of habitable rooms. 
The illustration shows how minimum 
distances might be specified.

minimum sizes for gardens and balconies to improve well-being and amenity. In more urban areas this might be smaller, while in suburban areas larger garden 
spaces might be specified See H.2.iii Gardens and Balconies   

## 3.B Code Wide Guidance

59.	 In addition to the guidance in step 3a  the following guidance relates to all development within the area covered by the design code or guide regardless of area type. All of this must be referenced back to a policy within the local plan.

## 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:  

i	 Character studies: All schemes should consider their 
context and schemes over a specified size should be 
accompanied by a context study See C.1 Character Studies 
ii	 Historic assets: Schemes should respect the historic 
assets of the site and its surroundings, making use of 
existing structures where possible See C.2 Cultural 
Heritage

## Movement

ii	 Active travel:  New development should contribute to 
the creation of well-lit, direct and overlooked pedestrian 
and cycle routes. See M.2 Active Travel
	 Low traffic neighbourhoods may be appropriate but 
58.	A connected network of streets, good public transport and the promotion of walking and cycling are key principles, as set out in Guidance Notes Code Content: Movement and summarised below:

only where supported by the local community.
i	 Connected places: All schemes should contribute to 
	 All streets should be accessible to all members of 
the community. 
the creation of an integrated, walkable and safe street network:
	 All new streets other than local and tertiary streets 
	 New streets should link at either end to other streets 
should include separate cycle lanes.
where possible. See M.1.i The Street Network
	 Cul-de-sacs are acceptable only as tertiary streets. 
	 Junctions should be designed in accordance with 
	 All new streets should be allocated to a level of the 
Manual for Streets to be safe, convenient and 
attractive for all users. See M.2.ii Junctions and Crossings
street hierarchy and follow the appropriate guidance. 
See M.1.iii Street Hierarchy
 	 All development should be within easy reach of 
public transport. See M.1.ii Public Transport
iii	 Car parking: The arrangements for car parking can 

have a major impact on the quality of place. They should 
aim to minimise the impact of the car and solutions will 
vary depending on context, as set out in Section 3A 
P17. See M.3.i Car Parking

iv	 Cycle parking: Provision of the storage of cycles for 
residents, workers and visitors needs to be integrated 
into all development. See M.3.ii Cycle Parking
v	 Servicing: New development should integrate the 
requirements of utility providers, refuse collection and emergency access without compromising the quality of place by obstruction of movement or visual intrusion. 
See M.3.iii Services and Utilities  

## Nature

	 All schemes over 200 dwellings should include a 
Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) within 400m. 
	 All schemes over 500 dwellings should include a 
60.	All development should enhance the natural as well as the built environment as set out in Guidance Notes Code Content: Nature. Most of the guidance will apply to all area types and is summarised below:
Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play (NEAP) within 
1,000m.

i	 Green infrastructure: New development should 
ii	 Water and drainage: Schemes should make the 
most of waterside locations and address sustainable drainage and flooding: 
contribute towards the creation of a network of green 
spaces. Summary below. See N.1.i Network of Spaces
	 Schemes should make the most of their waterside 
	 The requirement for new green space should 
be based on the government's open space and recreation guidance.     
location, facing onto the water and retaining public 
access to the water's edge. See N.2.i Working 
with Water 
	 All housing schemes over 15 dwellings should 
include a Local Area of Play (LAP).
range of biodiversity design principles

	 All schemes should integrate sustainable drainage 
systems into the early stages of design to achieve 
greenfield run-off rates. See N.2.ii Sustainable Drainage
	 All schemes should take account of flood risk and 
the need for active flood resilience measures. See N.2.iii Flood Risk
iii	 Biodiversity:  All schemes will be expected to 
follow national policy by achieving a 10% net gain in biodiversity. 
	 Schemes should incorporate biodiversity design 
principles, e.g. creating and enhancing habitats. See 
N.3 Biodiversity  
	 All new streets should include street trees. See 
N.3.iii Street Trees 

## Built Form Identity

61.	Most of this guidance will change based on context and area type as set out in Guidance Notes Code Content: Built Form. 

The following will apply to all development:  
62.	All schemes should be designed to respect and enhance the existing character of the surrounding area. The principles set out in Guidance Notes Code Content: Identity will apply to most development (summary below)

## I 	 Public And Private: There Should Be A Clear I	 Sense Of Place: All Schemes Should Be Designed To

enhance local character and legibility by:  
	 Making use of local materials and detailing. 

separation between public and private space, which 
will generally be achieved through development blocks. 
New development should repair the existing block 
structure, where possible. See B.2.i Blocks 

	 Incorporating legibility and wayfinding strategies Being guided by a strong masterplan. 

## See I.1 A Sense Of Place

ii The identity of buildings: All buildings should take 
account of the principles set out in I.2 The Identity of Buildings

## Public Space

63.	Details about how guidance might change by context and area type is set out in Guidance Notes Code Content: Public Space. The key principles below will apply more broadly: 

i	 Streets: The design of streets should be based on 
their place in the street hierarchy and their context. See P.1 Streets
ii 	 Social interaction: Public spaces should encourage 
activity and social interaction. See P.2.i Meeting Places
iii	 Multi-functional streets: Streets should aim to 
accommodate a range of travel modes. See P.2.ii Multi-functional Streets
iv	 Secured by design: All schemes should aim to 
create a safe and secure environment See P.3.i Secured by Design

## Use Homes And Buildings

64.	Much of the guidance on use will vary by context or area type as set out  in Guidance Notes Code Content: Use. The following guidance could apply more generally: 

i	 Intensification: Making more efficient use of land is 
encouraged taking into account context and constraints. 
See U.1.i Efficient Use of Land
ii 	 Variety of activity: A mix of different uses is 
encouraged, to create variety and activity. See U.1.ii Mix
iii	 Housing mix: All schemes should include a mix 
of tenures and house-types including live/work and 
custom-build units where possible.  See U.2 Housing Mix 
iv	 Schools: Should be designed as part of the 
neighbourhood, integrating into the existing building line 
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
accessible in all neighbourhoods

65.	Standards relating to the design of homes and 
buildings are important and can be included in design policies with the detailed design of inter-related requirements resolved at project level. The following 
may be included (See Guidance Notes Code Content: Homes and Buildings for more information): 
i	 Space standards: Nationally described space standards may be 
included in codes. See H.1.i. Space Standards
ii	 Accessibility: Codes can identify accessibility standards as set out 
in Part M of the Building Regulations. See H.1.ii Accessibility
iii	 Lighting, aspect and privacy: All habitable rooms should 
receive adequate levels of daylight. Single aspect north-facing 
dwellings should be avoided. See H.2.i Lighting, Aspect and Privacy
iv	 Secured by design relating to the home: Codes may 
incorporate guidance on the security of the home in accordance 
with Part Q of the Building Regulations. See H.2.ii Security

## Resources

66.	Standards relating to sustainability are important and can be incorporated into codes or covered in other policy, and the detail design of inter-related requirements resolved at project level. They might include the following (See Guidance Notes Code Content: Resources): 

## I	 Energy Efficiency Standards: Local Authorities Iii	 Local Low Energy Networks: May Be Encouraged By Codes. See R.1.Iii Neighbourhood Energy Issues

can set policies for higher energy efficiency standards for their area or specific development sites. See R.1.ii Energy Efficiency 

iv	 Environmental standards: Codes may set 
standards for new development to meet relating to: 
ii	 Passive energy design: Development should be 
•	 Embodied energy •	 BREEAM Ratings 
designed to optimise passive solar gain without risking overheating. Orientation should be optimised in as far as 
it does not contradict other policies in this guide. See 
R.1.ii Energy Efficiency
•	 Modern Methods of Construction •	 Water usage

## See R.2 Sustainable Construction Lifespan

67.	Lifespan relates to way schemes are 
managed and the way that residents are involved in design and management. These issues can be included in design codes and 
may include the following (See Guidance Notes Code Content: Lifespan for more information): 
i	 Management plans: These set out the approach 
to adoption and management, including the potential for community management. They may be a 
requirement for schemes over a certain size. See L.1.i Management Plan
ii	 Community participation: Codes may require 
that consultation take place on all schemes prior to 
the submission of a planning application. See L.1.ii Participation in Design

## Glossary Area Type Area Type Work Sheet Glossary

Parts of the local area that share common features and characteristics. 

A set of prompts and sections to be completed, detailing the key elements and features that should be considered when undertaking a character study. This is not an exhaustive list and should be adapted locally.

## Character Study

For example, a suburban area type might bring together a number of different housing estates with common densities, heights, building line, party wall condition etc.)under the umbrella term "outer suburbs".  
A process of analysis at area type level to determine the elements and features that contribute to the unique character of a place. This process can be used to determine existing area types, using the area type work sheet.

Common rules and parameters can then be applied to the "outer suburbs" area type in the design code. Example area types are provided in the 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 coding plan can show:
A table detailing the elements of the design 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 information about the area surrounding a site. A suggested list of information that could be included is provided within the context section of Guidance Note: Code Content.

Parts of the local area where radical, rather than incremental change is planned. These might include regeneration areas where significant change is expected to the existing urban form, urban extensions and new settlements.

A mapping or diagrammatic exercise, detailing spatial information about a site and its immediate surroundings. A suggested list of information that could be included is provided within the context section of Guidance Note: Code Content.

## Design Code Framework Plans

A set of illustrated design requirements that provide specific, detailed parameters for the physical development of a site or area.

A set of plans at local area or settlement level that detail spatial information, for example, street hierarchy, transport accessibility, open space, land use and patterns of built form.

Explanations of the above are provided in Step 2B on page 12.

## Historic Study Design Vision

A clear articulation of what an area should be like in the future, developed with the local community. Local planning authorities may wish to create a vision statement setting out specific aims of the design code.

A mapping and research exercise detailing historical information about the area surrounding a site. Suggestions about information that could be included is provided within the context section of Guidance Note: Code Content.

## References References To Further Guidance

There are many other guides to urban design and placemaking that provide more detailed guidance on the themes set out within this document to inform local design codes. The following is a list of key references that provide further information to the guidance set out within the National Model Design Code.

## Key References

Manual for Streets, Department for 
Transport and Department for Communities and Local Government, 2007, www.gov.uk/ government/publications/manualfor-streets 
Manual for Streets 2, Department of 
Transport, 2010, www.gov.uk/government/ publications/manual-forstreets-2 
National Planning Policy Framework, 
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 2019, https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/national-planningpolicy-framework--2 
Planning Practice Guidance, Ministry 
of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2016, www.gov.uk/government/ collections/planning-practiceguidance 

## Context Understanding Place, Historic Area Assessments, Historic England, 2017, Https://Historicengland.Org.Uk/Images-Books/ Publications/Understanding-Place-Historicarea-Assessments/ Movement

Cycle infrastructure design (Local Transport Note 1/20), Department for Transport, 2020, https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/cycle-infrastructuredesign-ltn-120 
Highway Tree Management Operations Note 51, Forestry Commission, 2019 https://
www.gov.uk/government/publications/ highway-tree-management-operationsnote-51 

## Inclusive Mobility, Making Transport Accessible For Passengers And Pedestrians, Department For Transport, 2005, Https://Www.Gov.Uk/Government/ Publications/Inclusive-Mobility Traffic Signs Manual, Chapter 6 Traffic Control, Department For Transport, 2019, Https://Www.Gov.Uk/Government/Publications/ Traffic-Signs-Manual

Flood risk assessments: climate change allowances, Environment Agency, 2020, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-riskassessments-climate-change-allowances 

## Guidance For Outdoor Sport And Play Beyond The Six Acre Standard, England, Fields In Trust, 2015, Http://Www.Fieldsintrust. Org/Guidance

Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions, an Overview, Department for Transport, 2016, https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/traffic-signsregulations-and-general-directions-2016-anoverview 

## Nature

Improving access to greenspace A new review for 2020, Public Health England, 
2020, https://assets.publishing.service.gov. uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/904439/Improving_ access_to_greenspace_2020_review.pdf Environment Bill 2020, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/ environment-bill-2020  (forthcoming)
Flood risk emergency plans for new development, Environment Agency and ADEPT, 2019, https://www.adeptnet.org.uk/ floodriskemergencyplan

## National Framework Of Green Infrastructure Standards (Forthcoming Guidance To Be Announced)

National Area Type Profiles, Natural England, 2014, https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/national-characterarea-profiles-data-for-local-decision-making/ national-character-area-profile

## A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan To Improve The Environment, Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs, 2018, Www.Gov.Uk/Government/Publications/25- Year-Environment-Plan

Nature Nearby - Accessible Natural Greenspace Guidance (NE265), Natural England, 2010, https://webarchive. nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140605145320/ http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ publication/40004?category=47004
Open space, sports and recreation facilities, public rights of way and local green space, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2014, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-spacesports-and-recreation-facilities-public-rightsof-way-and-local-green-space Sustainable drainage systems: nonstatutory technical standards, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2015, https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/sustainable-drainage-systemsnon-statutory-technical-standards The Biodiversity Metric 2.0 (JP029), Natural England, http://
publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ publication/5850908674228224 

## The Mosaic Approach: Managing Habitats For Species (B2020- 009), Natural England, 2013, Http:// Publications.Naturalengland.Org.Uk/ Publication/6415972705501184 Public Space The Right Tree In The Right Place For A Resilient Future - Urban Tree Manual, Forestry Commission And Forest Research, Https://Www.Forestresearch.Gov.Uk/Tools-Andresources/Urban-Tree-Manual/

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation, Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, https:// www.cpni.gov.uk/hostile-vehicle-mitigation-0 
The SuDS Manual (C753), CIRIA, 2015, https://www.susdrain.org/resources/SuDS_ Manual.html

## Built Form

Influence of bollards on pedestrian evacuation flow (TAL 01/16), Department for Transport, 2017, https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/influence-ofbollards-on-pedestrian-evacuation-flowtal-0116   

## Increasing Residential Density In Historic Environments, Historic England, 2018, Https://Historicengland.Org.Uk/Images-Books/ Publications/Increasing-Residential-Density-Inhistoric-Environments/ Identity

Integrated Security, A Public Realm Design Guide for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation - Second Edition, Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, 2014, https://www.cpni.gov.uk/system/ files/documents/40/20/Integrated%20 Security%20Guide.pdf Secured By Design, Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Limited, 2020,  www. securedbydesign.com Streets for All, Advice for Highway and Public Realm Works in Historic Places, Historic England, 2018, https://
historicengland.org.uk/images-books/ publications/streets-for-all/ 
Using bollards to reduce threats from vehicles (TAL 02/13), Department for Transport, 2017, https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/tal-213-bollardsand-pedestrian-movement Vehicle security barriers within the streetscape (TAL 01/11), Department for Transport, 2011, https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/vehicle-securitybarriers-within-the-streetscape 

## Use

DH health building notes, Department of Health and Social Care, 2017. https:// www.gov.uk/government/collections/healthbuilding-notes-core-elements School design and construction, Department of Education, 2020, https:// www.gov.uk/government/collections/schooldesign-and-construction  

## Homes And Buildings

Technical housing standards - nationally described space standard, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2015, https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/technical-housingstandards-nationally-described-spacestandard 

## 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-partl-and-part-f-of-the-building-regulations-fornew-dwellings 

## Lifespan

Community engagement: guidance for local authorities, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2019, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/communityengagement-and-eu-exit-guidance-for-localauthorities

## Credits Credits

Unless otherwise stated the illustrations, diagrams and maps were produced by URBED for MHCLG

| Section                               | Page                     | Information                           |  Image Credit                         |
|---------------------------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Main Document                         |                          |                                       |                                       |
| Pollard Thomas Edwards                | Front Cover - Background | N/A                                   | Masterplan for The Avenue, Saffron    |
| Walden, Pollard Thomas Edwards        |                          |                                       |                                       |
| PRP Architects LLP                    | Front Cover - Images     | N/A                                   | Portobello Square, London, PRP        |
| Architects LLP                        |                          |                                       |                                       |
| Jefferson Smith (Photographer)        | Front Cover - Images     | N/A                                   | Carrowbreck Meadow, Norwich,          |
| Hamson Barron Smith                   |                          |                                       |                                       |
| Tim Crocker Architectural Photography | Front Cover - Images     | N/A                                   | The Avenue, Saffron Walden, Thomas    |
| Pollard Edwards                       |                          |                                       |                                       |
| ADAM Architecture                     | Front Cover - Images     | N/A                                   | Nansledan, Newquay, Cornwall, ADAM    |
| Architecture                          |                          |                                       |                                       |
| James O Davies, Historic England      | The Coding Process       | Section Break                         | Gas holders, Kings Cross, Wilkinson   |
| Eyre Architects                       |                          |                                       |                                       |
| Glossary                              | Section Break            | Brandon Yard, Bristol. AWW Architects | James O Davies, Historic England      |
| The Land Trust/Countryside Properties | References               | Section Break                         | Beaulieu, Chelmsford, Gardner Stewart |
| 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.        |
| ADAM Architecture              | Context          | P2                                                                         | Nansledan, Newquay, Cornwall, ADAM       |
| 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                 |                  |                                                                            |                                          |
| paul.gasson@gmail.com          | Movement         | P11                                                                        | Orford Road, Waltham Forest, London,     |
| 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 |                  |                                                                            |                                          |
| Cycle Works                    | Movement         | P15                                                                        | Workplace Cycle Parking Example,         |
| 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                                    |
| URBED                          | Nature           | P19                                                                        | The University of Manchester, Burlington |
| Street Campus                  |                  |                                                                            |                                          |
| Section                    | Page       | Information                                   |  Image Credit                         |
|----------------------------|------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Nature                     | P19        | Central Park, Chelmsford                      | Jane Houghton, Natural England        |
| Forestry Commission        | Nature     | P20                                           | Grove Terrace Gardens, Highgate Road, |
| London                     |            |                                               |                                       |
| URBED                      | Nature     | P20                                           | Communal Gardens, Accordia,           |
| Cambridge                  |            |                                               |                                       |
| URBED                      | Nature     | P20                                           | Food Growing, Levenshulme,            |
| Manchester                 |            |                                               |                                       |
| Nature                     | P20        | Private Gardens, The Malings, Newcastle URBED |                                       |
| Nature                     | P20        | Balconies, Timekeepers Square, Salford        | URBED                                 |
| Jan Chlebik (Photographer) | Nature     | P20                                           | Deansgate Castlefield Metrolink Stop  |
| Design by SimpsonHaugh.    |            |                                               |                                       |
| Nature                     | P23        | Central Park, Chelmsford                      | Jane Houghton, Natural England        |
| JTP Architects/TEDS        | Nature     | P25                                           | RIBA Home for All Seasons, JTP        |
| Architects                 |            |                                               |                                       |
| Nature                     | P26        | Bee Brick                                     | Green and Blue                        |
| Nature                     | P26        | Hedgehog Street                               | Peoples Trust for Endangered Species  |
| Buttress Architects        | Built Form | P29                                           | Timekeepers Square, Salford, Buttress |
| Architects                 |            |                                               |                                       |
| URBED                      | Built Form | P35                                           | The Roof Gardens, Salford, Ollier     |
| Smurthwaite Architects     |            |                                               |                                       |
| Built Form                 | P35        | Lenton Green, Nottingham, JTP                 | URBED                                 |
| TOWN.                      | Built Form | P35                                           | Marmalade Lane, Cambridge, Mole       |
| Architects                 |            |                                               |                                       |
| Section                               | Page                | Information                             |  Image Credit                            |
|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| URBED                                 | Built Form          | P35                                     | Accordia Sky Villas, Cambridge, Alison   |
| Brooks Architects                     |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Morley von Sternberg (Photographer)   | Built Form          | P35                                     | Donnybrook Quarter, Tower Hamlets,       |
| Peter Barber Architects               |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Peter Cook (Photographer)             | Identity            | P42                                     | Tibby's Triangle, Southwold , Ash Sakula |
| Architects                            |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Identity                              | P43                 | Chelmsford Wayfinding Project, IS Group | IS Group                                 |
| Buttress Architects                   | Identity            | P43                                     | Timekeepers Square, Salford, Buttress    |
| Architects                            |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Rob Parrish (Photographer)            | Identity            | P49                                     | 121 Upper Richmond Rd, London,           |
| Allford Hall Monaghan Morris          |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Tim Crocker Architectural Photography | Identity            | P49                                     | Blackfriars Circus, London, Maccreanor   |
| Lavington                             |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Nick Guttridge (Photographer)         | Identity            | P49                                     | 67 Southwark Street, London by Allies    |
| and Morrison                          |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Simon Kennedy (Photographer)          | Identity            | P49                                     | Mapleton Crescent, London,               |
| Metropolitan Workshop                 |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Tim Crocker Architectural Photography | Public Space        | P50                                     | Goldsmith Street, Norwich, Mikhail       |
| Riches                                |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Tim Crocker Architectural Photography | Public Space        | P61                                     | Abode at Great Kneighton, Proctor and    |
| Matthews Architects                   |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Alec French Architects                | Use                 | P64                                     | Wapping Wharf, Bristol, Alec French      |
| Architects                            |                     |                                         |                                          |
| Joseph Rowntree Foundation            | Homes and Buildings | P73                                     | Derwenthorpe, York, Joseph Rowntree      |
| 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                                      |