DESIGN CODES FACTSHEET

Introduction Design codes are a key detailed and precise, and place based vision, whilst
mechanism to deliver high build upon a design vision codes interpret and articulate
The purpose of this guidance quality sustainable places, in such as a master plan or this vision.
is to explain design codes, combination with other other design and
where they should be used, documents that are submitted development framework for a Design codes should be a
what should be included and to support a planning site or area. separate clear succinct
their adoption. application, such as a Spatial technical document, which is
Masterplan, Design & Access (Source: Annex B to Planning easy to understand and use
Whilst design codes are not Statement and a Climate Policy Statement 3: Housing, by non-technical people.
mandatory, they may be Change Strategy. DCLG, 2006)
required for strategically What are the advantages
important sites in the city, A design code is a technical of codes?
particularly where identified delivery document, which
through Area Action Plans or serves as a quality There are a number of
the Sustainable benchmark for the whole positive benefits of design
Neighbourhoods development, but not a codes for all parties involved,
Development Plan Document. prescription. Design Codes including:
should be read in conjunction
CABE in its publication with other documents, which
• Greater design quality,
'Making design policy work', set out a clear vision,
character and sense of
defines good design as principles and character for
place.
‘making places that are the development, such as the
• Greater co-ordination of
functional, durable, viable, What is a design code? Design & Access Statement
different aspects at an
good for people to use, and and Spatial Master plan
earlier stage (e.g.
that reflect the importance of ‘A design code is a set of document. Codes should
highways, landscape and
local character and illustrated design rules and develop the design vision,
architecture), which avoid
distinctiveness’. Sustainability requirements, which instruct and provide a clear set of
changes later in the
is also an important aspect and advise on the physical requirements (the codes) to
process.
that should be integral to achieve/deliver this vision.
development of a site or area.
The Spatial Master plan or • Greater certainty for
design codes. The graphic and written developers.
components of the code are Vision provides the broader
• Potentially faster process.

Design Supplementary Planning Document: Sustainable Design in Plymouth – adopted 2009

 DESIGN CODES FACTSHEET

• Better design cohesion includes for example, North influence their content. If additional information is
between different Plymstock, Millbay, prepared prior to the granting required.
developments or phases Devonport, Derriford, City of outline planning permission
in an area. Centre, East End and Sutton for example, design codes are Other codes may be able to
Harbour Area Action Plans. likely to be more strategic and be developed as part of the
What sites should have contain less technical detail. outline application. If a code is
design codes? Other sites or areas could use This will reflect the risk produced after the grant of
site-specific design guidance associated with undertaking outline permission, matters of
such as site development very detailed design work further technical detail should
The following major
briefs, where relevant. prior to planning permissions be included in the design
application sites, particularly
being granted. Because they code.
those that involve the
are less detailed, such design
following characteristics
codes can, where Design codes should be
should submit design codes:
appropriate, be supplemented produced in consultation with
by more detailed “mini codes” the local authority to ensure
• Large sites (or multiple or other development briefs
smaller related sites) that that they address the range of
on a phase-by-phase basis or design issues but also take
will be built out in phases to deal specifically with
over a long period of time. into account adoption and
particular topics such as maintenance. They should
• Sites in multiple detailed public realm design. also utilise a suitable range of
ownership, where This may be appropriate for
coordination between the design skills.
very large schemes, which
parties is desirable. cannot be clearly defined from
• Sites likely to be What should codes
the outset. If this is the case
developed by several At what stage should the outline permission may include?
different developers they be produced? include a planning condition
and/or design teams. requiring the submission of Design Codes should be
additional design codes at the succinct documents, with
Design codes can be
Design Codes may be reserved matters stage, and clear instructions for delivery.
prepared at different stages in
required through Area Action should clearly identify what Some aspects of the codes
the planning process,
Plans, for particular sites or will need to be mandatory and
although the timing will
combinations of sites. This others will be discretionary

Design Supplementary Planning Document: Sustainable Design in Plymouth – adopted 2009

 DESIGN CODES FACTSHEET

and the distinction between including landmarks, and range of building site wide issues, this
these aspects of the code vistas and focal points. heights and density section may set
should be clearly identified. specific benchmarks
Codes should include the • Block principles - • Land use - Mix of on for example
following information, where Handling of blocks and uses, including the energy, materials,
applicable: different block types. different uses within a water conservation,
building. sustainable drainage
• An overall regulating • Frontage codes - and waste.
plan - This would Principles for building • Parking - Strategies
show references to all frontages and set for parking and how • Key spaces/ open
relevant codes on one back. this is accommodated spaces - Key
plan. on street or off street. characteristics of civic
• Street hierarchy and and green spaces.
• Settlement patterns - codes - Details of • Sustainability
Key structuring street design and principles - • Public art - Integration
principles that relate to character, in line with Sustainability and the of public art into the
the broad street hierarchy, consideration of scheme.
sustainability and including details of climate change should
character within the junctions between • Key and focal
development area. different street types. buildings -
This may define Characteristics of key
distinct character • Building types - The buildings. This could
areas, where relevant. range of building types include briefs for
(e.g. semi-detached, buildings subject to
• Urban form principles - commercial blocks, design competitions.
Urban structure and mixed use blocks,
massing. town houses). be reflected in the These sections will also
overarching objectives include information on
• Townscape - • Density and building of the design code, proposed materials where
Townscape principles heights - The location informing all aspects relevant. Other issues
of design. As well as covered will depend on the

Design Supplementary Planning Document: Sustainable Design in Plymouth – adopted 2009

 DESIGN CODES FACTSHEET

nature of the development requires that a development Practice, An Evaluation (June

area, but may include details complies with the code. In 2006, DCLG). This guidance
for building on slopes, some circumstances, is not intended to repeat
roofscape, boundary however, the outline these documents, but set out
treatments, lighting or application can be the role of design codes in the
services for example. conditioned to require the context of development in
applicant to prepare a design Plymouth.
How can design codes be code, whereby the design
adopted? code is submitted as part of [Link]
the reserved matters. k/publications/citiesandregion
Codes can be formalised s/preparingdesigncodes?view
within the Local Development Legislation related to =Standard
Framework, or form part of Design Codes
the planning application Contact details
process. Codes can be Planning Policy Statement 1:
adopted through development Delivering Sustainable Planning Policy
agreements (S.106 Development makes it clear Department of Development
agreements), or through that good design is a key Plymouth City Council
planning conditions. The element in achieving Further Guidance Plymouth PL1 2AA
Council would expect design sustainable development and Tel: 01752 304145
codes to be submitted to this is indivisible from good The Department for Email:
support the outline planning. Local authorities are Communities and Local planningpolicy@[Link]
application, or prior to the encouraged to prepare Government published .uk
submission of any of specific guidance to promote Preparing Design Codes - A
the reserved matters. S.106 local distinctiveness under Practice Manual in November
agreements may make PPS1. The value of design 2006, which provides
specific reference to the code, codes is also recognised in guidance on design codes.
but should include provision Planning Policy Statement 3: The findings of three-year
to amend the code to allow Housing, in order to improve pilot studies into design
flexibility. A condition may be the quality, value and delivery codes were published in the
attached which typically of residential development. document Design Coding in

Design Supplementary Planning Document: Sustainable Design in Plymouth – adopted 2009