Design and Placemaking Guidance

Draft Issued for Consultation.

Four existing guidance documents have been consolidated into a single streamlined resource, now called the draft Design and Placemaking PPG, these are:

• National design guide
• Design process and tools planning practice guidance
• National Model Design Code part 1
• National Model Design Code part 2

The government is aiming to make design guidance clearer, more accessible, and easier to apply in practice.

It outlines and illustrates the government’s priorities for well-designed places, and how planning policies and decisions should support this.

In particular the PPG is aimed at shaping how the next generation of neighbourhoods are built, the guidance sets out how new homes should reflect modern life – from space to work from home to flexible layouts that adapt as families grow and cater for every stage of life.   

Seven Features

The Guidance identifies key features of well-designed places as:   

• Liveability: Homes close to amenities, designed for all stages of life, with communal and private space.    
• Climate: Buildings that cope with climate change, green spaces to reduce overheating, solar panels, green and brown roofs, and EV charging stations.     
• Nature: Hedgehog highways, swift bricks, green spaces and parks, and protection for existing natural features.   
• Movement: Safe streets, accessible public transport, and good parking without car dominated design.     
• Built Form: Rooms sized to promote health and wellbeing, with good storage, minimising outside noise, privacy and security, sunlight, and good ventilation.    
• Public Space: well-located spaces that encourage social interaction, with natural surveillance from windows and balconies.    
• Identity: Character shaped by local history, culture, and landscape, reflected in building types, and architectural details.

More Guidance to Come

M H C L G intends to publish a series of Model Design Codes. Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance should be read alongside these, which will be expanded over time to create a catalogue of template design codes which local planning authorities can apply or adapt to their local context.

MHCLG is their announcement of the consultation quote

RIBA President, Chris Williamson said:

Today’s updates to national design guidance should have a positive impact on our future homes and neighbourhoods. It’s encouraging to see the guidance taking a holistic approach to good design, emphasising the importance of accessible amenities and green, high-quality spaces, while acknowledging the vital role of local context and culture. The unique skills of architects will be crucial in bringing this guidance to life. We look forward to continuing to work alongside the Government and sector to shape places that truly meet people’s needs.”   

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said:   

“Well-designed neighbourhoods make it easier for people to live healthier lives.  Good‑quality homes, nearby green spaces, and safe places to walk, cycle and play all help children and adults stay active, build healthier habits, and reduce risks that contribute to ill‑health. They also enable older people to remain independent for longer. By building these features into new developments, we can create communities that support people’s health at every age.” 

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