Guildford Testing the National Model Design Code

Code being tested in 14 areas.

Guildford Borough Council has been selected as one of 14 authorities to evaluate the application of the new National Model Design Code (NMDC).  The NMDC is part of the revsion of the planning system proposed in Planning for the Future.

The aim is to ensure that future developments are beautiful and fit in with local character.

The NMDC provides local planning authorities with set of design principles to consider for new developments including, building type, facades, street character.  The Code also considers factors related to environment, heritage and wellbeing.

Guildford Borough Council will take part in a 6-month testing programme to apply the National Model Design Code (NMDC) in our area.  The aim, according to the government, is to help Britain Build Back Better, by making sure current and new residents alike will benefit from beautiful homes in well-designed neighbourhoods.

The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) highlight their belief that these measures mean the word “beauty” will be prioritised in planning rules for the first time since the system was created in 1947 – going back to a previous time when there was a greater emphasis on whether a building was considered attractive to local people. The government recently consulted on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework to take this forward, alongside the draft NMDC.

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