Design Council Cabe is delighted that a commitment to delivering good design is written into the core planning principals of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – this is crucial to ensure that whilst the planning process is more efficient and accessible, it also ensures that proposed building developments generate proper lasting benefits for the communities in which they are sited.
The NPPF provides the opportunity to draw a line under the controversy over planning policy and look forward to improve the quality of development and engage local communities. The success of the new approach relies on local authorities having well prepared Local Plans and with fewer than half of all local councils having an adopted plan Design Council Cabe stands ready to support their production.
Design Council Cabe’s work with neighbourhoods shows that communities want to ensure that what is built is of good quality and they can have a meaningful say over what is built and where. Design Review provided by Design Council Cabe and its affiliated network of Design Review Panels is recognised by the NPPF as an effective way for local planning authorities to assess the quality of development schemes. Furthermore, authorities are now encouraged to have regard to the recommendations of the panel.
Kathy MacEwen Head of Planning and Localism at Design Council Cabe said:
‘The nature of the planning system will always lead to tensions between those that want to develop and those that don’t. Our support and advice can help to mediate these tensions and deliver development which benefits the environment, economy and local communities.’
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For further information please contact Rachel Fisher, Head of Policy and Communications at Design Council Cabe at rachel.fisher@designcouncil.org.uk 0207 420 5272.
Kathy MacEwen will be available for comments between 14:00 and 15:00.
Notes to Editors:
- Design Council Cabe is an enterprising charity based on our values of supporting inclusive communities and promoting sustainable prosperity through the transformative power of design. Design Council Cabe is the successor to CABE, the Government’s advisor on Architecture and the Built Environment, which merged with the Design Council in April 2011.