The Government has announced it intends to change the National Planning Policy Framework and introduce a National Model Design Code, in response to suggestions made by last year’s Building Better, Building Beautiful report.
The independent report argued for the right for local councils to “ask for beauty” and “refuse ugliness” in the hope of promoting national well-being and creating better communities.
The changes proposed by the Government, which are under consultation until the end of March, emphasise the role nature has to play within a sustainable development and the importance of open, green spaces.
The new code touches on areas such as new housing’s facades, thermal performance and the local vernacular surrounding the development.
More importantly, the code promotes the power of local communities to say no to a new development which is seen to fall short.
