Guidance on creating design codes that promote the creation of successful places as set out in the National Model Design Code.

Disclaimer: This section provides guidance on creating design codes that promote the creation of successful places as set out in the National Model Design Code. It does not replace the full government planning practice guidance.

A design code is a set of design requirements for the physical development of a site or area. It is made up of rules that are clear, specific and unambiguous, and it should normally include extensive graphical illustrations. The code should build upon a design vision, such as a masterplan or other design and development framework for a site or area.

  • Creating a design code

    Guidance on creating design codes that promote the creation of successful places as set out in the National Model Design Code.

  • Guidance on design code contents

    This guidance sets out possible contents for a design code, modelled on the ten characteristics of well-designed places set out in the National Design Guide.

  • Coding process

    The process of preparing a local design code is based on seven steps

  • Coding process: 1A Scoping

    The first step is to decide on the scope of the code, in particular which parts of the local area it needs to cover, and which policy areas it addresses.

  • Coding process: 1B Baseline

    Design codes need to be based on an analysis of the area covered. The purpose of the analysis is to understand the area and inform a vision that will, in turn, form the basis for the code.

  • Coding process: 2A Design Vision

    Design codes need to be based on a vision for how a place will develop in the future, as set out in the local plan. This vision needs to be developed with the local community and is likely to be an important part of the community engagement process.

  • Coding process: 2B Coding Plan

    The analysis will feed into a plan that shows the areas of the authority to which the code will apply along with the distribution of the area types.

  • Coding process: 2C Master planning

    If a design code is being prepared for larger sites, it may be necessary to produce a masterplan as part of the design coding exercise. This masterplan will establish a new street network, decide which area types apply, along with various other parameters.

  • Coding process: 3A Guidance for area types

    This section describes guidance for area types that authorities should consider when creating design codes or guides.

  • Coding process: 3B Code wide guidance

    The following section relates to all development within the area covered by the design code or guide regardless of area type. All of this must be referenced back to a policy within the local plan.

  • Community engagement

    When preparing design codes, communities need to be involved at each stage of the process.

  • Glossary

    National Model Design Code Glossary

  • References to further guidance

    There are many other guides to urban design and placemaking that provide more detailed guidance on the themes set out within this document to inform local design codes.