Aylesbury Vale Area Design Supplementary Planning Document

Appendix A.

Design Principles and the National Design Guide

A.1 In October 2019 the Government published the National Design Guide in order to illustrate how well-designed places that are beautiful, enduring and successful can be achieved in practice. It outlines this in the form of ten characteristics that contribute to good design. The National Design Guide recognises, however, that specific, detailed and measurable criteria for good design are most appropriately set out at the local level.

A.2 The National Design Guide addresses the question of how we recognise well-designed places, by outlining and illustrating the Government's priorities for well-designed places in the form of ten characteristics. These are listed below and indicated in the diagram in Figure A.1.

1. Context– enhances the surroundings.
2. Identity– attractive and distinctive.
3. Builtform– a coherent pattern of development.
4. Movement– accessible and easy to move around.
5. Nature– enhanced and optimised.
6. Publicspaces– safe, social and inclusive.
7. Uses– mixed and integrated.
8. Homesandbuildings– functional, healthy and sustainable.
9. Resources– efficient and resilient.
10. Lifespan– made to last.

A.3 In January 2021 the Government launched the National Model Design Code to provide detailed guidance on the production of design codes, guides and policies to promote successful design. This was republished in two parts - part 1 - the coding process and part 2 - guidance notes in July 2021.

A.4 The Design SPD draws on the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code through its recommendations. Figure 1.1 within Chapter 1 provides a list of all of the design principles and indicates the National Design Guide design characteristics that each design principle relates to.