South Norfolk and Broadland Design Code out for consultation

The code covers both districts, and aims to improve the quality and consistency of the design of new development. It covers two large districts, which each have their own individual identities, and settlements with strong distinctive character. A key priority for the client was to identify and protect this distinctive character across the districts; enhance the quality and long-term prosperity of landscaping; and to carefully consider materiality. Another key importance was for the document to complement more detailed local design coding elements that are already established through Neighbourhood Plan Design Codes; and identified in the character assessments.

The key design priorities and vision for the documents were informed by the first two stages of public engagement, which also included sessions with officers, members and stakeholders. The document is split into three chapters, covering design considerations at the neighbourhood, street, and home scale. The codes are clearly highlighted in coloured boxes, and state how and why they are important to help deliver the design principle of, for example, integrating nature and biodiversity. The document is illustrated with example layouts, sections, and precedents from national and international case studies. We will collate all the feedback we receive at this stage, and make any necessary adjustments, before the document is handed over to the Councils for statutory consultation and eventually adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document.

The consultation is closing at the end of June. After this, we will collate all of the comments we have received, and those from our stakeholder and officer workshops, and make final amendments to the document ahead of statutory consultation.

The Placechangers website can be accessed here.