It is not uncommon to see large housing developments that seem almost identical, whether you are in the north or the south of the country. This is largely due to the ‘cookie-cutter’ practice of large house builders who often rely on a standard palette of pre-designed housing models to create large housing projects that can be efficiently designed and constructed in any location for maximum profit.
(Source: Bluestone Planning)
The convenience to housebuilding comes at a significant cost - the loss of local distinctiveness. The unique character and appearance that once defined different regions are being eroded as these ‘cookie-cutter’ housing estates spread, in the attempt to tackle the housing crisis. This trend toward homogenisation is not just a matter of aesthetics, it also impacts the cultural and historical identity of communities. When new developments ignore these local nuances, they strip away the individuality of the area, replacing it with something generic and out of place.
It is no secret that a significant number of houses are required to meet the housing shortfall, with the Labour Party promising a whopping 1.5 million new homes over this parliament. There is a clear and strong emphasis on the delivery of housing within the December 2024 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) through increased mandatory housing targets and the new standard method, the ‘Grey Belt’ and the Green Belt and the promise of government funding to release Previously Developed Land. This begs the question as to how much weight will be given to adhering to design codes when significant number of housing must be brought forward.
That being said, Paragraph 133 of the NPPF encourages all local planning authorities to prepare design guides or codes at an area-wide, neighbourhood or site-specific scale. Design guides/ codes carry weight in decision-making and should be produced either as part of a plan or as supplementary planning documents. At the heart of any design guide/ code should be community involvement to ensure local distinctiveness that reflects not just the architecture but also the heritage and culture of the local residence.
Finding the balance between housing supply and design codes involves prioritising sustainable practices, setting flexible parameters that maintain core principles as well as local engagement from developers.
While we recognise the critical importance of housing, we are increasingly concerned about the approval of substandard 'cookie-cutter' developments. We believe that design codes can guide developers and streamline their efforts in understanding and respecting local nuances. We encourage local community collaboration to deliver developments that reflect the unique character of each area.
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At Bluestone Planning we specialise in creating parish specific or site-specific design codes following a detailed local character analysis. Our diverse backgrounds in urban design, planning, and policy, combined with active engagement with local communities, allow us to craft successful design codes that emphasise unique local nuances and culture.
For more information on how we can assist you in creating a Design Code or Design Guide, contact us at Bluestone Planning by calling +44 1235 766825 or emailing admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk
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