Local design code

A brand-new set of guidelines for housing development in the Lichfield District are being devised to ensure that future homes meet residents’ expectations for design, quality, beauty and sustainability. This will be called a design code. 

We want to engage with members of our local community on the production of a new district-wide design code. The code will help shape the design of upcoming development proposals by providing clear rules for new development to adhere to, including building heights, conservation, and sustainability, among other topics. The webinar will take place virtually on MS Teams on Wednesday 29 March 2023 at 6.30pm to 7.15pm. It is open to all and you don't need to pre-register.

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The design code will help preserve the district’s unique character and heritage for all scales of development – from the planning of major housing developments to householder extensions and alterations.

Its aim is to improve design quality as part of major reforms to the planning system proposed by the Government in 2020.

We are also preparing a new local plan which will include policies to shape development for the next 15 years.

The design code is a supplementary planning document (SPD) which provides good design requirements covering:

• Context - local character and built heritage
• Movement – street design and transport types
• Nature – design of green infrastructure and the protection of biodiversity
• Built Form – a coherent pattern of development
• Identity – character of buildings
• Public space – design of streets and public spaces
• Uses – places to work, shop and play
• Homes and buildings – space standards and accessibility
• Resources – addressing sustainability and climate change adaptation
• Lifespan – creating and maintaining a legacy

To ensure the quality and style of all new build properties in the area are comparable, we are working with Building Design Partnership Ltd (BDP) to produce a structured design brief.

We will also enage with local people and community representatives (local community groups, councillors and businesses) throughout the process.

The project is expected to last for 12 months and the local design code is set to be adopted in early 2024.

For more information on the preparation of our local design code, visit BDP's website. For more information design codes, visit National Model Design Code.