Design Code Support
What is a Design Code?
A design code is a set of clear design requirements for new development. It translates local character and planning policy into practical rules and guidance, ensuring new places are well designed, distinctive, and deliverable. Design codes support better placemaking, give clarity to developers, and help local authorities secure high-quality development.
How can designe ltd help?
We offer independent, expert support to local authorities, developers, and partners to:
Produce design codes tailored to local character and context.
Apply and implement design codes effectively throughout the planning process.
Build internal skills and capacity to use design codes confidently.
Local planning authorities
Developers and masterplanners
Combined authorities and strategic planning teams
Communities and neighbourhood planning groups
Who is this support for?
What kind of projects do we work on?
We work on a range of development types, including:
Residential developments (urban extensions, garden villages, town centre regeneration)
Mixed-use masterplans
Strategic growth areas and local design codes
Our recent work includes the Skerningham Garden Village Design Code and Greater Faverdale Design Code for Darlington Borough Council.
What services do we provide?
We can support your team at every stage of the design code process:
Preparation: Understanding local character, identifying key design principles, and shaping the structure of the code.
Community engagement: Designing inclusive, transparent processes to involve communities and stakeholders in shaping the code.
Drafting and production: Writing and illustrating clear, practical, and locally grounded codes.
Implementation: Advising on how to embed the code in planning policy and decision-making.
Application and review: Supporting planning officers and developers to apply the code to live proposals.
What expertise do we bring?
Our multidisciplinary panel includes over 30 built environment experts with specialisms in:
Urban design and architecture
Landscape, biodiversity and climate change
Highways and transport / active travel
Sustainable construction
Development viability and delivery
This breadth of expertise allows us to provide critical friend support, ensuring design codes are ambitious, deliverable, and aligned with national best practice.
We combine national policy knowledge with a strong local understanding.
We have a proven record of community engagement that builds trust and ownership.
We can provide targeted advice at key stages of a project to keep codes on track and grounded in real-world delivery.
We offer strategic “thinkpieces” on themes such as health, climate resilience, movement, and placemaking to strengthen emerging codes.
Can we help with applying existing codes?
What makes our approach different?
Yes. We regularly work with local authorities and developers to:
Assess proposals against existing design codes
Support negotiations between stakeholders
Provide independent design review and recommendations
Help defend and uphold codes through planning and delivery