Design Review

Design review is an independent and proven method in evaluating new development and in achieving high quality design in the built environment. Design review is undertaken by an independent, impartial and multi-disciplinary panel who provide constructive and expert advice at the pre-application stage of a scheme.

Design Review is referred to in the National Planning Policy Framework. Paragraph 62 of the NPPF states: Local planning authorities should ensure that they have access to, and make appropriate use of, tools and processes for assessing and improving the design of development. These include workshops to engage the local community, design advice and review arrangements, and assessment frameworks such as Building for Life47. These are of most benefit if used as early as possible in the evolution of schemes, and are particularly important for significant projects such as large scale housing and mixed use developments. In assessing applications, local planning authorities should have regard to the outcome from these processes, including any recommendations made by design review panels.

As the Midlands Design Review Panel, we are best placed to provide the above service to local planning authorities in the Midlands.

Fill in the form to request a design review or book a BfHL Assessment

Design Review scheme submission form Book a BfHL assessment

Benefits of Design Review

Design review is beneficial in a number of ways, it can:

Help to improve the design of a scheme to make it function better and be more user-friendly;
Brings a breadth and depth of experience that may not be available to the project team or to the planning authority;
Assists in solving problems by providing a fresh perspective on a scheme;
Provides an opportunity for consultees to be engaged in a wider design led discussion on a scheme i.e. Historic England, County Highways, neighbouring LPA’s etc.;
Help to progress a scheme through the planning process. Support from the design review panel, or demonstrating that a scheme has responded to the comments raised adds weight to a planning application;

The Design:Midlands Panel

The Design:Midlands Panel comprises of wide range of experts from the built environment field i.e. architects, urban designers, landscape architects, surveyors, sustainability experts, heritage experts etc. who provide expert, independent, impartial advice.

Our multi-disciplinary panel enable us to provide design support and expertise to local authorities, developers and communities.

Our team GUIDANCE FOR APPLICANTS