A Local Design Review Panel has been launched in Newcastle-under-Lyme by Design:Midlands, working with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to facilitate high quality, sustainable design that embraces local characteristics.
The Government is encouraging housebuilding around the UK – and to speed up the planning process – and this is where Design Review can be particularly beneficial. Good design of proposed developments means that there is likely to be greater support from local residents and communities and a better chance of planning permission being granted. The Design:Midlands review panel will bring a wealth of multi-disciplinary experience to help in the formulation and assessment of schemes.
Craig Jordan, Service Director for Planning at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be instigating a new design review process with the help of Design Midlands. By using independent expertise, we believe we will streamline the planning process while engaging with consultees in a wide, design-led discussion on each scheme. This should help in solving problems at an earlier stage by providing fresh perspectives.”
Annabel Keegan, Chair of the NUL Panel said: “Design review will be undertaken by an independent and impartial panel who provide constructive and expert advice at the pre-application stage of a scheme. This will help the borough council to assess and improve the design of developments and fulfil their obligation to the National Planning Policy Framework. The first Design Reviews conducted by the Design Midlands panel take place this month.”
Funding for this Panel has been made through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Planning Skills & Delivery Fund. Developers wishing to book a design review can do so simply by submitting a request on the Design:Midlands website here: https://www.designmidlands.org/design-review-form/