Design Midlands provides design support at the onset of a project when, during Local Plan preparation, a Local Planning Authority is at Reg 18 stages. At the point that the LPA wishes to engage with site promoters on its emerging key sites allocations, an independent Design Review Panel reviews the site’s capacity to deliver housing and other associated infrastructure.
The SDAN process offers advice against the emerging new Local Plan objectives as well as considers the site’s capacity to accommodate development, and offers guidance on aspects as set out in the National Design Guide such as context, movement, nature, public spaces and resources.
The SDAN report can support the LPA in formulating policies and de-risking the local plan in assessing overall quantum of development, as well as looking strategically at impacts on infrastructure. The process is beneficial in providing precedents and best practice examples to promote high standards in design, place making and sustainability.
Two previous pieces of work were undertaken in Broxtowe and Daventry from which this method has evolved.
See our recent webinar together with RTPI West Midlands and East Midlands