Top tips for getting started with Design Codes
The top tips for getting started with Design Codes sets out what local planning authority officers and other producers of design codes need to consider.
Image courtesy of the Design Council
The top tips for getting started with Design Codes sets out what local planning authority officers and other producers of design codes need to consider when beginning the process of preparing a design code, as defined in the National Model Design Code (NMDC). They are designed to help create an effective project brief to develop a design code which:
- maximises efficiencies by making best use of existing assets including skills, local networks and evidence
- sets clear priorities and defines the scope to develop a design code which will shape better places
- create collaborative project management processes which build trust with local communities and key stakeholders
The top tips suggest an order to follow the tips to guide through the process of developing a project plan for a design code. Some tasks touch on the initial ‘Analysis’ stage as defined in the NMDC. Many of these tasks are iterative, and can be followed in the way which suits the particular organisational setup and local context.
This is part of a wider a suite of tools and guidance with the Office for Place is developing to help local planning authorities create design codes both in-house and with consultants. This first phase, Getting Started, will provide an overview of the process of preparing to develop a design code, and support the production of an effective project brief for the team preparing the design code. Following this, the second phase, Effective Coding, will look at how to produce the technical elements, and the final phase will cover delivery and implementation.
1. Invest time and resource to get the project brief right
Make the case for design codes and secure senior buy-in at the early stages in order to invest the time and resource needed to clearly define the role and scope of the design code and deliver the best outcomes.
Make best use of existing assets
2. Map existing skills and capacity
However a design code is developed, a dedicated team who will be responsible for project management and driving your design code forward will need to be established. Understand what skills and capacity already exists to ensure the design code project team makes the most of existing local knowledge and expertise through the coding process.
3. Identify local communities and stakeholders
Design coding provides the opportunity to collaborate with communities and key stakeholders to set the standards so that your area can grow and adapt to meet future needs and aspirations. To do this, understand who the local communities and stakeholders are, their interest in the local area and how best to collaborate with them.
4. Gather existing evidence and insight
Developing a design code requires an understanding of the local context and communities: what makes them unique, the opportunities and challenges they are facing, and how this might change over time. Working with key stakeholders to gather existing evidence and insight will help determine any gaps in the baseline evidence and collective understanding.
Set clear priorities and define the scope
5. Agree the key priorities the design code will address
A design code is a specific tool to help deliver the spatial aspirations or vision for a local area by setting definitive requirements, and it is important to identify where this will add most benefit. Work with key stakeholders to understand the challenges and barriers they face to delivering high quality homes and places which are supported by the community at pace, and priorities which of these issues the design code will seek to address.
6. Identify the components to develop and implement the code
There are a number of different components to develop and implement a design code, such as engaging the local community, digitalising the design code and officer training. Each will require a slightly different skillset. Some are essential to develop any design code, whereas others will be more specific to certain contexts or development types.
7. Decide how to develop the code
Depending on existing skills and capacity, there will be different options to develop the design code. Once the skills required to deliver the key components for the design code have been identified, consider whether developing the code in house, recruiting new staff or bringing in external consultants is the right route for the design code.
Create collaborative project management processes
8. Plan ahead, but be prepared to adapt
Identify when and how key decisions need to be made, alongside when and how the team, the community and external stakeholders will collaborate to inform these. Understand and plan for programme risks. Identifying which risks are outside the control of the project will help to prepare to adapt to potential changes along the way.
9. Know what success looks like
Success will look slightly different for every design code. Understanding what a good design code means for the local area and its communities will be critical to its success. Be clear early on about what the design code seeks to achieve and how this will be measured. Agree and clearly communicate what is essential to deliver, and what is a nice to have.
10. Embed robust decision making and review mechanisms
Ensure processes are in place to monitor progress, scrutinise quality, ensure community buy in and determine whether success is being met throughout the project. Consider how informal review processes can be used alongside formal governance to identify and respond to issues early, and put mechanisms in place to escalate issues and manage potential conflict.
Find out more about getting started with design codes
The top tips for getting started with Design Codes is part of wider guidance which will be added to over time to create a database of practical resources to help guide through the process of getting started with design codes.
- Infographic: The Benefits of Design Codes. Explore the benefits of design codes for local communities, policymakers, applications and decision makers.
- Research: International Design Codes. Find out how design codes are used internationally in research commissioned by the Office for Place.
- The Case for Design Codes. Find out about the benefits of design codes by those who have developed and implemented them.
- Reflections on learning how to develop Design Codes. Read insights from Office for Place board member Esther Kurland on the training programme giving planners the skills and knowledge to write, adopt or use an exemplar design code.