Consultation opens on guide for high-quality sustainable new development

A consultation has been launched on a draft Joint Design Guide that will provide guidance on how new development can be designed and constructed to the highest quality and sustainability.

The guide, produced by South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils, provides a series of steps and design principles that will be considered when deciding on all future planning applications – whether it’s a resident looking to build an extension or a developer building a large housing site.

 It will help applicants understand what makes high-quality and sustainable design and inspire them to reach these standards.

The councils are asking for the public’s input on how the draft Joint Design Guide sets out what makes a high-quality development and how we ensure there are clear steps for developers and others to follow.

To help make the draft Joint Design Guide easier to understand an interactive website has been created.

It gives details of what the Joint Design Guide is and how it will be used, as well as outlining the key design elements: place and setting; natural environment; movement and connectivity; space and layout; built form; climate and sustainability.

The consultation is now open and runs until 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 March 2022.

Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson, South Oxfordshire Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “Good design benefits us all. It means buildings and developments are of the highest quality, which in turn means they are more sustainable – which is vital if we are to meet our climate ambitions.

Councillor Debby Hallett, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Transformation, said: “It’s important we understand what you think makes high-quality design. We also need your help making sure the draft Joint Design Guide is clear, helpful, easy to understand and accessible.” 

To find out more and details on how to take part in the consultation visit visit our Joint Design Guide webpage.