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Design Code Compliance

National Design Guide and National Model Design Code — 10 characteristics assessment

Project Information

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1. Context

Understanding and responding to local character, heritage, and landscape

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2. Identity

Creating a positive sense of place with distinctive features

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3. Built Form

Compact, walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods with appropriate density

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4. Movement

Connected, permeable street networks with pedestrian and cycle priority

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5. Nature

Enhanced green infrastructure and biodiversity net gain

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6. Public Spaces

Well-designed public and communal spaces with natural surveillance

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7. Uses

Mixed, vibrant, and flexible land uses supporting active communities

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8. Homes and Buildings

Functional, healthy, and sustainable spaces that meet standards

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9. Resources

Sustainable, low carbon, and climate resilient design

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10. Lifespan

Built to last with easy maintenance and long-term management

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About this tool: Design Code

National Design Guide 10 characteristics compliance — context, identity, built form, movement, nature, public spaces, uses, homes & buildings, resources, lifespan.

When to use it

Use when preparing a Design & Access Statement or responding to design-related officer queries. Helps structure your design rationale.

Policy and guidance it draws on

National Design Guide, National Model Design Code

Part of Design Intelligence

Use these tools when designing your scheme or reviewing drawings. They help ensure your proposal meets technical standards before submission, reducing the risk of officer objections on design grounds.

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Space StandardsDaylight & SunlightParkingPrivacy & SeparationDensityAccessibilityTall BuildingsDaylight & Sunlight Assessment

Guidance to help you prepare — not formal planning advice. Check the current policy text and your council's local plan before relying on it.

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