The Lake District National Park Authority is one of 25 areas in England that has been successful in securing a place on the Government’s Design Code Pathfinder Programme. The aim of this is to empower communities to have their say on the design of new homes, buildings, and amenities and tailor this vision for a design code specific to the Lake District.
The new code will give homeowners, developers, and the local community helpful guidance about what is visually acceptable and how they can help create places and buildings that conserve and enhance the Lake District and deliver sustainable development.
Rob Allison, the Lake District National Park Authority's Team Leader for Strategy, Partnerships and Policy, commented: "Our communities really supported our policies in the recently adopted Local Plan and this code will build upon these to provide more detailed guidance to help potential applicants through the planning process to create locally distinctive beautiful places.
"As part of the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Design Code Pathfinder Programme, we will be looking at new developments’ design principles, to maintain the strong tradition of buildings which are inspired by the internationally important landscape of the Lake District. The codes will respond to local distinctiveness, sense of place and the carbon and biodiversity challenges today.
“This is an exciting programme that we are delighted to be involved in. Over the next six months we will be speaking with local communities and key stakeholders to hear a range of views to shape a code for future Lake District developments.”
To sign up for more information about how to get involved, please visit: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/planning/planningpolicies/design-code
A design code sets out several specifications for new developments in a simple, concise, and illustrated way which are specific to an area. The National Design Guide (2021) defines a design code as:
A set of illustrated design requirements that provide specific, detailed parameters for the physical development of a site or area. The graphic and written components of the code should build upon a design vision, such as a masterplan or other design and development framework for a site or area.
