England · National documents
National design guide
Explains the characteristics of well-designed places and provides a framework for considering the design of development.
AI-generated summaries of the linked official sources; not editorially reviewed. Sources and limits
Where this document applies
England: relevance depends on the proposal, site and planning process.
National design guide (official source, opens in a new tab) · Documents; Details
Consider the place as well as the building
The guide connects design with context, identity, built form, movement, nature, public space, uses, homes, resources and the way places work over time. It supplies a common vocabulary for assessing design, rather than one prescribed appearance for every site.
Read the official source (official source, opens in a new tab) · Accessible version: The ten characteristics
Local design guidance supplies the place-specific context
The publication forms part of planning practice guidance and is intended to be read alongside design processes and tools. Locate the council’s applicable design code, guide or masterplan when comparing a refusal about scale or character with national guidance.
Read the official source (official source, opens in a new tab) · Details
Limits and checks
- This national source does not establish the local policies, designations or site facts that apply to an individual proposal.
- The January 2026 Design and Placemaking guidance is still labelled a closed consultation with a draft document on GOV.UK; this collection does not treat it as adopted guidance.
Read alongside this document
Put the national source in your local context
Start with the exact refusal reason. Note the policy and paragraph it cites, then check your authority’s policy summary and the facts discussed in relevant appeal decisions. Each appeal turns on its own facts and does not predict another outcome.