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We are preparing an authority-wide design code to shape future development across the district. To be a success, it will need to reflect local character and design preferences, providing a framework for creating high-quality design in the area.
A design code is a set of simple, concise, illustrated design rules for how new development should look and feel. Where possible, these will be visual and numerical, providing detailed parameters for the design of new development.
The Dover Design Code will be used to determine whether planning applications are acceptable in design terms, and will support the Local Plan.
About the project
It is a recommendation of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024) to prepare design codes which set out design requirements for an area.
The initial stages started as a joint project with Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, and Thanet councils, funded by the Planning Skills Delivery Fund. It is being led by Design South East and consultants BPTW, who are undertaking Stage 1 and 2 of the process (analysis and vision) for each authority.
Following completion of these stages, each council will then move to Stage 3 and start to produce local design codes.
This webpage will provide updates on the work and give you an opportunity to submit your ideas and feedback at key stages of the project.
We are following a new best-practice approach which puts the community first and we have set up a community panel of residents for this project. The panel’s priorities for well-designed future development will be central to this process and it will be asked to attend two, three-hour workshops.
Town and parish councils across the district have also been invited to participate via a questionnaire.
More on design codes
A design code is a set of simple, concise rules that explain how new development should look and be built. The illustrated design requirements provide specific parameters and are visual and numerical, where possible.
It will set specific local requirements in order to improve design quality of new development, for example:
the layout of new development, including street patterns
landscaping, including the importance of tree-lined streets
building design and the quality of façades
environmental performance
how development reflects local character, including heritage, architecture and materials.
The National Model Design Code was published in 2021 and makes up part of the national Planning Practice Guidance. It specifies the process which we will be following in the development of our design code, including three key stages:
Stage 1: Analysis
1A scoping
1B baseline analysis
Stage 2: Vision
2A design vision
2B coding plan
Stage 3: Code
3A guidance for area types
3B general guidance
Local communities are involved at every stage so the design code reflects what good design means in the area.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) expects local planning authorities to develop local design codes or guides which set out clear design parameters to help decide what good quality design looks like in their area.
The design code aims to provide greater certainty for communities, raise design standards for new development and support the local authority in determining planning applications.
The design code will cover a range of topics from large scale issues (for example, connectivity of new development, orientation, scale and massing), through to small scale issues (for example, built form, public spaces, landscape and the finer details of new homes and buildings).
For more information on design codes, please read the Government's national design guide.
