A Design Code for South Kesteven

To improve the design quality of new development.

Public Engagement - open until midnight Wednesday 6th November 2024. 

Click the link below to take part in the online map survey: 

Online Map Survey

  • Would you like to help shape the future of the District?

  • Would you like to influence how new development will be designed?

  • Are you interested in seeing higher quality new development in the District?

South Kesteven District Council, working with Create Streets, is producing a Design Code for the District. The code will set standards for how buildings, streets and public spaces should look, feel and function and will go through multiple stages of public engagement before being finalised.

We’re starting off by asking what your favourite and least favourite places and buildings are, and if they’re appropriate examples for new development in the years to come.

To participate, please visit the link above to share your views on a selection of buildings, places and streets. You can also click anywhere within the District to share your views on a place of your choosing.

Hosted on the Create Communities platform, the survey is an online map, which works on both desktops and mobile devices. It will remain open until Wednesday 6th November.

More events coming soon

Further engagement events will take place later this year and during the early part of 2025.

To register your interest in these events, please contact the Council’s Principal Design Officer at: richard.shaw@southkesteven.gov.uk

What is a Design Code?

Design Codes are more prescriptive and precise than Design Guides (such as the Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven, 2021).

A design code is a set of simple, concise, illustrated design requirements which provide specific, detailed parameters for the physical development of a site or area. Its aim is to improve the design quality of new development in that area.

SKDC is producing a Design Code which will cover the whole of the district.

This new Design Code will supplement the Design Guidelines for Rutland and South Kesteven and may eventually replace it.  

Why is a Design Code so important?

Once approved, the Design Code will contain the design expectations for those submitting planning applications in South Kesteven. Including guidance on enhancing the character of the district, addressing the climate emergency and how best to support vibrant and healthy communities, the code will help to ensure housing developments have a consistent and high-quality standard of design.

How can I help?

You can help us by taking part in this consultation.

By telling us about what you value and cherish about where you live, and what new development in the district should look and feel like, you will help us to prepare the first draft of the document.

Your feedback will ensure that South Kesteven’s Design Code reflects the aspirations of the people who live here.

To take part in SKDC’s consultation, please click here.  

You can also register your interest for future events (see ‘more events coming soon’ above).

Background Information on Design Codes

The Government (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government) have produced a guide to help Local Planning Authorities to produce Design Codes – this is the National Model Design Code (and Part 2 Guidance Note).  The Government have also set up  The Office for Place, a department aiming to provide support in raising design standards. 

Local Planning Authorities are required to have a Design Code (or Codes) by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (15F in Schedule 7) and they will carry full weight in making decisions on new development proposals. 

Design Codes should follow the principles set out in the National Design Guide. 

It is an essential that the Design Code is based on effective community engagement and reflects local aspirations for new development.

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