Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance: consultation document

The government has published updated new draft build design guidance.  With an emphasis on well-designed neighbourhoods, it wants to see that new developments are well-connected to local shops and services. There is also reference to designing accessible homes for older and disabled people, as well as thinking intergenerationally.

And linked to the current consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), local authorities will be encouraged to set the vision for their areas through local plans, ensuring clear design expectations using masterplans, local design codes and guides.

It is worth noting that the draft guidance does not refer to creating age-friendly homes or communities, nor does it reference the HAPPI design principles or Part M of the Building Regulations, as recommended by the Older People's Housing Taskforce. However, the latter is being consulted upon in the NPPF consultation.

The consultation on this draft design and placemaking practice guide and the NPPF closes on 10 March 2026.