Planning Advice Note 68: Design Statements

Planning Advice Note 68: Design Statements

Annex - The design process

As part of the Designing Places design framework, the following sets out what is required at each stage of the design process. Whilst going through each stage, clients should always be effectively engaged in the process. Also, for major or sensitive schemes, developers must be conscious of public involvement and carry out consultation exercises with the public and local amenity groups.

Stage 1 Site and area appraisal
The first step is to carry out a site and area appraisal (see checklist opposite). This involves a desk survey combined with observations made on site - during the day and in the evening. For example, the use of certain spaces, access to pedestrian routes and the impact of lighting will vary depending on the time of day. The main aim is to examine the site in its wider and immediate context, to assess its current identity, and to check connections.

The site and area appraisal checklist has a dual purpose. It can be used by applicants as useful indicator of the type of information that will need to be investigated during a site appraisal, and it can also be used by officials to assess the extent of analysis. The list is a prompt - it is neither inclusive nor exclusive. The relevance of all the items on the list will vary according to the nature and circumstances of each site.

Stage 2 Identifying design principles
The second step is to identify the established design principles. Design principles are not just a list of preferences but a framework of ideas from which the design will be developed. Design principles will vary in number and complexity from one proposal to another, but whatever the final design, it should relate and respond positively to the principles.

These can include government policy such as the guidance set out in SPP1: The Planning System and Designing Places. Consistent with these will be the local authority's own design principles, set out in the development plan or supplementary planning guidance. In addition, site specific principles, such as a development brief, may have been drawn up.

Stage 3 Analysis
When sufficient information has been collected, the findings can be analysed. This will involve looking at the opportunities and constraints of the site. Examples include important views, features worthy of retention or protection, and any other features which may affect proposals.

Stage 4 Developing the design concept
The fourth stage is to combine the site investigation, design principles and analysis to produce a 3-dimensional design concept. The concept should show how the designer has understood, embraced and interpreted the site in its context - all in the light of relevant policies. If more than one design option has been drawn up, the applicant may wish to present and discuss these options with the planning authority.

Stage 5 The design solution
The last stage involves deciding on the best solution and drawing it up. If the applicant has followed all the stages, the subsequent process of producing a design statement should be relatively straightforward.

Site and area appraisal checklist