Teignbridge has been selected as one of 25 local authorities to take part in a national, innovative, ‘design code pathfinders programme’, attracting £160,000 funding to the district.

The aim is to raise standards of local developments by involving local communities in shaping a design code, ensuring they have a chance to help establish attractive places to live; reflect traditional characteristics, set quality standards, identify layout styles and make the most of open space opportunities.

The successful bid to be part of this programme is recognition of the council’s innovative planning work such as its garden community, urban renewal and compact home initiatives.

This year long pilot project, which is expected to help inform design code work across the rest of the country, will dovetail with the design policy work already undertaken in the current Teignbridge local plan review, ensuring that it reflects the latest government guidance.  It will strengthen Garden Community neighbourhoods which aim to protect the natural environment, setting the standard for greener homes, community spaces and active recreation. 

Initially the focus will be to build on the RIBA award winning Future Place methodology currently helping to shape Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton Garden Community, to deliver clear design criteria for new neighbourhoods in that part of the district.  The aim will then be to create a blueprint for shaping  future urban renewal schemes, housing and other development across the district.

Teignbridge will look to incorporate the design code into its local plan and other planning guidance to inform all future local development.

Welcoming today’s announcement Executive Member for Planning Cllr Gary Taylor said: “As was demonstrated by the huge response to the design principles consultation in our local plan review, there is great interest among local people in helping to shape future development design.

“Being part of this pilot will provide additional funding to build on the positive garden community work already undertaken, extracting the best ideas and creating a design code which can be adapted to local needs and which will inform developers bringing forward proposals for the future.”

Note to Editors

Today's announcement by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is online