Tasley Design Guide and Codes

Introduction

This document aims to empower the local community to influence the design and character of their neighbourhood, and deliver attractive, sustainable development that meets the needs and aspirations of local people.

Through the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Neighbourhood Planning Programme led by Locality, AECOM has been appointed to provide design support to the Tasley Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (TNPSG) by preparing this Design

Guidance and Codes document.

Consultants at AECOM prepared this report between January and July 2025 in conjunction with key members of the TNPSG. The finished document forms part of the evidence base for the review of the Tasley Neighbourhood Plan on design- related issues.

The purpose of this document is to:

• Positively influence the character and design of new development within the Neighbourhood Area (NA);

• Set out clear analysis of the local context and character, providing evidence and examples to influence design across the different parts of the NA, focusing on topics where improvement is most needed;

• Benchmark how design improvements should be delivered throughout the design and planning stages, from site selection, to detailed design and maintenance requirements.

The report cannot influence the quantum, location or type of development; other tools in the Neighbourhood Plan and Local Plan should cover these.

What is design coding?

Design coding involves setting out clear and specific guidelines for the

determination of planning applications.

These codes are intended to ensure that developments contribute positively to their surroundings in terms of aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. 

They can provide greater assurance for communities and clarity for developers about the design of new development.

It is however acknowledged that there is not always agreement on aesthetic issues and architectural tastes may vary.

The guidance in this document therefore allows for flexibility and design innovation, whilst ensuring that any new development is appropriate and complementary to the surrounding context.

To enable a clear design process, new development proposals must use the guidance and codes to ensure that development proposals enhance the setting and sustainability of the NA, while not detracting from its context, local character, and sense of place.