Swindon & Wiltshire News
Design West launches new charter to guide quality, sustainable urban development
A new standard to raise the bar for designing homes, streets and places across town and cities in the UK has been launched by England’s six regional design bodies, including Design West.
The National Design Review Charter sets out a shared approach to its work with developers, site promoters and local councils.
It sets the benchmark for design reviews, which bring professionals together to offer independent, expert advice on proposed developments at key stages of the planning process.
In coming together to launch the charter, Design Network members aim to connect national ambitions for more, faster building activity with local aspirations for good quality, sustainable, well-connected places.
Bristol-based Anna Rutherford, CEO of Design West and chair of The Design Network, said: “This charter is about building trust, expertise and partnership to deliver well designed places that everyone wants to see.
“Good design can accelerate delivery, and this charter will help to expand the vital role this plays in shaping vibrant, connected, sustainable, healthy places.”
Design Network teams have already supported more than 150 local planning authorities and deliver more than 500 design reviews each year.
The national charter builds on that local experience, offering a consistent model to underpin the delivery of great places.
“We want to support every council in England with high-quality design advice that reflects local identity and national policy,” Anna added.
“The Design Network is uniquely placed to do this: we’re local, we’re independent, and we’re experts in fields and disciplines that together play a key role in shaping vibrant places.”
The Design Network cites Brabazon, on the northern edge of Bristol, as a good example of planned community-building.
YTL Developments used the design review process to reimagine the masterplan for Brabazon – on the historic former Filton Airfield – ensuring it will live up to the legacy of the Airfield’s past by creating the South West’s most exciting new mixed-use city district.
The new approved masterplan will deliver up to 6,500 new homes, new workspace to support up to 30,000 jobs, as well as new schools, research facilities and the largest new urban public park in the South West for more than 50 years.
Brabazon is the largest area of brownfield land in the South West. It is located close to the M4 and M5 motorways, while a new rail station is currently under construction, which will connect the new neighbourhood to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes when it opens in autumn 2026.
