Is a new shake-up coming for housing design?

The re-appointment of Michael Gove as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities could mean big challenges for housing developers. He has a history of driving improvements in design. As a top architect in London, we can appreciate the push to make developments better from an aesthetic standpoint. It is our focus on every single project, so clients can rely on us.

Design codes

Architect LondonIn his previous time in the same office in September 2021 to July 2022, Gove was pivotal in developing a design code agenda. The goal here was to embed high design standards in national planning policy. They would become pivotal in securing local consent for projects.

There were changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in July 2021. This strengthened policies to prioritise design quality. It also meant that every council had to create design guides or codes. These had to be consistent with national recommendations but reflect the local character of the areas.

Between the introduction of the NPPF changes and Gove’s reappointment, the new policies have given justification for the rejection of various schemes. It means local councils and the government can easily say a proposal does not meet the design codes or the ideas for the area. It can also deny designs that are not high quality.

Further changes

Gove has already made a promise to go even further here. He said too many new developments still have disappointing and ugly designs. In response, he wants to use all the Government’s powers to ensure new housing schemes are beautiful. Doing so will ensure they provide move value to areas.

What the government can do is call in any scheme if it defies the national planning policy. It can do this even if a local council grants permission. As a result, it can crack down on developments that don’t meet the design codes. Hopefully it will also reduce the use of poor quality materials and cut the number of defects in new builds.

The push to improve design quality will also make it easier to achieve the goal to build hundreds of thousands of new homes. A number of projects meet resistance from locals because they fail to deliver in terms of beauty, infrastructure, environment, and neighbourhood factors.

The move will reward developers that do focus on making schemes high quality and aesthetically pleasing. It will make it easier for them to get planning permission and move forward with projects.

Gove’s appointment could also mean more focus on ensuring that developers make necessary contributions to the wider areas. He was critical of them avoiding the need to contribute for schools, roads, and other infrastructure. In fact, he went so far as to accuse them of manipulation.

Speak to a top architect in London

Coffey Architects has always had a goal to deliver the very best in terms of design. We do this on every project, whether it is a private home, housing, commercial spaces, public buildings, or anything else. Our approach is to make sure every element is exceptional, down to the small details.

One thing that makes us stand out is we do our best to make it easy to get planning permission. The key here is to ensure designs are wonderful and work within the context of the area. Plus, we can consider things like local and national policies.

So, if you want help from a top architect in London, speak to us. We will ensure you have the right support, especially during tough design and planning phases.