MID Devon District Council (MDDC) is delighted to announce that it is one of 14 Councils in England chosen to take part in a fully-funded pilot programme to test the Government’s new National Model Design Code (NMDC).

The aim of the code is to ensure future developments are beautiful and fit in with local character.

It is intended to give local planning authorities a set of design principles to consider for new developments, such as street character and building type as well as environmental, heritage and wellbeing factors.

The shortlisted councils will take part in a six-month testing programme to explore how the code could be applied in their area.

MDDC is being supported by Hyas Consultants, David Hawes Urban Design and Hilton Barnfield Architects to explore how the NMDC can be applied within a rural context and how it may inform the preparation of design policies within Mid Devon’s next Local Plan.

Following the development of a district-wide design vision, the council will consider how design codes can best be used in rural locations and also in the Cullompton area, where the Council is working with the community regarding a new garden village.

Importantly, as part of the testing process, MDDC will explore whether the NMDC provides the right type of guidance to support Councils and places like Mid Devon in delivering beauty and high quality design.

Jenny Clifford, the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration said: “The selection of Mid Devon as one of 14 Council’s to test the Government’s National Model Design Code will allow us to contribute to its further development and help understand its usability in the planning system.”

Design codes are a set of illustrated design requirements that provide instructions for the development of a site or area. The drawings and written components of the code are detailed and build on a design vision for a site or area.

The National Model Design Code sets out a number of design considerations that Councils can tailor to their own setting to produce local design codes.

Preparation of local design codes includes engagement with local communities to capture and reflect their views at each stage of the process.

Each of the 14 Councils across England receives £50,000 each to develop the Codes.

Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP said: "We should aspire to enhance the beauty of our local areas and pass our cultural heritage onto our successors, enriched not diminished.

"In order to do that, we need to bring about a profound and lasting change in the buildings that we build, which is one of the reasons we are placing a greater emphasis on locally popular design, quality and access to nature, through our national planning policies and introducing the National Model Design Code.

"These will enable local people to set the rules for what developments in their area should look like, ensuring that they reflect and enhance their surroundings and preserve our local character and identity.

"Instead of developers forcing plans on locals, they will need to adapt to proposals from local people, ensuring that current and new residents alike will benefit from beautiful homes in well-designed neighbourhoods."