All new developments must meet local standards of beauty, quality and design under new rules

The Government has published its draft national design code and announced other measures in response to last year's Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission report and to further consult on its design agenda and national planning framework.

The design provides a checklist of design principles to consider for new schemes, including street character, building type and requirements addressing the health and wellbeing of local communities and the impact.

While there is no explicit reference to older adults or disabled people, there is reference to greater accessibility for homes and communities and it is hoped that this means that, following its recent consultation on accessible housing design, there will be a future requirement that all homes must meet Part M 4(2) under a new code.

The Housing LIN's Jeremy Porteus commenting in the draft stated:

At first glance, pleased to see accessibility is recognised as a key aspect but we need to ensure the aspiration converts to action.