Design Council webinars to share local authority pioneers’ insights for design code success
The Design Council is hosting a series of free webinars in October, offering local authorities practical insights and case studies from councils that have successfully developed and implemented design codes. These sessions will cover key topics such as resource optimisation, seamless integration for development managers, and leveraging design codes to achieve broader council objectives. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with pioneers in the field, gaining valuable knowledge to support their own design code preparation.
Councils and local authorities that have pioneered the development of design codes will share their experiences in a series of free webinars hosted by the Design Council this October. Participants will not only gain valuable insights from these trailblazing authorities but have the chance to engage directly through interactive Q&A sessions, taking a deeper dive into the preparation and implementation of codes in practice.
The topics explored in these sessions include:
Tuesday 8 October, 14.00 – 15.30 - Resourceful coding: Maximising efficiency through collaboration (opens new window): A ‘real-world’ assessment of the internal resources required for successful design code development and the role of cross-team collaboration in enhancing efficiency. Speakers include representatives from architecture practice BPTW, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Trafford Council.
- Tuesday 15 October, 14.00 – 15.30 - Seamless integration: Making design codes work for development managers (opens new window): Discussions around the importance of creating a user-friendly, accessible code that can be applied consistently by development management officers making daily planning decisions. Speakers include representatives from Bradford Council, Mansfield Council and the Lake District National Park Authority.
- Tuesday 22 October, 14.00 – 15.30 - Unlocking potential: Galvanising council objectives through codes (opens new window): A detailed exploration of how design codes can support the achievement of council goals, improve planning processes and unlock wider regeneration. Speakers include representatives from Mansfield Council, Medway Council and The Lake District National Park Authority.
Full details of the webinars, including booking information, are available on the Design Council’s website (opens new window). Local government officers with an interest in planning or development are encouraged to sign up.
Anyone unable to attend the sessions live will be able to watch recordings of them on the Design Council website (opens new window) soon after they are over.
This webinar series is part of the latest stage of the Design Codes Pathfinder Programme, an initiative run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in collaboration with the Design Council. The programme is helping local authorities and other planning groups from 25 areas of England to produce design codes aligned with the Government’s National Model Design Code, providing a blueprint for nationwide adoption.
The sessions complement the Design Council’s recently-released set of practical resources available for free download (opens new window). These materials, crafted from the insights of Pathfinder authorities, offer step-by-step guidance to help councils nationwide optimise their design code development processes.
The Design Council is responsible for overseeing, monitoring and evaluating the Programme, focusing on the Pathfinders’ experiences of producing and implementing design codes.
Design codes help to shape places in keeping with their local character and needs, to foster community involvement, to facilitate the building of more and better homes and public spaces, and to accelerate decision-making. By simplifying the planning process and introducing greater certainty for all involved, they are also crucial in supporting government priorities such as home building and economic growth.
Edward Hobson, Director of Partnerships at the Design Council, explained:
"In attempting new and demanding tasks, it's often best to hear from those who have already been there and understand first-hand the challenges and workarounds. Our webinars will offer participants a unique opportunity to gain those insights from the local authority Pathfinders and other key stakeholders as they reflect on their experiences in developing design codes.”
About the Design Council
The Design Council is the UK’s national strategic advisor for design, championing design and its ability to make life better for all. It is an independent and not for profit organisation incorporated by Royal Charter. The Design Council uniquely works across all design sectors and delivers programmes with business, government, public bodies and the third sector. Its work encompasses thought leadership, tools and resources, showcasing excellence, and research to evidence the value of design and influence policy. Its Design for Planet mission was introduced in 2021 to galvanise and support the 1.97 million people who work in the UK’s design economy to help achieve net zero and beyond.