National Design Guide

The government’s National Design Guide sets out the characteristics of well-designed places and demonstrates what good design means in practice.

It provides a blueprint for how local authorities can achieve quality and great design, and recommends what developers need to deliver to help win the support of communities – ensuring new homes are built quicker and better. The guide makes specific reference to the need for well-designed, accessible homes that are socially inclusive, healthy and also meet the housing needs of an ageing population. There is reference to the HAPPI design principles and the online resources on the Housing LIN website.

The guide also recognises the importance for the need for greater flexibility to adapt to both meet changing needs and evolving technologies. This includes changes in the health and mobility of the user, as well as potential changes in lifestyle due to developing technologies, such as use of electric vehicles, remote working and general changes to the way in which people live.