Residents across the Braintree district are being asked to share their aspirations for how development should look in their local area.
Braintree District Council is developing a new Design Code, which will set out clear expectations of good quality design principles for new development for the district. Design Codes contain a set of requirements covering everything from the natural environment and buildings to roads and street lighting. The codes can be used to direct the look and feel of a development and how it should interact with the surrounding area.
Design codes outline in detail to developers, housebuilders and architects what is required from their proposed plans before they are submitted, guaranteeing standards are upheld and removing the uncertainty which can lead to delays in the planning process.
The council is inviting residents to share their local aspirations on what high quality design looks like in their area and what they think works well and not so well in terms of the design of buildings, streets and spaces. It also asks about possible topics for the design code to focus on.
The quickest and easiest way to make comments is via a short online survey.
All those taking part will also be encouraged to register their interest in attending future design code workshops.
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “We are in the early stages of preparing a design code for the district which will set out clear expectations to developers for design quality and sustainability. There is a greater need for sustainable, high-quality design, well planned layouts, integration of biodiversity and better green spaces in general, which this document aims to drive forward.
“We are keen to ensure it represents the views of the local community, so please get involved by taking part in the short survey and signing up to get the latest news. This is the first round of engagement, and we will seek further views later in 2025.”
Feedback will directly inform the final draft of the Design Code which will come back out to public consultation in 2025 for further comments.
A paper copy of the survey or an alternative format can be requested by emailing designcode@braintree.gov.uk or calling 01376 552525. The survey will close at 5pm on Monday 16 December.
All councils are required to prepare a Design Code as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. The council currently uses guidance from the 2005 Essex Design Guide, which this new district wide design code will replace with up-to-date principles tailored specifically to the Braintree district.
Once approved, the new Design Code become a local planning policy document and will support the council in securing high quality development alongside the work that is currently being undertaken to refresh the Local Plan.