A definition of ‘design quality’ Design is not just a subjective opinion about how things look aesthetically ; it is not a matter of personal taste . When it comes to other products in our day to day lives , such as cars or appliances, we all know that good design is not just about the superficial appearance of an object on the outside , it is also about how something fits together , how it functions , as well as how easy it is to repair and maintain . It is the same for buildings and the built environment. The design of buildings and places is about responding to the setting/ context, landscape, connections (pedestrians, bicycles , cars, buses) , public space s , the mix of uses, how buildings relate to their wider context and ecology as well as appearance , (size shape, overall sense of character ) , both in the present as well as over the longer term. It is also about vital functional matters , that may sometimes seem trivial, such as refuse bins , highways and car parking. The NPPF s tates : " … Permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions ...'' Case Study: Exeter City Council Design/PLACE Review Panel The Design Review Panel has been working closely with Exeter City Council since 2013. This means that Exeter City Council have worked closely with us in establishing our rigorous processes. Working with Exeter City Council, The Design Review Panel has established a high quality, much sought after CPD / training day, aimed at Panel members, planning officers, applicants and elected members. This has ensured that all stakeholders fully understand the objectives and constructive nature of The Design Review Panel. Exeter City Council hosts regular design review panel sessions in their offices and refers a wide range of schemes to the Panel for feedback and guidance. Often schemes are reviewed on several occasions throughout the design process and the applicant is encouraged to engage with The Design Review Panel as early in the design process as possible. This helps to reduce risk for the applicant, and helps the local authority ensure proposals are well designed and appropriate in the first instance, which in turn helps to reduce the number of refusals and therefore subsequent re-submissions and or planning appeals. The Design Review Panel has also developed a good reputation with local developers, businesses and civic societies. All the above has been delivered without any cost to the local authority.
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