How a design review panel benefits local planning authorities
The aim of the design review panel process is to improve design quality in the built environment. Its role is to review development proposals during the early stages of the planning application process and provide feedback to developers, clients and local authorities that may enhance the quality of the design and resolve design issues , so that projects can go through the planning process faster. R egular use of The Design Review Panel (usually) at the pre-application stage, as part of the planning process can be extremely beneficial for local authorities , and applicants. The d esign review panel process is referred to in paragraph 129 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) , w hich states that local authorities should ensure that they have access to, and make appropriate use of, and that they should give weight to the recommendations of design review panels. This requirement should give local authorities the confidence to insist on applicants coming to The De sign R eview Panel, and to use it as a tool to improve collaboration. Where a planning application goes to appeal and there are design issues involved, the inspector may well refer to the findings of The Design Review Panel . For many local authorities design review has become an integral part of the development control process. This is for a number of reasons: • Design review can help to improve the design of a project • The process facilitates collaboration to help achieve a consensus between all parties, e.g. highways, Heritage England, politicians & communities • Design review offers a fresh perspective, often providing solutions to seemingly unyielding design issues • Design r eview can help reduce re-submissions and planning appeals by creating a more collaborative process before an application is submitted; this may save both the applicant and the local authority time and money • Design review can help to address the viability question. In some cases projects can be simplified through more efficient design solutions or improved design can unlock higher sale or rental values The overwhelming majority of local authority officers who come to design review meetings find it a positive and helpful process and one which also helps their professional development.
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