News
Monday February 2 2026
Government Design Guidance
9 Key Takeaways
The Government has issued a new draft of its Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) – a consolidated document intended to raise design quality, support modern living, and ensure new development creates sustainable, well-connected and locally distinctive places. The draft brings together multiple existing guidance documents into one streamlined resource, forming part of the wider update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The article below highlights 9 key points from the published draft....
1. A single, streamlined design resource
The draft PPG consolidates four separate design documents into one:
- National Design Guide;
- Design: Process and Tools PPG; and
- National Model Design Code (Parts 1 & 2).
The intention is to create clearer, more accessible guidance that is easier to apply in planning practice.
2. Seven new “features of well‑designed places”
The guidance reduces the National Design Guide’s existing ten "characteristics" of well-designed places to to seven features:
- Liveability – homes close to amenities, suitable for all life stages, with good private and shared spaces;
- Climate – designs that support climate resilience, including green roofs, EV charging and shade;
- Nature – integrating biodiversity features such as hedgehog highways, swift bricks and green spaces;
- Movement – safe and accessible streets, good public transport and balanced parking without car domination;
- Built Form – quality internal layouts, good daylight, ventilation, storage, privacy and noise reduction;
- Public Space – well-located, social, inclusive and safe public areas; and
- Identity – developments shaped by local character, history, materials and landscape.
3. Stronger focus on “liveability”
A notable shift in the draft is the elevation of liveability as a key design feature, recognising how homes must adapt to changing lifestyles – including flexible spaces, hybrid working and multi‑generational needs.
4. Greater emphasis on climate resilience
The draft sets clearer expectations for developments to:
- Address overheating;
- Reduce flood risk;
- Incorporate sustainable energy and green infrastructure; and
- Support long-term environmental resilience.
This aligns with updated climate ambitions within the NPPF.
5. No requirement for authority-wide design codes
Unlike previous guidance, the draft PPG no longer expects every Local Plannin Authority to produce a whole-authority design code.
Authorities may still produce them, but the legal requirement has been removed, allowing a more proportionate and context-led approach.
6. Encouraging digital innovation
The guidance highlights the growing role of digital tools, including:
- Interactive digital design codes;
- Digital mapping; and
- Online consultation tools such as apps, social media and web-based engagement.
This supports more accessible and participatory design processes.
7. New model design codes to follow
The Government is expected to publish updated model design codes later this year, intended to:
- Provide clear, consistent rules for good design;
- Support smaller developers; and
- Set realistic expectations for larger sites.
8. Promotion of biodiversity features (including swift bricks)
The guidance explicitly supports nature‑inclusive measures such as:
- Bird and bat boxes;
- Bee bricks; and
- Swift bricks.
This reflects growing recognition of biodiversity in placemaking.
9. Consultation open for six weeks
Professionals have six weeks to respond to the consultation, which closes on 10 March 2026.
In summary
The new draft Design and Placemaking PPG represents a significant shift towards simpler, clearer and more outcome-focused guidance. Its emphasis on liveability, climate resilience, digital tools and biodiversity reflects the evolving expectations for modern placemaking. For planners, developers and design teams, it signals a move towards more flexible, locally sensitive and future‑proofed design standards.
Author
Laura Jackson MA
Associate Director
Laura joined DHA in 2004 as part of our original Graduate intake. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Geography and Sports Science from Loughborough University, and an MA in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Westminster. She is also a member of the RTPI.