The 14 local planning authorities in England selected to apply the new National Model Design Code (NMDC) to their areas have been announced by housing minister Christopher Pincher.
These are:
- Colchester Borough Council, Tendring District Council and Essex County Council (East)
- Guildford Borough Council (South East)
- Herefordshire Council (West Midlands)
- Leeds City Council (Yorkshire & Humber)
- Mid Devon Council (South West)
- Newcastle City Council (North East)
- Dacorum Borough Council (East)
- Portsmouth City Council (South East)
- Sefton Council (North West)
- Southwark Council (London)
- Hyndburn Borough Council (North West)
- North West Leicestershire District Council (East Midlands)
- Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council (West Midlands)
- Buckinghamshire Council (South East)
The national design code seeks to ensure that new developments are "beautiful, well-designed and locally-led". Developments should also fit in with local character.
The 14 councils (see above) will take part in a six-month testing programme in which they will apply the National Model Design Code (NMDC) in their area.
Further details on the Design Code can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957205/National_Model_Design_Code.pdf