National Design Guidance Updated To Shape Future Neighbourhoods

The government has published updated national design guidance aimed at raising the quality of new housing developments and creating neighbourhoods that are healthier, safer and more resilient to climate change. The guidance, forms part of a wider package of planning reforms intended to speed up decision-making and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes during this Parliament.

The updated guidance sets a clearer national benchmark for what constitutes well-designed places. It emphasises the importance of developments being well connected to local services such as shops, schools and GP surgeries, with layouts that reflect modern living needs, including flexible internal space and the ability to work from home. Councils and developers are expected to use the guidance together to shape schemes that complement local character while delivering tangible benefits for residents.

Climate resilience and environmental considerations feature strongly. New developments are expected to address overheating, flood risk and biodiversity, with measures such as green spaces, tree cover, sustainable drainage and provision for electric vehicle charging. The guidance also highlights calmer streets, reduced traffic dominance and the creation of public spaces that encourage social interaction.

Now in its second iteration, the guidance sets out seven core features of well-designed places, covering liveability, climate adaptation, nature, movement, built form, public space and local identity. Local authorities are expected to articulate design expectations through local plans, masterplans and local design codes, providing greater clarity earlier in the planning process and helping to avoid delays later on.

The government has also indicated that model design codes will be developed later this year, intended to support smaller developers and provide clearer, more consistent expectations for larger schemes. Ministers have framed this approach as part of a move towards a more rules-based planning system, where developments that meet clearly defined standards can progress more quickly from approval to delivery.

The guidance supports the ongoing consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and reinforces the government’s stated aim of putting people, place quality and climate resilience at the centre of planning reform.

The draft guidance is now open for consultation until 10 March 2026

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