1. That the preparation be approved of the Design Guide as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

2. That the first stage of publicity and consultation arrangements for the Design Guide SPD be approved, carrying out stakeholder engagement and a series of design workshops and focus groups in each of the identified character areas.

3. That it be noted that following the consultation process described in the report a future report will seek approval for the content of the consultation draft SPD and the next stage of consultation and publicity.

To approve, as set out in the report, the preparation of the Design Guide as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD); approve the first stage of publicity and consultation arrangements for the Design Guide SPD, carrying out stakeholder engagement and a series of design workshops and focus groups in each of the identified character areas and note that following the consultation process described in this report a future report will seek approval for the content of the consultation draft SPD and the next stage of consultation and publicity.

Not to prepare the Design Guide as SPD or not produce one at all. The Design Guide is a key corporate priority and the National Planning Policy Framework encourages Local Planning Authorities to adopt design guides or codes. It will give officers and Members of the Planning Committee a tool kit to resist developments of poor design and to improve design quality in the Borough. The Council’s case at planning appeals will be significantly strengthened as a result of adoption, where planning applications have been refused on design grounds. Adoption as SPD will give the Design Guide more weight as a material planning consideration.