News | National Design Review Charter Launched

What is Design Review?

Design Review is an impartial evaluation process in which a panel of built environment experts assess the emerging plans and designs for proposed development, making recommendations that drive up the quality of buildings and places.

The approach is multidisciplinary and collaborative. Development teams and local planning authorities are able to draw on expertise in urban design, architecture, sustainability, planning, landscape architecture, ecology, engineering, development economics, social inclusion, active travel and heritage. The Design Review Process ensures new developments deliver better outcomes for people, prosperity and planet.

Raising the bar for better places?  

The Charter has been developed by The Design Network. Currently chaired by Design West CEO, Dr Anna Rutherford, The Design Network is the national body for design excellence across England. In coming together to develop and launch the Charter, The Design Network aims to connect national ambitions for more, faster building activity with local aspirations for good quality, sustainable, well-connected places.

Place based and not-for profit

Together, the six regionally-based members of the Design Network form the national delivery body for Design Review. Currently delivering to 130 local planning authorities, the Network draws on 530 of the best experts across all the built and natural environment disciplines, working together for public benefit. Collectively the Network carries out more than 500 Design Reviews each year. In the South West, Design West delivers Design Review across ten local planning authority areas, with plans to expand further this year.

“We want to support every council in England with high-quality design advice that reflects local identity and national policy,” Anna Rutherford, CEO of Design West and Chair of The Design Network, said. “The Design Network is uniquely placed to do this: we’re local, we’re independent, and we’re experts, playing an active a key role in shaping vibrant places.”

Core Principles

The Charter outlines a rigorous approach to design review underpinned by core principles which are:

• Independence – panels operate free from vested interest
• Expert – reviews conducted by leading practitioners and thought leaders
• Collaborative – promote shared aspirations for good design
• Multidisciplinary – draws on the combined perspectives of built and natural environment experts
• Local – rooted in essential local knowledge and understanding
• Allied & timely – embedded early in planning processes, with options to revisit multiple times
• Consistent & accountable – ensures consistent delivery standards and stakeholder management
• Regularly evaluated – seeks constant feedback to inform improvement

These principles are applied to reviewing all types and scales of development: from strategic site allocations and masterplans, through major infrastructure, public and civic realm interventions to housing, education, healthcare, employment and cultural facilities.

Track record of success

Design reviews have shaped major projects and policies across England, from strategic masterplans in Exeter to National Pathfinder Programmes with Homes England. They will play a key role in the Government’s house-building mission, and the New Towns initiative, as they have done for the major urban extension at Brabazon in South Gloucestershire.

Brabazon is the largest area of brownfield land in the South West. Close to the M4 and M5 motorways, a new rail station will connect the new neighbourhood to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes when it opens in autumn 2026.

YTL Developments used the design review process to reimagine the masterplan for Brabazon, ensuring it will live up to the legacy of the Airfield’s past by creating the South West’s most exciting new mixed-use city district.

Seb Loyn, Planning & Development Director at YTL Developments, said: “The Design Review process was invaluable. It has helped ensure that Brabazon will offer the space, connectivity and opportunity for the next generation to continue to shape the future from North Bristol.”

Read the Charter in full 

To read the Charter in full – download a copy or browse the PDF below.

To find out more about Design Review contact Alexandra.Allen@designwest.org.uk