Policy D4 — Delivering good design

Policy D4 Delivering good design Design analysis and development certainty A Masterplans and design codes should be used to help bring forward development and ensure it delivers high quality design and place-making based on the requirements set out in Part D of Policy D3 Optimising site capacity through the design-led approach . B Where appropriate, visual, environmental and movement modelling/assessments should be undertaken to analyse potential design options for an area, site or development proposal. These models, particularly 3D virtual reality and other interactive digital models, should, where possible, be used to inform plan-making and decision-taking, and to engage Londoners in the planning process. Design scrutiny C Design and access statements submitted with development proposals should demonstrate that the proposal meets the design requirements of the London Plan. D The design of development proposals should be thoroughly scrutinised by borough planning, urban design, and conservation officers, utilising the analytical tools set out in Part B, local evidence, and expert advice where appropriate. In addition, boroughs and applicants should make use of the design review process to assess and inform design options early in the planning process. Development proposals referable to the Mayor must have undergone at least one design review early on in their preparation before a planning application is made, or demonstrate that they have undergone a local borough process of design scrutiny, based on the principles set out in Part E if they: 1) include a residential component that exceeds 350 units per hectare; or 2) propose a building defined as a tall building by the borough (see Policy D9 Tall buildings ), or that is more than 30m in height where there is no local definition of a tall building. E The format of design reviews for any development should be agreed with the borough and comply with the Mayor’s guidance on review principles, process and management, ensuring that: 1) design reviews are carried out transparently by independent experts in relevant disciplines 2) design review comments are mindful of the wider policy context and focus on interpreting policy for the specific scheme 3) where a scheme is reviewed more than once, subsequent design reviews reference and build on the recommendations of previous design reviews 4) design review recommendations are appropriately recorded and communicated to officers and decision makers 5) schemes show how they have considered and addressed the design review recommendations 6) planning decisions demonstrate how design review has been addressed. Maintaining design quality F The design quality of development should be retained through to completion by: 1) ensuring maximum detail appropriate for the design stage is provided to avoid the need for later design amendments and to ensure scheme quality is not adversely affected by later decisions on construction, materials, landscaping details or minor alterations to layout or form of the development 2) ensuring the wording of the planning permission, and associated conditions and legal agreement, provide clarity regarding the quality of design 3) avoiding deferring the assessment of the design quality of large elements of a development to the consideration of a planning condition or referred matter 4) local planning authorities considering conditioning the ongoing involvement of the original design team to monitor the design quality of a development through to completion 3.4.1 The processes and actions set out in the policy will help ensure development delivers good design. The responsibility for undertaking a particular process or action will depend on the nature of the development or plan; however, the outcome of this process must ensure the most efficient use of land is made so that the development on all sites is optimised. 3.4.2 Applicants will primarily be responsible for undertaking design analysis through the use of various digital modelling techniques as part of a wide range of design and presentation techniques. These techniques can also be used as part of the plan-making process to assess growth options and forms of development, as described in Part B of Policy D1 London’s form, character and capacity for growth . 3.4.3 To enable the design of a proposed development to be fully assessed, applicants must provide the necessary technical information in an agreed format. The detail and nature of this should be commensurate with the scale of the development. All outline applications referred to the Mayor should be accompanied by thorough design codes, ensuring exemplary design standards are carried through the planning process to completion. 3.4.4 The Mayor’s Design Advocates (MDAs) will play a key role in helping to deliver good design. They will help champion design across the GLA Group and beyond, through research, design review, capacity building, commissioning and advocacy. MDAs are also members of the London Review Panel, which the Mayor has set up to provide design scrutiny. This review panel is primarily focused on the review of Mayoral investments, but can provide design review sessions for development proposals referred to the Mayor where they have not previously been subject to review, or for schemes of particular significance. 3.4.5 All development proposals should be subject to a level of scrutiny appropriate to the scale and/or impact of the project. This design scrutiny should include work by planning case officers and ongoing and informal review by qualified urban design officers and conservation officers. Development proposals required to undergo design review as set out under Part D will form a small portion of overall planning applications in London. The Mayor may require that other referable developments undergo design review. Boroughs are encouraged to use design review to support their scrutiny of development proposals. 3.4.6 The Mayor has published a London QualityLondon Plan Policy D4 · official source →