Draft Buckinghamshire Design Code consultation

We asked for your views on the draft Buckinghamshire Design Code. The draft Design Code set out requirements for seven key design topic areas:

• context
• identity
• built form
• movement
• nature
• homes and buildings
• resources

The consultation ran from 14 April to 12 May 2026.

We received 101 responses to the consultation.

Online respondents shared the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with the stated requirements for each of the seven design topic areas:

Context topic area

Well‑designed places are those that are grounded in a thorough understanding of their site, context, history and culture, ensuring new development integrates positively with its surroundings, strengthens local character, and fosters a strong sense of place, belonging and community cohesion.

• 85.2% agreed or strongly agreed
• 11.1% disagreed or strongly disagreed
• 3.7% didn't know

Identity topic area

A place’s identity arises from the combined experience of its buildings, spaces, landscape and community, with well‑designed, sustainable and visually attractive environments that reflect local character fostering pride, well‑being, inclusivity and a strong sense of belonging.

• 84.9% agreed or strongly agreed
• 13.2% disagreed or strongly disagreed
• 1.9% didn't know

Built form topic area

Built form is the three‑dimensional arrangement of buildings, streets and spaces that together shape a place’s character, supporting walkable, sustainable, recognisable and memorable environments where people can comfortably live, work and visit.

• 79.6% agreed or strongly agreed
• 11.1% disagreed or strongly disagreed
• 9.3% didn't know

Movement topic area

A well‑designed movement network creates safe, accessible and sustainable connections that shape the character and quality of places by prioritising walking, cycling and public transport, supporting social interaction and well-being, and integrating green infrastructure while efficiently linking people to destinations within and beyond a site.

• 75.5% agreed or strongly agreed
• 17.0% disagreed or strongly disagreed
• 7.5% didn't know

Nature topic area

Well‑designed places integrate existing and new natural features into accessible, multifunctional green networks that enhance quality of place, support biodiversity and climate resilience, and promote health, well‑being, and social inclusion.

• 88.9% agreed or strongly agreed
• 9.3% disagreed or strongly disagreed
• 1.9% didn't know

Homes and buildings topic area

Well‑designed homes and buildings create healthy, inclusive, adaptable and attractive environments that meet diverse user needs, support wellbeing and social interaction, and integrate unobtrusively into their surrounding spaces.

• 77.8% agreed or strongly agreed
• 11.1% disagreed or strongly disagreed
• 11.1% didn't know

Resources topic area

Well-designed places use land and resources efficiently, minimise carbon emissions, and enhance climate mitigation and adaptation by creating compact, walkable, adaptable environments that reduce energy demand, support ecosystems, and lessen risks such as flooding, overheating, and pollution.

• 83.0% agreed or strongly agreed
• 15.1% disagreed or strongly disagreed
• 1.9% didn't know

 Respondents also raised the following:

• some businesses, developers and consultants thought that:
  • a code for the whole county doesn’t reflect local character and distinctiveness
  • the prescriptive elements of the code restrict flexibility in design
  • the code isn’t clear on what is mandatory and what is guidance
  • some aspects of the Code reduce the viability of development
• local interest groups and societies emphasised the need to protect the environment, natural landscapes and built heritage
• town and parish councils and councillors raised:
  • issues of the relationship between the Design Code and local guidelines such as neighbourhood plans, and the importance of preserving the character and distinctiveness of local settlements
  • the importance of landscape and context
  • the Code was too complex and lacked clarity
• sustainability, the environment, biodiversity and green infrastructure were widely seen as key issues by residents and members of the public. These respondents also raised:
  • the importance local identity and sense of place
  • mixed views on the requirements for built form and layout
  • that aspirations for alternative travel are unrealistic without supporting infrastructure
  • questions as to the clarity and usability of the Code, including how the mandatory and guidance elements are differentiated
  • concerns as the enforcement and monitoring of the Code

View the full consultation statement.

The strong support for the Design Code was noted and the issues raised by respondents were considered in detail.

To increase clarity and usability, we:

• reviewed the wording of the Code to make the distinction between mandatory requirements and guidance clearer
• reformatted the Code so that it is better structured and supported by diagrams

The amended Design Code was subject to scrutiny by the Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee at a meeting on 10 July 2026

The amended Design Code was approved for consultation, as part of the Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation, at a meeting of Cabinet on 22 July 2026. The Local Plan for Buckinghamshire Regulation 19 consultation launched on 23 July 2026