Draft Buckinghamshire Design Code consultation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.