The Government’s recent announcement on the proposed changes to the NPPF and the National Design Guide (2019) places a greater emphasis on designing places that are beautiful as well as more sustainable, so it is good to see the new National Model Design Code staying consistent. The consultation that was launched alongside the announcement will run until 27th March, and will be sure to provide some healthy debate.

Embedding design controls more thoroughly in the policy framework will give planning officers greater leverage in asking for quality design in proposals. But rather than look at the resources and mechanisms for integrating local design codes – a subject in its own right – it is worth focusing on the objective of ‘creating more beautiful places’, for as we all know, different people have different views on what makes good design, and what is considered attractive.

Although the Model states “This is not about architectural style”, it then says that “developments should clearly take account of local vernacular and heritage”. The challenge is then passed to others by saying “local authorities and communities decide what good quality design looks like”.

With these clues, local authorities and their Councillors, feeling sure of their understanding of design, will be empowered, and will embrace the opportunity in their own terms. This may worry some while others will sense a liberation.

The National Model’s underlying message has emerged from the Building Better Beautiful Commission, Living with Beauty (2020) which was intent at freeing discussions about design from subjective judgement. Perhaps in furthering this debate, it will dawn on people that ‘design’ and ‘style’ are two different things. Where ‘style’ rests within cultural significance, ‘design’ has a more pragmatic remit. For design, it is worth upholding three pillars “firmness, commodity, delight”, or to put it another way: is it built well enough, is it good for people’s needs, can people enjoy it?

A proper public design debate has a long way to go but the NPPF, National Design Guide and The National Model Design Code has opened a door. One has to wonder how a planning inspector will rule on design, style, or ‘the vernacular’. Perhaps all, including professionals, have to dig deeper to find the substance that makes us more aware of design, and acknowledge it alongside cultural baggage. Picture it now: A planning inquiry or appeal where planning inspectors, officers, senior professionals, and your average Joe will be discussing what is aesthetically pleasing. We say bring it on.