Manual for Design Codes
West Northamptonshire Manual
for Design Codes
Publication Date 21st
December 2009
Introduction
The West Northamptonshire Manual for Design
Codes sets out a framework within which to develop a Design Code
whilst emphasising the urban and rural characteristics of West
Northamptonshire. The manual aims to provide clarity and
consistency in the formulation of Design Codes.
The manual consists of three sections and an appendix as
follows;
Section One: Background Review
This section of the manual identifies the role for
Design Codes in West Northamptonshire and sets out the policy
context within which the manual will sit. A review of
published guidance relevant to design access statements is also
included, incorporating reference to National Planning Policy
Statements, which now recognise design codes as an effective
tool to securing efficient delivery of high quality development and
best practice guidance.
Section Two: Context Appraisal
This section of the manual is broken down into sub
sections which examine the individual character and context
of;
Northampton
Daventry
Towcester
West Northamptonshire Villages
Topography and the Built Form; and
Employment Areas
These sub-sections provide an overview of the character specific to
each town, examining the typology of movement, historic
development, streetscape, townscape and architecture within each
town. The specific context appraisal for each of the main
settlements and surrounding villages provides a firm basis of
understanding the intrinsic value of the towns, how they have
evolved and what has influenced their development. This
understanding will be used to inform future development and
expansion proposals in and around the towns through ensuring that
growth respects and enhances West Northamptonshire intrinsic
qualities.
Section Three: How to Develop a Design Code
This section provides a framework which sets out the
detail and information that should be incorporated within a design
code to be submitted to WNDC. It is not intended to form a
prescriptive base from which a design code should be written but
sets out the general principles which need to be considered and
highlights those minimum components that must be included.
The section also sets out the process and procedures to be adopted
through the production and assessment of design codes.
Section Four: Appendices
The appendices include
1. Matrix for the assessment of design codes which has been
developed by WNDC to provide a transparent methodology for the
assessment of design code;
2. Consultation report setting out detailed summary of the
process of consultation and engagement which has been undertaken in
the development of the manual to date; and
3. List of figures, credits and acknowledgements
Documents for Download
Design Code Manual Section One
Background Review
Design Code Manual Section Two
Context Appraisal
Northampton Characterisation
Daventry Characterisation
Towcester Characterisation
Villages Characterisation
Employment Areas
Topography and Built Form
Design Code Manual Section Three
How to Develop Design Codes
Design Code Manual Section Four
Appendices
For further information and updates please contact Bernadette
Owens on 01604 586604 or email bernadette.owens@wndc.org.uk