|
Title |
Update on Design Code |
|
Purpose of the report |
To note |
|
Report Author |
Laura Richardson |
|
Ward(s) Affected |
All Wards |
|
Exempt |
No |
|
Exemption Reason |
N/A |
|
Corporate Priority |
Environment, Community |
|
Recommendations
|
Committee is asked to: To note progress made to date on the Design Code and next steps |
|
Reason for Recommendation |
The Design Code Task Group has asked for a regular update report so that all Councillors are aware of the project’s progress |
1. Summary of the report
|
What is the situation |
Why we want to do something |
|
• The Project Board recognise the important role of the Design Code in supporting high quality development in the Borough • The Project Board wish to keep Councillors up to date on project progress |
• So that all Councillors have an understanding of the Design Code project and are able to answer any queries their residents may have, as well understand their opportunities to contribute to the development of the Design Code |
|
This is what we want to do about it |
These are the next steps |
|
• A monthly Briefing Note will be produced which sets out key activities undertaken, what is upcoming and any key project stages further into the future |
• Regular monthly reports will be provided until the Spelthorne Design Code is adopted |
1.1 This report gives a monthly update on the key activities undertaken/to be undertaken and any key project stages further into the future on the Spelthorne Design Code.
2. Key issues
2.1 The Spelthorne Design Code is being co-produced with local communities through active participation. Now in Stage 3 (Testing), a draft Code has been developed based on baseline data and community engagement feedback gathered since June 2024 from local communities and other key stakeholders, along with the Citizens’ Panel in previous phases. Further details of the project can be found on the Spelthorne Design Code Online Engagement Hub here: Have Your Say Today - Spelthorne Design Code - Commonplace
2.2 The project has been moving forward with ongoing community participation via our online engagement hub. Since June 2024, our online platform has seen 7,129 visitors, with 662 contributions from 209 respondents and 300 subscribers staying updated.
2.3 A key tool in Stage 1, the Interactive Map allowed residents to pinpoint locations on specific locations within Spelthorne and share feedback. Though closed on 1 December 2024, all submitted comments remain publicly viewable. While the Interactive Map was closed on Sunday, 1 December 2024, members of the public can still view the comments submitted. The interactive map can be found here: Spelthorne Design Code | Commonplace
2.4 A Citizens' Panel has been established as a crucial element of the Council's community engagement in the development of the Spelthorne Design Code. This Panel brings people from across Spelthorne to inform and help create a new Design Code for the Borough. Panel members were selected through a blind selection process to ensure the Panel reflects the Borough’s demographic as closely as possible, bringing together a diverse range of people to discuss and understand the issues. Residents can read the Citizens' Panel Brief here: Have Your Say Today - Citizens' Panel - Spelthorne Design Code
2.5 The Citizens' Panel has been actively engaged in Stage 1 of the project. Two Citizens' Panel focus sessions with our appointed consultants, David Lock Associates and Feria Urbanism, were held on 16 November 2024 and 23 November 2024. The Panel was tasked with shaping a vision for the Borough's future development, exploring themes such as heritage, sustainability, and community connectivity. Panel members assessed key challenges, including flood resilience and the preservation of green spaces, and provided feedback through six core tasks that evaluated borough-wide priorities and neighbourhood-specific developments. Their recommendations emphasised sustainable urban designs that preserve Spelthorne's heritage, foster inclusivity and community-centric spaces, and enhance social and physical connectivity. Key priorities included protecting heritage sites, improving public transport links, addressing issues around street safety, and promoting thoughtful aesthetically pleasing design with natural light, accessible green spaces and community facilities. This input has helped guide the creation of a Design Code that aligns with the community's long-term vision. The highlights of the first two sessions have been captured in a video, providing an inside look at the Panel in action. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/h-10SaxZWt8?si=lNR7lwmEXVlUfBDf
2.6 A third Citizens’ Panel session was held on 1 March 2025 to test the draft Code. This session was designed to engage the Citizens’ Panel in reviewing and applying the draft Design Code to real-world development scenarios. The project team explained the Design Code's purpose, development and role in planning, how public feedback has shaped it, and who will use it. Panel members also tested the draft Code by reviewing past developments and applying it to real-world scenarios and example sites.
2.7 Following the third session of the Citizens’ Panel, there will be the next opportunity for the wider community to engage with the project through our online engagement hub (Commonplace), ensuring transparency and continued community involvement as we move into the project's Stage 3 (Testing) phase. Local people will be able to view the draft Code, understand what is in the draft Code and how the draft Code has responded to the community's priorities. They will also be able to give their feedback on the draft Code by answering a survey. Local people can subscribe with their email address on the home page to receive notifications about the latest project updates, including when the draft Code is available for comments here: Have Your Say Today - Spelthorne Design Code - Commonplace
2.8 The project has maintained a high level of community engagement. On 3 February 2025, project officers and consultants presented findings to the Spelthorne Partnership Assembly, outlining how community insights shape the Code and the next steps. The Design Code Team is working with the Communications Team to ensure Borough-wide promotion to increase public participation in the development of the Code. The advertising and delivery of the engagement activities have been done both online and offline to increase public participation and ensure that we reach as many people as possible for their views. Communication channels include weekly online promotion via social media channels, the Council's e-news and Bulletin, printed promotional materials distributed to key locations across the Borough, press releases and news updates and communications with community organisations.
3. Options analysis and proposal
3.1 Not applicable as this is a noting report.
4. Financial management comments
4.1 There are none.
5. Risk management comments
5.1 A risk register is used in projects to document, assess, and manage potential risks that could impact the project's success, ensuring proactive mitigation and response strategies. The risk register for the project is regularly monitored and updated by the Project Manager.
6. Procurement comments
6.1 There are none.
7. Legal comments
7.1 There are none.
8. Other considerations
8.1 There are none.
9. Equality and Diversity
9.1 This will be dealt with as an integral part of the Design Code.
10. Sustainability/Climate Change Implications
10.1 This will be dealt with as an integral part of the Design Code.
11. Timetable for implementation
11.1 The project timeline and general information can be found on Have Your Say Today - Spelthorne Design Code - Commonplace
12. Contacts
12.1 Cllr Burrell is the Design Code Task Group Chair. Other members are Cllrs Gibson, Williams and Clarke. Cllr Beecher attends the Project Board meeting as chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee.
12.2 Queries for Officers can be emailed to the Design Code Team: designcode@spelthorne.gov.uk
12.3 Laura Richardson is the Project Lead.
Background papers: There are none.
Appendices: There are none.