Are well-designed places possible? A model of design governance intervention in the planning, design and development of new neighbourhoods

Abstract

UK planning policies clearly state that well-designed places support the creation of sustainable places that generate positive economic, environment and social outcomes. Yet, for decades, the design value of ‘new build’ housing development has remained stubbornly low. Using data from a multiple case study of new housing developments across the UK’s four nations, this paper asks why this persists and explores how it might be overcome. It models nine key stages in the planning, design and development process for new housing illustrating where the ‘critical points of design governance intervention’ lie.