Design review panels
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out government planning policy for England. It was first published in March 2012 by the Department for Communities and Local Government, later becoming the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and in September 2021 the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as it is known today. The original NPPF stated:
'Local planning authorities should ensure that they have access to, and make appropriate use of, tools and processes for assessing and improving the design of development. These include workshops to engage the local community, design advice and review arrangements, and assessment frameworks such as Building for Life [Birkbeck D and Kruczkowski S (2015) Building for Life 12: The sign of a good place to live]. These are of most benefit if used as early as possible in the evolution of schemes, and are particularly important for significant projects such as large scale housing and mixed use developments. In assessing applications, local planning authorities should have regard to the outcome from these processes, including any recommendations made by design review panels.'
Design review panels include independent professionals with architecture and design expertise. They are able to assess planning proposals for developments and provide advice and support to the applicant and to planning officers to help deliver high quality design. Panels have an advisory role only and do not have any formal decision-making powers.
For further information visit https://www.designreviewpanel.co.uk/
Design reviews were first undertaken by the Royal Fine Art Commission in 1924. This role was transferred to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe) in 1999. In 2011, Cabe was merged with the Design Council to become Design Council Cabe. Today, many local authorities have design review panels, and there are panels for some regions.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Client design advisor.
- Design Council.
- Design quality.
- Design review.
- Design workshop.
- Planning permission.
- Presenting to design review panels.
- Qualitative design review.
- Stakeholders.
- User panels.
[edit] External references
- Birkbeck D and Kruczkowski S (2015) Building for Life 12: The sign of a good place to live.
- https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/resources/guide/design-review-principles-and-practice
- https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/how-to-make-the-most-of-design-review
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.