Area type
The National Model Design Code, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in January 2021, defines area type as:
‘Parts of the local area that share common features and characteristics. For example, a suburban area type might bring together a number of different housing estates with common densities, heights, building line, party wall condition etc.) under the umbrella term “outer suburbs”. Common rules and parameters can then be applied to the “outer suburbs” area type in the design code. Example area types are provided in the National Model Design Code, but in practice area types should be defined locally.’
An area type matrix is: ‘A table detailing the elements of the design code that are likely to differ between area types.
An area type work sheet is: ‘A set of prompts and sections to be completed, detailing the key elements and features that should be considered when undertaking a character study. This is not an exhaustive list and should be adapted locally. ‘
Housing statistics and English Housing Survey, glossary, published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in 2019, defines area types as:
- city centre: the area around the core of a large city
- other urban centre: the area around towns and small cities, and also older urban
- suburban residential: the outer area of a town or city; characterised by large planned housing estates
- rural which includes:
- rural residential: a suburban area of a village, often meeting the housing needs of people who work in nearby towns and cities
- village centre: the traditional village or the old heart of a village which has been suburbanised
- rural: an area which is predominantly rural e.g. mainly agricultural land with isolated dwellings or small hamlets
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.