RESIDENTS are being urged to give their views on guidelines for new buildings and developments across south Worcestershire.

The Design Guide has been produced as a supplementary planning document to support the South Worcestershire Development Plan which sets out where new homes and employment development should take place up to the year 2030.

Cllr Geoff Williams, chair of the Joint Advisory Panel, said: “Many new homes and other developments will be appearing across south Worcestershire between now and 2030, and design quality is one of the most important things to get right if they are going to have a positive impact on the environment and be accepted by local people.

"I would encourage everyone to have their say on these important new guidelines.”

Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester City Council and Wychavon District Council have jointly published a draft version of the guide to encourage high standards of design in all aspects of the built environment across south Worcestershire.

It includes a step-by-step process that developers should follow to get their designs right.

When a decision is to be made on future planning applications, developers will be expected to be able to show that they have followed the guidelines in the final version of the document.

The six-week consultation launched today (Monday, July 31) concerns part one of the guide, covering general design principles and including specific advice on home extensions and the mix of home sizes to be included in residential developments.

The second part of the guide, focussing on the distinctive character of Worcester city and the market towns and villages of south Worcestershire, will be launched later in the year and will be the subject of a separate consultation.

The guide provides important advice for potential developers to help them ensure that new buildings and public realm – such as green spaces or public squares – will have a positive impact in the south Worcestershire area, becoming valued by local communities.

It sets out guidelines for how developers can create locally distinctive designs, designs that respect and enhance local character, designs that incorporate contemporary and sustainable approaches to development and designs that meet the latest best practice in layout and built form, including the provision of external spaces and landscaping.

Cllr Bradley Thomas, vice chair of the Joint Advisory Panel, said: “Good design is about far more than whether a building looks good. It’s also got to fit in with the local environment, feel safe, use low levels of energy, be adaptable for future needs and use – and much more besides.

"We need to make sure we get these guidelines right, so I’m looking forward to hearing the views of residents and developers.”

The consultation can be completed online at swdevelopmentplan.org.

Printed copies of the consultation documents and forms are available at libraries and council contact centres.