Adoption of the Elmbridge Design Code

At its meeting on Wednesday 17 April 2024, the council adopted the Elmbridge Design Code as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). To enable its implementation in determining planning applications, the council needs to update its Local Validation Checklist (LVC). It is anticipated that the consultation on the updated LVC will take place this summer with its adoption aimed in autumn. Once the LVC is adopted, the Design Code will become a material consideration in determination of planning applications for new development. Until then, the existing Design and Character SPD (2012) and its Companion Guides remain in force. In the meantime, the new Design Code will be referred to in the pre-application discussions with applicants, who will be encouraged to incorporate the relevant design parameters in their proposals. 

A Design Code is a set of simple, concise, design requirements which set principles for new development in an area. The aim of the Elmbridge Design Code is to reflect local character and design preferences; providing a framework for creating high-quality design in the borough. The code sets out different design requirements based on the type and location of new development.

The Elmbridge Design Code SPD Adoption Statement is available below. This sets out the consultation arrangements, a summary of the comments received to the consultation, the Council’s response to these comments and identifies the changes made as a result to the Design Code.