Update 31 October
Thank you to all those residents who dropped by our Design Code face to face sessions and to those who let us know their views via the online survey.
We will now collate all of the comments and they will be used to feed into the next phase of the Elmbridge Design Code.
We will update residents on the next round of engagement later in the year.
27 September
Elmbridge Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan which will include policies to shape development in the borough for the next 15 years. In support of our Local Plan there are Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) that provide more specific details and guidance on how existing and emerging policies should be implemented. The Design Code is one such document; it will support the implementation of policies relating to design matters in Elmbridge.
Producing a ‘Design Code’ for the borough is only possible with the involvement of our residents and businesses and its success depends on that collaboration.
What is a Design Code?
A design code is a set of simple, concise, design requirements which set principles for new development in an area. The government’s National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that all local planning authorities should prepare a design code.
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 will have different design requirements tailored to reflect the character of the individual neighbourhoods within the borough.
National guidance sets out 10 characteristics of good design and the code for Elmbridge will reflect these priorities and topics where appropriate.
- Context - local character and built heritage
- Movement – street design and transport types
- Nature - design of green infrastructure and the protection of biodiversity
- Built Form - density, built form and urban design
- Identity - character of buildings
- Public space - design and of streets and public spaces
- Uses – places to work, shops and play
- Homes and buildings – space standards and accessibility
- Resources – addressing sustainability and climate change adaptation
- Lifespan – creating and maintaining a legacy
We have created a 'story map' to help bring the Elmbridge Design Code to life for residents. You can explore the borough's character - its history, people, landscape, places, streets and buildings through the 'story map'.
Your involvement
There will be a year’s worth of involvement, but it starts with a series of drop-bys around the borough. We will be at the following locations at the following times to tell you more about the Design Code and how it can benefit Elmbridge and more importantly we want to listen to your views.
- Wednesday 5 October, Claygate Centre for the Community, Elm Road, Claygate, KT10 0EH, 10.00am – 12.00noon
- Wednesday 5 October, Weybridge Centre for the Community, Churchfield Place, Weybridge, KT13 8BZ, 1.30pm – 4pm
- Friday 7 October, Hersham Centre for the Community, 7 Queens Road, Hersham, KT12 5LU, 9am-12noon
- Friday 7 October, Molesey Centre for the Community, Bishop Fox Way, West Molesey, KT8 2AS, 1.00pm – 3pm
- Saturday 15 October, Esher’s new Farmers’ Market, High Street, Esher (Near Hare &Bone salon), 10am – 1pm
- Saturday 15 October, Walton, The Heart Shopping Centre, New Zealand Ave, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1GH, 2.30pm – 5pm
- Saturday 22 October, Thames Ditton Farmers’ Market, Mercer Close car park, 9am – 12noon
- Saturday 22 October, Cobham High Street, Near Gail’s bakery, 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Councillor Karen Randolph, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environmental Health is encouraging residents to once again help shape Elmbridge.
“We want to hear your views about what makes your local area special – what do you value the most? What makes it distinctive? What should new development in the area be like to reflect the local character?
“You are welcome to drop by to any or all of the locations. While we will be talking about Walton when we are in Walton and Claygate when we are in Claygate for example, we will also be talking about borough wide aspects of creating a design code in all locations.
“Come along, meet the team and help us shape a Design Code for Elmbridge.”
Online survey in addition to drop-bys
This part of the Elmbridge Design Code consultation will run until end of day Sunday 30 October and will include an online survey for residents asking questions such as what features best reflect the character of your local area and neighbourhood and what do you most like about the character of your local area and neighbourhood?
If you could like to add your email to our distribution list for Design Code updates please email designcode@elmbridge.gov.uk.