We use cookies to ensure our site functions properly and to store limited information about your usage. You may give or withdraw consent at any time. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy.
Manage Cookies
A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs. As per the GDPR law, companies need to get your explicit approval to collect your data. Some of these cookies are ‘strictly necessary’ to provide the basic functions of the website and can not be turned off, while others if present, have the option of being turned off. Learn more about our Privacy and Cookie policies. These can be managed also from our cookie policy page.
Strictly necessary cookies(always on):
Necessary for enabling core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. This cannot be turned off. e.g. Sign in, Language
Analytics cookies:
Analytical cookies help us to analyse user behaviour, mainly to see if the users are able to find and act on things that they are looking for. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. Tools used: Google Analytics
Share Design Code - Background on FacebookShare Design Code - Background on X (formerly Twitter)Share Design Code - Background on LinkedinEmail Design Code - Background link
We want to hear your views on the draft Design Code for Cheshire West and Chester to ensure it improves the quality of new developments and redevelopments, while creating places that reflect the character of the borough. In particular, we would like to know:
What you think about the overall structure and principles of the Design Code
Whether the Design Code promotes development that reflects the character and identity of the borough
Your views on specific parts of the Design Code
Whether there is anything missing that you think should be included.
What is the design code and why are we creating one? A Design Code is a recipe for a place. It provides a clear set of rules and guidance that new development should follow. The Code helps ensure that future development is well designed, fits with the local character of the area, and creates attractive, sustainable places for people to live, work and visit.
What does the code apply to? It is a borough wide code that relates to all homes including care homes, student accommodation and extra care housing as well as high level design principles for non-residential development. More information can be found here.
The code is broken down into MUSTS, SHOULDS and COULDS:
MUST: These are requirements that must be followed. They are essential parts of the Design Code and not negotiable.
SHOULD: These are requirements that should be followed. If there is a valid reason why they cannot be met, such as physical constraints, this must be clearly explained and supported with evidence.
COULD: These are recommended design approaches that can help achieve high-quality development. Following them may strengthen a proposal.
How has the draft Design Code been developed? Over the past two years, we have worked closely with residents, community groups and other stakeholders. This has included:
Online surveys and face to face engagement with residents and professionals
Interviews and discussions with community groups, local councillors, parish councils, and council officers
Workshops with developers, a housing association, parish councils and council officers
Community engagement events held in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Winsford and Northwich.
The engagement and discussions focused on:
What people like and dislike about local buildings, streets and public spaces
What design is appropriate for Cheshire West and Chester
Ideas and feedback on the vision and objectives of the Design Code
How design is currently guided in the borough and how the Design Code could help shape future development
Examples of best practice from other places or areas
Opportunities and aspirations for the future of Cheshire West and Chester
Which aspects of design could make the biggest difference to the quality and character of places.
Feedback from this engagement and consultations on the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan has been used to help shape the draft Design Code.
We want to hear your views on the draft Design Code for Cheshire West and Chester to ensure it improves the quality of new developments and redevelopments, while creating places that reflect the character of the borough. In particular, we would like to know:
What you think about the overall structure and principles of the Design Code
Whether the Design Code promotes development that reflects the character and identity of the borough
Your views on specific parts of the Design Code
Whether there is anything missing that you think should be included.
What is the design code and why are we creating one? A Design Code is a recipe for a place. It provides a clear set of rules and guidance that new development should follow. The Code helps ensure that future development is well designed, fits with the local character of the area, and creates attractive, sustainable places for people to live, work and visit.
What does the code apply to? It is a borough wide code that relates to all homes including care homes, student accommodation and extra care housing as well as high level design principles for non-residential development. More information can be found here.
The code is broken down into MUSTS, SHOULDS and COULDS:
MUST: These are requirements that must be followed. They are essential parts of the Design Code and not negotiable.
SHOULD: These are requirements that should be followed. If there is a valid reason why they cannot be met, such as physical constraints, this must be clearly explained and supported with evidence.
COULD: These are recommended design approaches that can help achieve high-quality development. Following them may strengthen a proposal.
How has the draft Design Code been developed? Over the past two years, we have worked closely with residents, community groups and other stakeholders. This has included:
Online surveys and face to face engagement with residents and professionals
Interviews and discussions with community groups, local councillors, parish councils, and council officers
Workshops with developers, a housing association, parish councils and council officers
Community engagement events held in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Winsford and Northwich.
The engagement and discussions focused on:
What people like and dislike about local buildings, streets and public spaces
What design is appropriate for Cheshire West and Chester
Ideas and feedback on the vision and objectives of the Design Code
How design is currently guided in the borough and how the Design Code could help shape future development
Examples of best practice from other places or areas
Opportunities and aspirations for the future of Cheshire West and Chester
Which aspects of design could make the biggest difference to the quality and character of places.
Feedback from this engagement and consultations on the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan has been used to help shape the draft Design Code.
