The Council is committed to raising the standard of the design
of all development within the borough The Heritage and Environment
Section actively promotes 'good' design and through the Design
Champion initiative co-ordinates efforts to raise the quality of
buildings, public spaces and the environment.
The Section is involved in the following aspects:
- The promotion and organisation of the biannual West Lancashire
Design Awards Scheme.
- The provision of specialist design advice for developers,
applicants and members of the public.
- Written design guidance.
Design Awards
The winners for the 2011 West Lancashire Design Awards have
now been announced. To find out more, visit our Design Awards
page.
Design Guide - Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
The Design Guide provides an overview of the design
principles and sets down the expectations the Council will employ
when considering planning applications and is to be used as an
SPD.
Design and Access Statements
Statements should help provide a proper understanding of the
site, its context and its proposed development. For more
information you can download a useful CABE document:
Architects
When planning works to historic buildings or within important
historic areas, it is wise to use a qualified architect who is
sympathetic to conservation needs. The Royal Institute of British
Architects (RIBA) lists those members who are knowledgeable and
experienced in the conservation of historic buildings. A list of
such
architects
based in the north-west (external link) is also
available.
Design Council
The
Design Council
is the government's advisor on architecture, urban design and
public space.
West Lancashire Borough Council supports the work of the the Design
Council and in particular the need to raise the quality of design.
The 'Building for Life' initiative led by the the Design Council is
looking at improving the quality of new housing development. The
scheme identifies successful new housing schemes and promotes a
national standard which house-builders can aim to achieve.
The standard sets down 20 criteria which are an invaluable tool for
property-owners, developers, planners and architects when
looking at the design of any new residential property. The criteria
can be used, as a checklist, when embarking on any development.
More information can be found at the
Building for Life (external link) initiative.
Places Matter!
Places Matter!
is a programme to improve decision making and commissioning
skills, as well as provide increased awareness of high quality
design amongst clients and developers. The initiative also
offers the assistance of a Design Review panel - follow the
link to find out more.
If you would like information or advice about design, please
contact us.
Related information