As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes its way through Parliament, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has secured an amendment to ensure design quality is at the heart of new development.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up and streamline the delivery of new homes and critical infrastructure through reforms to the planning system and a number of legislative changes, including a focus on strategic planning implemented through Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs).
These will guide local plans, identify key infrastructure requirements and strategic locations for development. RIBA’s amendment to the Bill would require SDSs to include a design vision, which is a clear articulation of what an area or project should be like in the future, developed with the local community and stakeholders.
The inclusion of a design vision in SDSs is vital for high-quality design to be prioritised in the strategic planning process, and would ensure new development meets the practical needs of residents and communities, while embedding the principles of safety, sustainability and accessibility.
The amendment has been tabled by the Liberal Democrat Lords Housing Spokesperson Baroness Thornhill MBE, who RIBA is working closely with to amplify its call to prioritise high-quality development. It will be debated when Parliament returns from summer recess.
RIBA has also secured support for the amendment from the Design Council, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and NLA, and support from Peers across the political spectrum.
RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said: “We are vocal advocates of a strategic approach to planning policy as a crucial way to ensure sustainable growth while meeting housing and infrastructure needs. However, high-quality design must be prioritised in new development from the outset.
“Good design can create a wide range of improvements – from health and wellbeing to productivity. But without the requirement for a design vision in the Bill, there is no guarantee that this will be delivered.
“We are grateful to Baroness Thornhill for tabling our amendment and look forward to working with parliamentarians and our partners across the sector to embed design quality in legislation.”
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) President, Eddie Weir, said: “High-quality design is fundamental to creating places that people love, and which meet our current and future needs, as well as those of the planet.
“Integrating design visions within Spatial Development Strategies gives communities the opportunity to shape local development at an early stage, building support for new homes, amenities, and infrastructure.
“As design professionals, Chartered Architectural Technologists regularly work alongside Architects, and CIAT is pleased to support RIBA in advocating for this important amendment.”
Design Council Director of Place and Infrastructure, Edward Hobson said: “Good design is central to building the homes and infrastructure we need and ensuring it is fit for purpose, long-lasting and regenerates our environment. Creating a clear vision for a place’s future is fundamental to delivering innovative, sustainable places and resilient communities.
“We fully support Baroness Thornhill's amendment and look forward to working with RIBA and parliamentarians to place quality at the heart of the government's housebuilding and infrastructure programmes.”
NLA Chief Executive, Nick McKeogh said: “We welcome Baroness Thornhill’s amendment to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill. The NLA has worked closely with the GLA and successive London Mayors to put design vision at the heart of the London Plan, and we believe that there is much for the government to build upon from that work.”
