Design and Character supplementary planning document (SPD)
The Design and Character SPD aims to ensure that the design of new development in the borough is more locally responsive, sustainable and built to a high quality. It is made up of a main document that provides design guidance relating to all new development in the borough. There are also 10 companion guides, including the 8 settlement character assessments, an overview of the borough's character and specific guidelines relating to home extensions. The SPD supports the delivery of the Elmbridge Core Strategy, specifically Policy CS17: Local character, Density and Design.
Updates
The council’s Design Code SPD replaces the council’s Design and Character SPD for all planning application submitted after 6 January 2025. Applications submitted before 6 January 2025 will still be determined using the Design and Character SPD (2012) and its Companion Guides and will not be subject to the Design Code Checklist submission.
Companion guides
Design and Character areas map
The design and character SPD map shows the design and character areas identified within the SPD.