Design Code supplementary planning document (SPD)
The council adopted the Elmbridge Design Code as a Supplementary Planning Document on 17 April 2024.
A Design Code is a set of simple, concise, design requirements which set principles for new development in an area. 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 sets out different design requirements based on the type and location of new development.
The council's Local Validation Checklist (LVC) includes a requirement to fill in a Design Code Checklist as part of supporting documents for the following types of applications:
- householder application
- full planning application
- outline planning application
- approval of reserved matters
- permission in principle – technical details
- variation or removal of conditions
The Design Code SPD replaces the council’s existing Design and Character SPD for all planning applications 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.