Purpose

To adopt the Design Code following the Cabinet decision on 14 April to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to finalise and adopt the Design Code Supplementary Planning Document, provided that the outcome of the public consultation did not give rise to any substantive changes requiring further member consideration. 

Decision

RESOLVED to adopt the Uttlesford Design Code (including Appendix A) as a Supplementary Planning Document.

Reasons for the decision

The Uttlesford Design Code SPD provides detailed design guidance to support the adopted Local Plan. It sets expectations for high-quality design, is a material consideration in planning decisions, and is supported by Appendix A: Uttlesford Places.

The updated Design Code revises the previous version following practical use and to align with the adopted Local Plan. In line with Regulation 17 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, the Council consulted formally on the revised documents.

Consultation ran for four weeks, from 8 May to 5 June 2026. Documents were available online and in hard copy, with responses invited by survey, email, post and response form. Statutory bodies, local authorities, individuals on the consultation database and the wider public were notified.

Twenty-two responses were received. They included support, suggested clarifications, requests for further guidance and definitions, and minor corrections. The Council made minor amendments in response, none of which materially affect the SPD.

Cabinet delegated adoption of the Design Code SPD to the Strategic Director of Planning. In consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, the Strategic Director has decided to withdraw the previous SPD and adopt the updated version, ensuring it reflects consultation feedback and provides an up-to-date framework for high-quality design across Uttlesford.