Cheshire West and Chester Council is taking action to improve the design quality of new development in the borough. The council commissioned Design South East, in partnership with Places Matter, to facilitate two workshops with the goal of gaining clarity on how best to do this.

The workshops took place in March 2022 with attendees from across the planning policy, development management and total environment teams. Representatives from the regeneration and highways teams also attended and contributed.

Over the course of two half-day workshops, attendees worked together to understand what is currently holding back design quality in the area and what can be done to improve it. This resulted in an Action Plan, created by attendees, to act as the starting point for a new design management system within the Council. A full report will capture the findings of the workshops so these actions can be taken forward.

‘Yesterday’s workshop was fantastic, and I think we all agree that we are definitely on the right path.’

Planning Policy Officer, Cheshire West and Chester

 

Image credit: Storyhouse RIBA Cheshire West and Chester Council