Local Design Code

A brand-new set of guidelines for housing development in the Lichfield District are being devised to ensure that future homes meet residents’ expectations for design, quality, beauty and sustainability.

The Local Design Code will help preserve the district’s unique character and heritage for all scales of development – from the planning of major housing developments to householder extensions and alterations.

Its aim is to improve design quality as part of major reforms to the planning system proposed by the Government in 2020.

Lichfield District Council is currently preparing a new Local Plan which will include policies to shape development for the next 15 years.

The Local Design Code is a Supplementary Planning Document which provides good design requirements covering:

• Context – local character and built heritage
• Movement – street design and transport types
• Nature – design of green infrastructure and the protection of biodiversity
• Built form – a coherent pattern of development
• Identity – character of buildings
• Public space – design of streets and public spaces
• Uses – places to work, shop and play
• Homes and buildings – space standards and accessibility
• Resources – addressing sustainability and climate change adaptation
• Lifespan – creating and maintaining a legacy

To ensure the quality and style of all new build properties in the area are comparable, Lichfield District Council is working with Building Design Partnership Ltd (BDP) to produce a structured design brief.

To inform its work engagement with community representatives (local community groups, councillors and businesses) around the Local Design Code is taking place – find out more.

The Local Design Code is set to be adopted in early 2024.

Find out more about design codes.