Design Review

Design Review is an independent and impartial evaluation process where a panel of experts on the built environment assess the design of a proposal. Design Review deals with projects that are usually of public significance. The process aims to improve the quality of buildings and places.

The importance of Design Review is recognised by the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework which states that local planning authorities should ensure that they make appropriate use of tools and processes for assessing and improving the design of development including design review arrangements.

Design Review for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is provided by the North East Hampshire Design Review Panel, the Hampshire Design Review Panel and the Design South East Design Review Panel.

North East Hampshire Design Review Panel

The North East Hampshire Design Review Panel reviews development proposals and provides advice to local planning authorities and planning applicants on architectural and urban design issues.

It was established in January 2000 and serves:

• Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
• Hart District Council
• Rushmoor Borough Council.

The Panel is made up of 12 members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) the Landscape Institute (LI) and other professional organisations who volunteer their time and expertise. Panel members take it in turn to attend monthly meetings hosted by the participating local authorities. The Panel is independent and its members offer impartial advice.

We refer development proposals to the Panel where the advice of professional architects is required to assist in the determination of planning applications or the provision of pre-application advice. Planning applicants or their agents may also request, via the council, that their proposals (including pre-application consultations) are considered by the Panel. The consideration of development proposals is at the discretion of the Panel Chair and of the local planning authority. Planning applicants or their agents may be requested to present their schemes to the Panel in person.

Hampshire Design Review Panel

In exceptional circumstances, the North East Hampshire Design Review Panel may refer development proposals to be considered by the countywide Hampshire Design Review Panel which chiefly comprises the chairs of the individual local design review panels throughout the county.

Design South East Design Review Panel

The Design South East Design Review Panel also provides advice to local planning authorities and planning applicants on architectural and urban design issues.

This Panel usually focuses on the review of development proposals of regional significance or those that raise more than local considerations. The Design South East Design Review Panel has members from a range of professional backgrounds offering a multidisciplinary approach to Design Review. This can be particularly helpful for the review of larger and more complex schemes. Where appropriate, we will support the use of the Design South East Design Review Panel to review development proposals.

The Design South East Design Review Panel charge to cover the cost of carrying out a design review. We would expect applicants to meet the cost of any review carried out by the Design South East Design Review Panel.

Planning Policy and Implementation Team
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
Civic Offices
London Road
Basingstoke
RG21 4AH