Urban Design Policy and Guidance

National Policy and Guidance

Read the government’s national policy on design which is contained in the National Planning Policy Framework.

National guidance on design is contained in the government’s Planning Practice Guidance.

Local Policy and Guidance

Policy EM10 of the adopted Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029 addresses design issues. View our Adopted Local Plan webpage.

The Design and Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document addresses a wide range of urban design issues. View our Design and Sustainability SPD webpage.

Design policies are also contained within Neighbourhood Plans. View our Neighbourhood Plans webpage.

Design guidance is also found within Village Design Statements. View our Village Design Statements.

Building for Life 12

Building for Life 12 is a tool to help assess the design quality of housing schemes. It was created by Cabe at the Design Council in partnership with Design for Homes and the Home Builders Federation. Its 12 questions help structure discussions between local communities, the local planning authority, the developer of a proposed scheme and other stakeholders. View the Design Council website.

It is not a requirement of the council that a Building for Life 12 assessment be carried out for larger housing schemes of 10 or more dwellings. However, developers are encouraged to assess their schemes against Building for Life 12 when preparing them.

Contact details


Urban Design Team

Telephone: 01256 845492

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

Contact us

  • Contact us online
  • 01256 844844
  • Civic Offices
    London Road
    Basingstoke
    RG21 4AH
  • Opening hours
    Monday to Friday
    8.30am to 4.30pm