Issue - meetings

This report set out details of the proposed Medway Housing Design Standards Supplementary Planning Document and Building for Life assessment tool.

It was reported that the proposed Medway Housing Design Standards Supplementary Planning Document would provide developers, landowners and their advisors with clear advice on minimum layout and space standards that would be expected in the design of new housing and the conversion of existing properties. Compliance will be a consideration in the consideration of planning applications.

Members were advised that Building for Life has been developed by CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), and the Home Builders Federation. The score derived from the Building for Life assessment tool would be used as a basis for judging the quality of submissions for residential planning permission in Medway.

Cabinet approval was sought to consult with developers, designers and planning agents on both the draft Medway Housing Design Standards and the adoption of the Building for Life document in Medway.

It was noted that the Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered and recommended the Building for Life assessment tool on 29 September 2010.

Reasons:

To allow progress towards adoption of the draft Medway Housing Design Standards as an Supplementary Planning Document and to support implementation of the Building for Life assessment tool.