Published Wednesday, 6th December 2023
The Council is asking for views on a Design Code that aims to achieve a higher standard of design for new development in the area between Redhill and Horley through new planning guidance.
The A23 Great Street Design Code Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will set rules and guidance that development proposals must adhere to and will help inform future planning applications and decisions.
The Design Code will help to preserve street character and guide building type and layout to raise the quality of design; improve access to public spaces and parks; set environmental sustainability standards and identify opportunities for development. It will also create a ‘green corridor’, ensuring that all types of development encourage sustainable travel, to make the area work better for pedestrians and cyclists.
The six-week consultation runs until 5pm on Thursday 18 January 2024.
Providing certainty
Cllr Rich Michalowski, Executive Member for Place, Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “The draft A23 Great Street Design Code SPD has been developed with the help of previous engagement events and consultation. Once adopted, it will provide certainty for developers and landowners when making planning applications as it will set the design standard that we expect, and it will be a valuable tool against which the Council can assess the design quality of planning proposals.
“Alongside the document, planners will be able to use cutting-edge 3D virtual modelling to see how the area looks now and with the impact of any new development proposals.
“I encourage the local community to give their views on this important draft document that will help guide future development in the area, before it is finalised.”
How to have your say
Read the SPD on our Emerging SPDs and SPGs webpage. Alternatively, copies of the document are available to view at: the Town Hall and Reigate, Redhill, Horley, Merstham, Banstead and Tattenhams Libraries.
To have your say, email your comments to LDF@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or write to Planning Policy, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0SH.
Following the consultation, the Council will consider the comments received and update the SPD as appropriate, prior to it being adopted.
The Council secured £120,000 from the Office of Place (Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) for the preparation of a code, as part of its Pathfinder programme to test how design codes can improve design quality.