Design Code

Context and identity

It is important that any new development within the Lake District National Park reflects the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area. Every settlement, no matter what size, has a unique character and distinctiveness derived from the local geology, land use, heritage and traditions. This varies considerably across the Park, for example Windermere is very different in character to Coniston.

Understanding the context, history and character of a place is an essential first step in creating good design that respects and enhances the existing character and identity of a place. This doesn't stifle new and innovative design but establishes a framework to foster sensitive change.

Many things contribute to the identity of a place including architectural style, the layout of streets and green space, building height and detailing (eg windows and doors), the type of building material used, design of public spaces, and mix of use (shops, residential and commercial areas).

We are keen to know what contributes to good design in your local area:

• What do you value most about its special character, such as architectural style, streets and lanes?
• Are there things that make it easy to navigate around, such as clear street patterns and good signs?
• How is the history of the place reflected and celebrated?
• Are there any architectural details you really like, such as porches or windows?
• How are most gardens and open spaces divided, do they use stone walls, railings, hedges?
• What could be improved in terms of the environment and how people use it?

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Movement and public space

Well-designed places are accessible and easy for everyone to move around. This means balancing the needs of all road users including: pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and people with disabilities or mobility impairments. Any new development must fit in with the character and functionality of the existing street layout and ideally help address any issues restricting movement around an area.

A public space is any area generally open and accessible to everyone. Roads and streets (including the pavement), make up three-quarters of all public space, the rest comprises public parks, village greens and squares, pedestrian areas and walkways, playing fields etc. These places are important not only to the historic character of an area, they also serve a social function in bringing people together and are often the focal point of community life.

We are keen to know what contributes to good design in your local area:

• What makes it easy to navigate around?
• Are there any examples where design has helped improved road safety, such as location of crossings, speed restriction, dynamic speed signs?
• Where should cars be parked? Are there examples of good resident's parking?
• How do you travel around? Is there good public transport, what about walking and cycling routes?
• Which public spaces do you most value, and why?

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Climate Change and Resources

The Lake District has already witnessed the devasting impact of climate change. The floods of 2009, 2015, 2017 and 2021 caused havoc across the region, destroying homes and businesses and taking a dreadful toll on the natural environment. With such weather extremes set to continue, it's essential that we act now to tackle the global climate crisis.

Well-designed places and buildings conserve natural resources including buildings, land, water, energy and materials. They are energy efficient, minimising carbon emissions to meet the government's net zero target by 2050, and adapt to episodes of weather extremes like winter storms and this summer's heatwaves.

We are keen to know what contributes to good design in your local area:

• Are there examples of positive measures to combat climate change, such as carbon neutral development, renewable energy or highly insulated buildings?
• How is the risk of flooding being addressed ?
• Are there areas where surface water is a perennial problem? How could these be combated?
• Are there good examples of how rain water is being collected/used for natural or public benefit, such as ponds and wetland areas?
• How is nature and biodiversity integrated into the local area, are there reed beds, hedgerows, green lanes, beehives and insect hotels?
• Are there good examples of new builds using sustainable materials?
• How can traditional properties be made more efficient?

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Homes and Buildings, Built Form and Use

To meet today's needs, well-designed homes and buildings must be functional, accessible and sustainable. They should provide attractive, comfortable environments that are of appropriate size, fit for purpose and can adapt to meet everyone's needs. New buildings and conversions should be of high-quality and reflect the historic character and identity of the Lakes, as well as promote the health and wellbeing of residents.

Built form relates to the height, mass and scale of buildings. The three-dimensional arrangement of individual houses, blocks of buildings, streets and spaces contributes significantly to the overall character of our towns and villages. The built form of a well-designed new development, depending on scale, should create attractive, lively and sustainable new neighbourhoods that reflect and enhance the character of the surrounding area.

Sustainable places include a mix of uses where people can live, work and play. This would include access to local services like libraries, schools and GP surgeries, as well as shops, restaurants and residential areas.

We are keen to know what contributes to good design in your local area:

• What do you value most in a well-designed home?
• How would you futureproof a home, such as homeworking space, air source head pumps, solar panels?
• What works well about the type and mix of buildings?
• Do the houses front directly onto the street or are they set back?  Where should cars be parked?
• Do most properties have gardens?
• What do you like about the arrangement of streets?
• Is there a good balance in terms of use, like houses, shops and businesses?

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Nature

Nature and green spaces are woven into the fabric of the towns and villages of the Lake District. Not only do these contribute to the beauty of the place, they are also of enormous benefit to our health and wellbeing, and contribute to biodiversity, climate change mitigation and flood alleviation. Incorporating nature and green space into new development is a key objective of the Design Code.

Green spaces come in a variety of sizes and forms, from the stunning natural landscape of the fells to the more humble football pitch, pocket park or roadside verge. They don't have to be publicly accessible, gardens, balconies and roofs can all be utilised to increase biodiversity, provide cooling shade, reduce noise and improve air quality.

We are keen to know what contributes to good design in your local area:

• What are the spaces you value or access most? Why are they important to you?
• Are there examples where biodiversity has been improved?
• Is there good access to green space and nature?
• Are there clear, safe and pleasant routes to access green spaces and nature?
• Is there good access to water for recreation important?

Put a pin on the Lake District design map

Follow the instructions on the About tab, the Comments tab will let you see what others in your area think.