Ambelside University campus buildings with fells behind

Design Code

A design code sets out a number of specifications for new developments in a simple, concise and illustrated way that is specific to an area. They are intended to help deliver more beautiful and sustainable places that function well in terms of accessibility, energy efficiency, biodiversity and carbon neutrality, and provide guidance to homeowners, developers and the local community on what constitutes good design.

Over the next six months we will be engaging with the community to establish a vision for the Lake District to ensure the design code is based on what is popular locally. A draft version of the design code will be available for consultation in early 2023, and we expect to complete the first version of the design code by April 2023.

Help shape the design of new development in the Lake District

Tell us your views to help develop a design code for the Lake District.

The design code process gives local communities their say on the design of new homes, shops, workplaces, amenities and public spaces to conserve and enhance the unique character of the Lake District.

This is your opportunity to get involved. Sign up and give your feedback to four questions through the design code hub to be in entered into a prize draw to win a £500 Booths voucher, subject to terms and conditions.

Tell us what you think on the design code hub

A place pin with a picture of garages and a comment

Show us your examples of good and bad design in the Lake District

You can also get involved by putting a pin on the map, with a photo and a comment, for good or bad design examples.

Put a pin on the Lake District design map

We want you to tell us what good design means to you in all these different areas:

Context and identity

Traditional farm buildings and barns

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).

A traditional stone barn with sheep on a fellside.

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?

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.

A row of cottages of different styles and ages.

Movement and public space

Cycling and walking paths

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.

A couple walking a dog on a lead.

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?

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.

Car parks on a roadside by houses.

Climate Change and Resources

A lake with reedbeds and fells on the far side

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.

An electric car charging.

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?

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.

A new house with solar panels on the roof.

Homes and Buildings, Built Form and Use

New development of houses along a riverside

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.

A traditional stone built cottage.

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?

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.

A whitewashed stone cottage

Nature

Wildflowers growing next to a footpath

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.

A red squirrel

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.

A couple looking out over water and hills beyond.

The Design Code programme will finish in 2023

The Lake District National Park Authority has been successful in securing a place on the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Design Code Pathfinder Programme. This new programme's aim is to empower communities to have their say on the development of new homes, buildings and amenities.

During the 12 month programme we will use the National Model Design Code (NMDC) to consider the design principles for new developments, such as street character, building type and façade as well as the environment, sustainability and heritage factors.

Our first engagement with local communities is capturing examples of good and bad design on the Lake District map. There will be further chances to give us your views and a full consultation on the draft of the design guide, in Spring 2023.

Traditional farm buildings and barns