Consultation on New Design Code for Local Housing Development

Dacorum Borough Council has launched a consultation on the new Paradise Design Code Draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The design code sets out a framework of requirements for development in the Paradise and Wood Lane area in Hemel Hempstead’s Town Centre. This area is currently allocated for a mixture of housing and business development in the Site Allocations Document (2017), which forms part of the current Local Plan (See site Reference MU/3). The guidance established by the SPD will ensure that any new development on this site is of the highest possible design quality.

The design code aims to guide the delivery of a well-connected, mixed-use environment with high-quality buildings and integrated open spaces and landscaping, which provides options for people who live and work locally to make sustainable and healthy choices, such as being able to walk or cycle.

The document has been produced as part of a collaborative process with Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, as part of the National Model Design Code pilot scheme supported by The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

The content of the draft SPD was developed following the extensive ‘Your Hemel Hempstead’ engagement exercise with the wider community, which took place over the summer of 2021.

Following the consultation, the Council will consider the views raised and make any changes it feels are necessary to the document before it adopts the document. Once adopted, the SPD will become a material consideration in determining planning applications.

Cllr Alan Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Place said: ‘By preparing this SPD, we will be ensuring that new development in the Paradise and Wood Lane area is of an exemplar standard of design, helping to create a high quality neighbourhood where people live, work, play and be active.

‘I would encourage residents, businesses and organisations to get involved and tell us their views on the proposed standards for the future appearance, layout, design and use of buildings and spaces. Please get involved and help shape the identity of this important part of Hemel Hempstead Town Centre.’

The Paradise Design Code – Draft SPD consultation can be found at www.dacorum.gov.uk/supplementary-planning-documents

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Monday 28 November 2022.