Bluepencil to prepare Design Code for West Mildenhall

Following the success of the strategic, mixed-use masterplan and outline planning application for West Mildenhall, we are delighted to announce that we are to prepare a Design Code for the proposed development.

Bluepencil have been working with our client, Suffolk County Council, on this development since 2018 and have now be asked to prepare a Design Code to set the standards of design quality, against which future reserved matters applications will be determined.

The Design Code will follow the design intent of the very comprehensive Design and Access Statement which included five binding parameter plans to regulate the land use. These are: movement, landscape, storey heights, and density. These plans were created from the work behind The Masterplan and are based on the illustrative layout from the outline planning application. The Masterplan is a document adopted as supplementary planning guidance by West Suffolk Council. The design content of the code will be a refinement of that masterplan and will take the parameter plans to a more detailed level.

The illustrative layout in the outline application shows how the development could be laid out on site whilst meeting the requirements of the five parameter plans.

The Design Code will set out the rules which must be followed in order to achieve the design quality and intent required by the landowner (Suffolk County Council) and Local Authority (West Suffolk Council). No reserved matters applications will be considered until the Design Code is complete and approved.

See our other Design Codes

Bird’s Eye View of Illustrative Layout Model

Preparing a design code for a mixed- use development is a complex and iterative process that requires careful planning, collaboration, and attention to detail. By assessing context and objectives, establishing clear design principles and standards, engaging stakeholders, drafting and refining the code, and monitoring its implementation, designers can create a robust framework for shaping attractive, vibrant and cohesive communities that enhance quality of life and promote sustainable development for future generations to enjoy.