Design Review Panel Bckground - WSA - 18 PDF

Design Review Panels
by Jonathan Braddick – Architect
@JB_DRP @JB_RIBA
w w w. des i g n rev i ew p a n e l . co . u k
History of Design Review:-
The Royal Fine Art Commission
• Founded 1924
•To enquire into questions of public amenity or artistic

importance.
King George V
• Projects referred to it by government public or quasi-public
bodies.
•Duties extended by a further warrant of 1933.

• Post WWII need to address post war planning &

reconstruction.
• Its broadened scope of interests embraced:-

King George V
• the design of new buildings,
•alterations to existing buildings &
•other developments affecting visual environments; roads & bridges.
1999 Its function taken over by the then newly

established Commission for Architecture and
the Built Environment (CABE). King George V
Council of Industrial Design
• Founded 1944 by Hugh Dalton - President of the

Board of Trade.
‘... To promote by all practicable means the

improvement of design in the products of British
industry.’
Council of Industrial Design Highlights:-
1946
The Council presented the morale-boosting Britain Can Make
It exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum. More than 1m people
visited in just 14 weeks.
1949
Design Magazine launched to influence and inform professional
designers, business managers, buyers and educators. It would run
until the mid-90s.
1951
The Council played a lead role in the national Festival of Britain
exhibition, choosing all the products on show at London’s South Bank,
where displays included the Homes & Gardens Pavilion.
1959
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Prize for Elegant Design began recognising
products that stood out from the largely functional designs of the time.
To stimulate manufacturing sector, shaking off post-war austerity, and
reward designers, who at that time went largely unrecognised.
1972
The Council for Industrial Design became the Design Council,
bringing industrial design & engineering together in a single
organisation.
1973
The Design Council set up the Design Advisory Service to help
businesses solve engineering design problems.
Council of Industrial Design Highlights
1979
Designing Against Vandalism by Jane Sykes started a debate
about how to design environments to reinforce positive social
relationships and deter vandalism such as graffiti.
1981
Prince Charles tries out a stair lift for disabled people. It was
part of the Design and Disability exhibition showing how
products and furniture were being designed with disabled
people’s needs in mind.
Council of Industrial Design Highlights
1983
Design seen as crucial to pulling the economy out of recession.
PM chaired a seminar at 10 Downing Street and underlined the
link between design and business success.
1994
The Design Council was reborn as a new, slimmed-down
organisation, more like a think tank.
Commission for Architecture &

Royal Fine Art Commission Built Environment (CABE)
1924 1999
Council of Industrial Design The Design Council

1944 1972
Commission for Architecture &

Merged April 2011
Built Environment (CABE)
1999
“Bring together two world-class
centres for design excellence to speak
with one voice & support a broad
spectrum of design, architecture & The Design Council
public space, & place it at the heart of 1972
social and economic renewal.”
Lord Bichard, Design Council Chair:-
“Now, more than ever we need design at
the heart of social and economic renewal,
and a strong message about design in all its
forms.”
Paul Finch, Chair of CABE:-

“This very positive move will place
architecture at the heart of the economy as
a driver for competitive business and
places.”
One Stop shop for design support & advice to industry, communities, central &
local government encompassing services:-
-Design Review
-Promoting value of good building & spatial design etc etc ...
-Mentoring Service
-High profile design challenges.

National Design Review:-
- Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool


-Minoco Wharf, Barking

- Minoco Wharf, Barking
- Olympic Park Concourse and Back of House Areas

- Crossrail Reviews
-Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool

-Minoco Wharf, Barking
-Olympic Park Concourse and Back of House Areas
-Crossrail Reviews
-Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station, West Somerset

- Crossrail Reviews
- Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station, West Somerset
- Liverpool Waste Water Treatment Extension
Regional Design Review:-
Regional Design Review:-
Eight, not-for-profit organisations that promote
better and more sustainable places to stimulate
economic growth have come together to form the
Design Network.
Goes beyond Design Review to include:-

-training,
-community engagement,
-economic development,
-design workshops,
-advice to local authorities,
-neighbourhood planning support.
Need for Local Design Review:-
“Local planning authorities should have local design review

arrangements in place to provide assessment and support to ensure high
standards of design.”
-National Planning Policy Framework

(NPPF)
The National Planning Policy Framework
NPPF:-
Why is there a need for applicants:-
•Integral part of pre-application process.
• Reduces risk, providing more certainty in terms of outcome.
• Independent, impartial, expert, multidisciplinary & objective advice.
•The Panel feedback is a material consideration that the decision

maker (officer, Councillor or Inspector) should have regard to (NPPF).
Planning/NPPF Context:-
• Town and Country Planning Act 1947
• Green Belts 1955
• Town and Country Planning Act 1990
• Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004
• Localism Act 2011
• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) March 2012
•National Planning Polivcy Framework (NPPF) 2018

NPPF & Good Design:-
“Design quality should be considered throughout the
evolution and assessment of individual proposals. Early
discussion between applicants, the local planning
authority and local community about the design and style
of emerging schemes is important for clarifying
expectations and reconciling local and commercial
interests. (NPPF para 128).”
NPPF & Good Design:-
“Local planning authorities should ensure that they have access to, and make
appropriate use of, tools and processes for assessing and improving the
design of development. These include workshops to engage the local
community, design advice and review arrangements, and assessment
frameworks such as Building for Life.
In assessing applications, local planning authorities should have regard to

the outcome from these processes, including any recommendations made
by design review panels.” (para 129)
The Design Review Panel:-
•In 2014, a group of south west local authorities came together to establish a local design
review service that may benefit from economy of scale, providing an affordable &
therefore accessible service:-
Taunton Deane Borough Council Teignbridge District Council Torridge District Council
Devon County Council North Somerset Council Mendip District Council
Mid Devon District Council Exeter City Council Bath & North East Somerset
West Somerset Council East Devon District Council Swindon Borough Council
North Devon Council Plymouth City Council
•As of 2018 The Design Review Panel arranges Design Review Panel
Sessions nationally across England
Objective:-
• To provide an independent, impartial evaluation process …
• … where a multi-disciplinary panel of built environment experts assess

the design of significant proposals.
The Design Review Panel Format ...
Multi-disciplinary
Six built environment professionals; the administrator/chairperson and five rotating
panel members, selected from a pool.
Panel pool includes built environment professionals from a range of disciplines …
… architects, urban designers, landscape architects, conservation specialists,

ecological & sustainability experts, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, structural
engineers, chartered surveyors, independent town planners & arboriculturalists.
The Panel …
• exists to offer constructive comments on schemes, aiding their improvement,
but not to fundamentally redesign them.
• advises and empowers the decision makers on how to improve design quality,
so as to meet the needs of their communities and customers.
• will support decision makers in resisting poorly designed schemes.
• will support decision makers in approving well designed schemes.

The Panel …
As well as being of benefit to applicants, the Design Review Panel aims to help the
project team in the following ways:-
• Provide designers with constructive, impartial advice from fellow professionals.

• Support unconventional high quality design proposals.
• Examine the design of a project in the round.
• Support good design intentions and pin-point any weaknesses.
• Bring a fresh external viewpoint.
• Reduce the risk of an unexpected decision.
• Aid in provision of a more efficient service to clients.
‘Design Review: Principles &
Practice’
New publication ‘Design Review:
Principles and Practice’:- Guide
produced by CABE at the Design
Council, the Landscape Institute, the
RTPI and the RIBA.
10 Principles of Design Review:-
1. Independent 6. Proportionate
2. Expert 7. Timely
3. Multidisciplinary 8. Advisory
4. Accountable 9. Objective
5. Transparent 10. Understandable

Design Review Timing:-
Ideally, schemes will be submitted to the panel at the pre-
application stage of the planning process whilst the design is still
fluid …
…. this can help to identify design aspects that may be improved.

This in turn may help resolve design issues before submission,
saving time and expense.
The design review will be treated as a conversation about work in

progress, not a verdict on an outcome.
Additional Terms of Reference …
• Conflicts of Interest
• Confidentiality Requirements
• Code of Conduct
• Panel Members Presenting to the Panel
w w w. d e s i g n r e v i e w p a n e l . c o . u k
The Design Review Panel
Session Format:-
1. Presentation - 20 minutes to present. 4. Summary – 20 minutes. Chairperson will

verbally summarise Panels view in a clear and
constructive manner. Each Panel member will
2. Questions – 30 minutes. Panel members will make any final comments.
ask questions of the presenters.
5. Conclusion – The session is concluded. The
3. Discussion – 15 minutes. The panel will Panel Administrator will amalgamate the notes
discuss & consider in private. from the meeting and produce a clear actionable
written report that will be provided to the Local
Authority (LA). The Local Authority will in turn issue
this to the applicant.
The Panel Format …
Multi-disciplinary
Six built environment professionals; the administrator/chairperson and five rotating
panel members, selected from a pool.
The Panel pool is to include built environment professionals from a range of

disciplines …
… architects, urban designers, landscape architects, conservation specialists,

ecological & sustainability experts, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, structural
engineers, chartered surveyors, independent town planners & arboriculturalists.
The Design Review Panel Members …
The Design Review Panel Members …
Case Study – Firepool Taunton
www.designreviewpanel.co.uk
Firepool represents
the primary
development
opportunity in the
town centre.
The majority of the

site is vacant and
within Taunton
Deane Borough
Council control
and, subject to
planning and other
issues identified in
the Delivery
Strategy, could be
developed within
3-5 years.
Key Objectives:
• Mixed use
redevelopment
including up to
8,000m2 retail
space & leisure
uses (such as a
cinema &
restaurants)
• A high quality
pedestrian
connection
between
Taunton Station
& Coal Orchard
• An attractive
waterfront on
the River Tone
• A new town
centre car park
accessed off of
the NIDR
“The DRP’s views were of great
assistance to me in
demonstrating to the Planning
Committee that the scheme being
proposed was a poor quality one
and certainly did not warrant
setting aside the development
plan to approve.
We have subsequently agreed in

principle amendments that St
Modwen were previously
unwilling to contemplate.
Whilst I am not yet in a position

to say that we have an
application that will receive
officer support, we are certainly
heading in that direction ...”
Tim Burton - 2017

Assistant Director Planning &
Environment
Taunton Deane Borough Council & West
Somerset Council
Case Study – Radmore & Tucker Site
98 Student Units www.designreviewpanel.co.uk
“Exeter City Council have encouraged developers to use the Panel since its inception at the end of 2013. We strongly
believe that the independent and objective nature of the Panel helps shape schemes to fulfil their potential and
deliver great outcomes.
A real challenge for the City is meeting the demands of a growing university through the provision of Purpose Built
Student Accommodation which takes the pressure of occupation of the existing housing stock.
Accommodating this type of development in an historic city centre can be a real design challenge and many
schemes have been subject to Panel scrutiny. The multi-disciplinary nature of the Panel has assisted both developers
and the Council to resolve these challenges ... “
Andy Robbins - 2017

Development Manager,
Exeter City Council
“... A great example of collaborative working was the redevelopment of the former Radmore and Tucker site for 98
student units.
The site represented a challenging design conundrum given its location within a conservation area, adjacent to
several listed buildings and city wall and impacting upon the setting of the scheduled medieval bridge over the Exe.
A Roman leat running directly beneath the existing building on site along with a flying freehold with an adjacent
Victorian building and the close proximity of residential accommodation added to the mix – not to mention the
adjacent inner bypass and associated air-pollution issues. ...”
Andy Robbins - 2017

Exeter City Council
“... Having worked with the Council to identify the constraints of the site and keen to deliver a scheme in time for the
following years’ student intake, the developer brought a scheme to the Panel at a formative stage. This reflected the
design-led ethos of the developer’s approach which was based on what was right for the site and not on a specific
“bottom line” in terms of unit numbers.
The ability to engage different professionals on the Panel brought a wide range of expertise to bear on the design of
the project at an early stage and identified areas for improvement which ultimately helped ease its route through
the planning process and meet the justifiably demanding expectations of the Council in redeveloping this important
site.”
Andy Robbins - 2017

Exeter City Council
“Tim Groom Architect’s has been

appointed to design and develop a
Private Sector student
accommodation scheme on Frog
Street / Western Way, Exeter. The
Primus brand identifies with and
offers accommodation of a high
quality. This development is no
exception, as it is an expansion of
the brand, it has to reflect its
identity and enhance it by
delivering high quality
environments which are well built,
finely detailed and finished in high
quality materials
Importantly, the design process and

final proposal was enhanced by the
Design Review Panel, their
supportive comments and
constructive criticism.”
Extract from the D&A statement

Case Study – Huxham View , EDDC
Para 55 Dwelling
“The aim is to produce a

building that improves the
ecology, enhances it
surroundings and provides
energy for the country;
generally speaking most
development sites do precisely
the opposite to this and
hopefully this project can
provide a didactic solution to
address that issue.”
The design concept incorporated

the following design aims and
drivers:-
- Carbon negativity
- No Concrete
- Offsite manufacture
- Local Materials
- Landscape and Ecology
The building’s relationship with the landscape was the initial design driver
- Technology
Close connection with the landscape and the resultant ecology is
- Legacy
integrated into the design of the building.
Para 55 Dwelling
Para 55 Dwelling
Para 55 Dwelling
•A multi disciplinary approach

was taken
•The Design team produced a

scheme that holistically
responded to and enhanced the
landscape character and
ecological value of the site whilst
creating an outstanding design
•The design team engaged with

the local authority using their pre
application service alongside the
Design Review Panel
•The Design team visited the

Design Review Panel on three
successive occasions
•Approval was granted at

committee on the 5th July 2017
Para 55 Dwelling
Para 55 Dwelling
Para 55 Dwelling
Para 55 Dwelling
Para 55 Dwelling www.designreviewpanel.co.uk
Para 55 Dwelling www.designreviewpanel.co.uk
“We have recently used the services of

the South West Design Review Panel for
a planning application for a single
dwelling under Para 55 of the NPPF.
To attain the high level of design

standard required for a building of
outstanding architectural merit or
innovation, as demanded by para 55,
requires a rigorous and iterative process,
the commitment and patience of the
applicant, the vision of the designers and
the understanding of the Local Authority.
The advice and guidance provided by the

DRP during this process provided a
genuine independent viewpoint for both
the design team and Local Authority.
Para 55 is predominantly about design

and engagement with the DRP from the The DRP can only offer advice and guidance on the merits of the scheme put before
early stages enabled the Local Authority them and do not design the building for you; the design team still have to fully exercise
to discern the finer points of the design their design skills in the development of the scheme. The tailoring of advice by carefully
process behind the proposal. This chosen experts on the DRP was invaluable in achieving such high architectural standards
understanding gave the Local Authority for the Hux Shard proposal.”
confidence to write the planning
application up for approval. Alex O'Connor - 2017, BA(Hons, Prod Des) BA (Hons) MArch, Squirrel Design
Example Case Study 1
“We met with The Design Review Panel prior to the planning
application submission for the new Steiner Academy in Exeter .
We found the Panel to be most professional and very

forthcoming on ideas to better the scheme that didn’t impact
on the project’s budget, which we found very refreshing .
We were in much debate with Exeter City Council about the

architecture of the new academy buildings and the positioning
of these new buildings in order not to impose on the heritage
of the Thomas Hall site. There was good debate between the
meeting members on this subject and the Panel’s
recommendations informed the final planning application
design.
We successfully received planning approval in March 2014.
We would certainly recommend the Panel’s input on design and

we look forward to working with the Panel again on future www.designreviewpanel.co.uk
projects.”
Laura Davies
Design Manager
Willmott Dixon Construction

“As part of the pre-consultation process prior to submitting a
planning application for our Drake Circus Leisure development, we
had the opportunity to present our proposals on two separate
occasions to the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel.
The feedback we received was concise, encouraging where

appropriate, yet honest where it was felt that further
consideration was required.
This allowed us to revisit & develop our proposals, which

ultimately led to the enhancement of our scheme. We are
confident that this process has contributed to delivering a higher
quality development.
We would encourage others to welcome a similar opportunity for

their developments.”
Richard Wagenhauser
Associate Director
CORSTORPHINE + WRIGHT
“We opted to use the services of the Devon Design Review Panel
earlier this year for a £7.6m education project we are working on.
That decision was made on the suggestion of the planning officer
during the pre-application process.
A key part of our choosing to go through the DRP process was to

hopefully have some independent verification to inform and justify
the scheme and to avoid a delaying to the planning decision.
So it was something of a gamble as we had not used a DRP before.

However we needn’t have worried as it proved to be a painless
process.
Panel members were very enthusiastic about our approach and

the way we had developed the proposals. That made for a relaxed
atmosphere and encouraged positive dialogue on both sides.
The scheme has definitely improved as a result and the planning

application process has been easier. All in all we found the
experience to be enjoyable and of real benefit so we would www.designreviewpanel.co.uk
certainly recommend it.”
Peregrine Mears
Director
Peregrine Mears Architects Ltd

The Design Review Panel – www.designreviewpanel.co.uk
Local Authority Testimonial:
Peter Ford – Development Manager at Plymouth City Council has recently

provided the below testimonial:-
“At Plymouth City Council we are really pleased to have a local design review
process again after a few years gap. The Somerset and Devon Design Review
Panel model suits our needs very well. We can work with colleagues from other
Councils to bring forward items as and when needed and we get a high quality
response from a group of design specialists who not only understand the design
process, but also the realities of delivering projects.”
The Design Review Panel – www.designreviewpanel.co.uk
Design Team Testimonial:
Peregrine Mears (Architect who recently brought a scheme in North Devon to the Panel) has recently
provided the below testimonial:-
“We opted to use the services of the Devon Design Review Panel earlier this year for a £7.6m education
project we are working on. That decision was made on the suggestion of the planning officer during
the pre-application process. A key part of our choosing to go through the DRP process was to hopefully
have some independent verification to inform and justify the scheme .... So it was something of a
gamble as we had not used a DRP before. However we needn’t have worried as it proved to be a
painless process ... the panel members were very enthusiastic about our approach and the way we had
developed the proposals. That made for a relaxed atmosphere and encouraged positive dialogue on
both sides. The scheme has definitely improved as a result and the planning application process has
been easier. All in all we found the experience to be enjoyable and of real benefit so we would
certainly recommend it.”
Design Review Panels
@JB_RIBA
@JB_DRP
w w w. d e s i g n r e v i e w p a n e l . c o . u k

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Design Review Panels

by Jonathan Braddick – Architect

•To enquire into questions of public amenity or artistic

•Duties extended by a further warrant of 1933.

• Post WWII need to address post war planning &

• Its broadened scope of interests embraced:-

1999 Its function taken over by the then newly

• Founded 1944 by Hugh Dalton - President of the

‘... To promote by all practicable means the

Commission for Architecture &

Council of Industrial Design The Design Council

Commission for Architecture &

Paul Finch, Chair of CABE:-

-High profile design challenges.

- Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool

- Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool

- Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool

- Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool

-Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool

- Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool

Goes beyond Design Review to include:-

“Local planning authorities should have local design review

-National Planning Policy Framework

• Reduces risk, providing more certainty in terms of outcome.

• Independent, impartial, expert, multidisciplinary & objective advice.

•The Panel feedback is a material consideration that the decision

•National Planning Polivcy Framework (NPPF) 2018

In assessing applications, local planning authorities should have regard to

• To provide an independent, impartial evaluation process …

• … where a multi-disciplinary panel of built environment experts assess

Panel pool includes built environment professionals from a range of disciplines …

… architects, urban designers, landscape architects, conservation specialists,

• will support decision makers in resisting poorly designed schemes.

• will support decision makers in approving well designed schemes.

• Provide designers with constructive, impartial advice from fellow professionals.

5. Transparent 10. Understandable

…. this can help to identify design aspects that may be improved.

The design review will be treated as a conversation about work in

1. Presentation - 20 minutes to present. 4. Summary – 20 minutes. Chairperson will

The Panel pool is to include built environment professionals from a range of

… architects, urban designers, landscape architects, conservation specialists,

The majority of the

We have subsequently agreed in

Whilst I am not yet in a position

Tim Burton - 2017

Andy Robbins - 2017

Andy Robbins - 2017

Andy Robbins - 2017

“Tim Groom Architect’s has been

Importantly, the design process and

Extract from the D&A statement

“The aim is to produce a

The design concept incorporated

•A multi disciplinary approach

•The Design team produced a

•The design team engaged with

•The Design team visited the

•Approval was granted at

“We have recently used the services of

To attain the high level of design

The advice and guidance provided by the

Para 55 is predominantly about design

We found the Panel to be most professional and very