Better quality built environments: design review panels as applied in Cambridge, England

ABSTRACT

This paper describes how design review panels operate in England, focusing on three panels operating in Cambridge. It considers two questions: whether design review panels contribute to improving the quality of the built environment, and whether they are an important element of the design process. The analysis focuses on the quality and process of urban design, based on face-to-face qualitative interviews with planners, developers and panel members. In conclusion, despite the several shortcomings, the paper argues that the panels contribute to better dialogue between the different actors of the process, and hence can improve the quality of built environments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. References to Cambridge refer to the sub-region of Cambridge, a circular area within 10 miles radius of the city centre. Four local authorities administer this area: Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire DC, East Cambridgeshire DC and Cambridgeshire County Council.

2. Parameter plans set the rules about storey height, density, layout etc. The applicant then submits a proposal for outline permission. This goes to the committee for approval. Reserved matters are the detailed design stage that can be decided by the planning officers without reference to the planning committee.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Planning Advisory Service of the Local Government Association.