Work is starting on the development of a Dorset Design Code.
The Dorset Design Code will raise design standards of future development through clear rules and guidance. It will help make sure that new buildings and spaces are:
The code will show how to apply policies from the Dorset Local Plan for new developments. This will include how developments are designed and built including how:
It will also explain how to:
The code will set rules and guidance for new buildings to ensure they:
The Draft Design Code is being produced and tested through several engagement processes with a wide range of stakeholders.
Initial engagement through consultation on the draft Local Plan in 2025 is feeding into the code to help us understand what the code should do for the community.
To establish what residents value about their towns and villages, the project team visited settlements where site allocations are proposed. Visits generally started with the team meeting local stakeholders, including representatives of the town or village council. Local participants then led a tour of their place, identifying important views, amenities and good and bad examples of recent development.
Alongside place visits, the team have engaged with Dorset Youth Voice, local schools and a selection of local and national scale developers, planning consultants and landowners.
Recent proposed changes to national planning policy and planning practice guidance is also informing the draft code.
Further engagement will take place when a draft of the code is ready for publication.
The survey closed on Friday 12 December 2025. There will be more opportunities to engage with the development of the Design Code as it progresses.
An example Design Code diagram.
