Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is asking local people for their views to help develop a new ‘design code’ that will shape new development and create a ‘green corridor’ between Redhill and Horley.

The code aims to:

• make the area work better for pedestrians and cyclists
• improve access to open spaces and parks
• raise the quality of design and
• identify opportunities for development.

The design code will help to guide important design features such as street character, building type and layout, use of public space, and the sustainability of new development. In particular, it will ensure that new development encourages sustainable travel, including walking and cycling.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Executive Member for Planning Policy and Place Delivery, said: “We are in the very early stages of developing the Redhill to Horley Design Code, which aims to preserve local character and identity and make sure that new developments enhance their surroundings, while taking sustainability and the wellbeing of communities into account. 

“We are keen to work closely with the community to make sure that the code reflects what local people want to see in their local area. At this stage we want to know what people value about the Redhill, Salfords and Horley areas, what could work better and where there might be opportunities for change, as well as how they use it, such as a place to live, work or visit. So do get involved by taking our brief survey to tell us your views – you can even upload pictures.

“Following feedback from this first stage of engagement, a set of draft design principles will be drawn up, which we will bring back to the community to seek views on in the autumn and upon which the development of the code will be based.”

To find out more and take part in the survey, visit https://redhilltohorleydesigncode.commonplace.is. The deadline for comments is 30 September 2022.

As well as the survey, the Council also held local walking tours in each of the three areas last week with key stakeholders and groups including local councillors, residents’ associations, interest groups, community leaders, development professionals and individuals to understand the key issues and opportunities.

The Council secured £120,000 from the Office of Place (Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) for the preparation of a code, as part of its Pathfinder programme to test how design codes can improve design quality.

The Council is working with urban design and planning consultancy Urban Initiatives Studio (UIS) and Urban Movement on the project, which will also involve local councillors, planners, designers, ecologists and transport planners.

The draft design code will be prepared by the end of March 2023 for consultation. Once adopted it will set the standards that developers must adhere to and will be used when determining planning applications.

The design codes from pilot areas such as this, will also be used as examples of good practice to help other councils and neighbourhood planning groups across the country to produce their own, with support from the Office for Place.

ENDS