Following a government commitment in the Thames Gateway Delivery Plan, CABE is currently seeking views on a design pact that will embed the strongest set of design standards yet for regeneration on this scale.

The aim of the Thames Gateway design pact, developed by CABE with expert advice from a number of partners, is to transform the Gateway into a world-class example of sustainable development and a great place to live and work.

The standards and processes proposed in the draft design pact include:


All new homes to meet Building for Life, Code for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM and Lifetime Homes standards

Refusal of planning permission for all schemes that do not meet the standards set out in the pact

Good-quality design and development briefs to be required by government and regional development agencies for all schemes receiving funding

Design review of all significant schemes by CABE or regional panels.

As government-endorsed guidance, local authorities would be able to use the design pact as a material consideration when making decisions on planning applications. This puts them in a stronger position to reject poorly designed proposals and to insist on high-quality design.

Richard Simmons, CABE’s chief executive, said:
‘Government backing, and a commitment by all those signing it, will make this pact the strongest set of design standards yet for regeneration on this scale.’

CABE and CLG (Communities and Local Government) will call on all those involved in delivering the Thames Gateway – from central government, regional development agencies and local authorities to private developers and registered social landlords – to sign the pact when it is launched in November, and make a commitment to implement its recommendations by 2010.

The draft design pact has now been sent for consultation to all those who will be asked to sign the pact and CABE is calling for responses by 10 October.

Email: JBarraclough@cabe.org.uk