A thing of beauty is a joy forever? Not according to the new NPPF

The Planning Inspector in the South Bank ITV Studio’s decision supported this view, with ‘more than one’ approach to beauty found, recognising its subjectivity, whilst assessing high-quality design being more objective (14.117). The subsequent paragraph listing analysis of the objective elements which define a ‘high-quality of design’ which reflects the Studio’s unique context and location. 

In an effort to enable planning permissions, the Labour Government has promptly issued a consultation on revisions to the NPPF in an effort to enable England to ‘Build, Build, Build!’ with a number of proposed omissions relating to the concept of beauty, the role of aesthetics in planning permissions is rightly raised over a number of topic areas:

1. Removal of references to ‘Beauty’: Five mentions of 'beautiful' and one of 'beauty' have been struck from the consultation text.
2. Inconsistent approach: Not all references have been removed, with some notable retentions, including in the social objectives of sustainable development.
3. Design Codes: The requirement for authority-wide Design Codes have been removed (you’ve got to feel for those authority with recently adopted codes!).
4. Density Regulations: The suggestion that significant density increases would be inappropriate unless evidenced in authority wide Design Codes has been removed.
   
   

Image: ‘The Lakes’ at Project Newton

These changes have the potential to contribute to the streamlining of applications, however the need to demonstrate a degree of ‘beauty’ remains. The National Design Guide’s approach to beauty through the ten characteristics of a well-designed place (arguably just good design) provides a rational, evidence-based opportunity which alleviates the subjectivity of the concept of ‘beauty’ from the planning process.

Despite these changes, demonstrating a context driven and evidence-based approach to design, especially through site-specific design codes, remain as relevant as ever. Prospective sites should still:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of context – built, social and environmental.
2. Ensure project teams use this as a baseline for emerging proposals.
3. Test acceptable levels of variance and innovation in shaping proposals.

While 'beauty' may be less emphasized, quality design that respects local character is still paramount in the planning process.