Call for Sites 2026
The 'Call for Sites' will be open between Wednesday 14 October and Friday 6 November 2026. This is an opportunity to tell us about any land/site for potential development that has not been submitted to us previously.
Design Code
Design codes are a collection of design principles which helps define what good development and high-quality public streets and spaces look like. A code sets out exactly what is expected of developers in a clear and visual manner. This leads to the creation of more beautiful and sustainable places within existing communities that local residents are more likely to support and treasure.
The Council would now like to hear your views on its draft Design Code, which is a clear set of rules and guidance that new development across the borough should follow. The purpose of the Code is to ensure that future development is well designed, fits with the local character of the area, and creates attractive, sustainable places for people to live, work and visit. The consultation is open until 24 November 2026.
Previous consultation
To read about how we produced this design code including previous consultations, please visit:
What is a design code?
Design codes are a collection of design principles which helps define what good development and high-quality public streets and spaces look like. A code sets out exactly what is expected of applicants in a clear and visual manner. This leads to the creation of more attractive and sustainable places within existing communities that local residents are more likely to support and treasure.
The guidance on how to develop a design code is set out in the National Model Design Code.
What are we doing?
The Council has recently appointed Create Streets to produce a borough-wide Design Code to help raise the bar for the design of new development and streets across the borough, helping to create places that more effectively and holistically deliver the Council’s strategic focus on health, wellbeing and sustainability.
The design code will be used in planning decisions in relation to design as well as highway design.
Why are we doing this?
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 sets out the requirement in relation to design codes and that every part of the local planning authority area should have a requirement for design.
The Council would also like to take the opportunity to increase design quality within the built environment and sees the design code as a way to meet several Council objectives.
How can I get involved?
The design code is based on extensive engagement and consultation to reflect local aspirations for places within Cheshire West and Chester. There will be opportunities to feed into the Design Code, and we will update this page with information on the project and details of upcoming events. The consultation strategy sets out how we will be consulting on the Design Code: