Government wants good office design

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 11-08-2006

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has enacted legislation that was put forward in April 2006 to ensure the fairness and quality of all new buildings.

All planning applications will require a Design and Access Statement which should clarify the purpose and character of the building.

Statements have to make clear the general character and atmosphere that the development will create; for instance stating whether it will have a modern contemporary feel or whether its purpose will be to fit in with the heritage of an area.

In addition disability access and showing consideration for the elderly and young children will also have to be demonstrated. Thus providing local authorities with a greater understanding of what the development will look like and how it will fit in with the local community.

Baroness Andrews, planning minister, stated: "The government is putting high quality design at the heart of the planning process to ensure that it is integral to any new development proposals. Giving proper consideration to design and access principles at the start can improve the quality of new buildings and spaces and speed up the process too.

"We want developers and local authorities to seize this opportunity to ensure that they deliver attractive and exciting places that everyone can cherish."

Layout, appearance, scale and landscaping will all be taken into consideration in an effort to improve the standard of Britain's architecture.

office design can ensure that a future development is of sufficient standard to fit in within a community. Sustainable design can also be achieved, thus ensuring the future prosperity of a development.