An expert panel dedicated to ensuring developments in the Dover district are of the highest-quality design is being set up as part of Dover District Council’s commitment to delivering great design, both now and in the future.
The new Dover Design Review Panel will assess large or more complex housing and regeneration proposals to ensure they meet DDC’s aspirations.
Not-for-profit organisation Design South East (DSE) is setting up the panel on behalf of DDC, and it will consist of built environment professionals who will provide an independent evaluation service for development schemes within the district.
Proposals including Dover town centre regeneration projects will be referred to the Design Review Panel at an early stage in the planning process, to influence the quality of proposals during design development.
Councillors approved the creation of the panel at a meeting on December 5.
Cllr Nicholas Kenton, cabinet member for planning at DDC, said: “Having a bespoke Dover panel will increase consistency and raise the profile of the district by setting expectations for well-designed schemes.
“A panel of specialists dedicated to Dover will also have a good understanding of DDC’s aspirations for high quality development while also understanding the challenges and constraints we have as a district.
“The Dover Design Review Panel will promote good quality developments that will help create better places and avoid the costs of poor design.”
Notes to Editors:
The Dover Design Review Panel will assess schemes at the pre-application stage that are considered to have a significant impact on the built environment, including large, sensitive and complex developments.
Design Review is a well-established process that can be used to improve quality of design in the built environment, for the long-term benefit of communities and the local economy.
Design South East (DSE) is an independent not-for-profit organisation, delivering design advice, facilitation and training for local authorities, the development sector and communities.
The recently published draft Local Plan requires that new buildings and spaces are of the highest design quality and promotes the use of Design Review within the planning process.
Photographs show examples of good design in the district including the Battle of Britain Memorial, new homes at Godwyne Road/ Harold Street (©Rachel Ferriman), Deal Pier and Dover Leisure Centre
Posted on 07 December 2022