The policy should require the adherence to the National Design Guide as a minimum and to local (including specific site) design guides where they exist. Where no design guidance exists or where developments wish to introduce a differing design approach, they must be required to demonstrate why guidance nationally or locally should be set aside.

Policies should require developments to demonstrate with evidence how compliance with guidance is met - it will not be sufficient to rely on generic wording that a development meets the set criteria

Recognition of design principles is supported strongly and the requirements of Policy P1 is welcomed. However, with design and especially good design, be subjective, it is important for the plan to demonstrate how such objectives are to be measured and achieved. The policy references the National Design Guide, but the policy should also reference the role more specific, local design guides can play in delivering high quality local neighbourhoods.