Urban design helps with the process of change in the built environment, ensuring that new developments function well and are properly integrated with their context. It also strives to create distinctive places, by reinforcing local character as well as encouraging contemporary solutions. 
The Section provides urban design and design advice to a number of divisions within the Council, principally Development Control officers. The core work of the Section is the preparation of a range of development briefs and Urban Design Frameworks, intended to distill policy and design parameters for specific sites or areas. It produces publicity, exhibition and information material, and also contributes to and implements enhancement schemes for conservation areas and other important and sensitive sites.

A selection of links to current urban design documents is included in the right-hand box. The Urban Design Frameworks and Guidance Notes are in the left-hand box.

Further information is available from Mike Huntington (01480 388404) or Alison Wood (01480 388476).