Views are being invited on two planning documents which Huntingdonshire District Council is updating. Each of them has an affect on future development in the district.

The Huntingdonshire Design Guide was first adopted by the council in 2004. It has helped to generate higher standards in the design quality of new development with a particular emphasis on protecting the ‘local distinctiveness’ of the district. Following advances in national and local planning policy, the document has now been updated and improved.

Councillor Peter Bucknell, executive councillor for planning strategy said, “‘The Design Guide has been very helpful already in our pursuit of development which is appropriate for this district. The current review and future adoption as a supplementary planning document will ensure that it remains up-to-date, and will continue to set high standards for design.”

The document offers advice covering large scale residential development to warehousing, small house extensions, local materials, and sets out information required in support of planning applications.

The updated draft has new sections on contemporary design and sustainable design, both of which are promoted alongside more traditional methods.

Steve Ingram, the council’s head of planning services, said: “The most important thing is that the district council remains in a position to deliver development which is right for Huntingdonshire – and that means that it must take account of local character and make the best of opportunities that sites offer.

“We expect development to be tailored to its particular site. We will not accept ‘standard’ solutions as these will do nothing to reinforce the character of our district.”

The second document issued for public consultation is the updated Landscape & Townscape Assessment. Also originally adopted in 2004, the assessment provides an analysis of the character of Huntingdonshire’s landscape, towns and villages. It therefore provides essential reference material for the delivery of planning and development proposals which are appropriate to their context.

Both documents are available for public consultation until 9 February 2007. They can be viewed in Planning Reception at Pathfinder House, at local libraries or on-line on our website. Comments should be made in writing to the Head of Planning Services, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon or on-line to the email address under related information.