The Blackpool Design Code aims to create a step change in the quality of buildings and spaces across the town, while remaining a concise and strategic document that focuses on local priorities.
A Design Code is a document that helps to establish clear requirements on the development of high quality places, including homes, commercial buildings, public realm spaces, streets and green spaces. It includes specific and detailed information on how architects, developers and planners should go about designing different types of buildings and spaces, including illustrations of the types of features and details that are most appropriate to the local area.
Local planning authorities are required to create a Design Code as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. Blackpool Council has been awarded funding by the UK Government’s Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government as part of the 2024/2025 Design Code Pathfinder programme and has appointed a multidisciplinary team led by Maccreanor Lavington to develop the Design Code in conversation with local communities.
Raise the quality of life for
people living and working in,
or visiting Blackpool
Re-ignite the town through character-led approaches to both new and existing buildings, and public spaces
Bring sustainability and climate resilience at the forefront of any new development in Blackpool
Everyone can use the code, the Design Code is useful for anyone planning to upgrade, renovate or build new in the town:
Design quality in housing, commercial buildings, public realm spaces, streets and green spaces.
Local character
and heritage
Developers, architects
and planners
Sets out the core principles of good design that apply across the whole borough
Provides detailed design guidance for different types of buildings, including: terraced houses, semi-detached homes, apartment blocks, guest houses converted into homes, and more
Covers the design of different kinds of public and shared spaces, such as streets, parks, courtyards, and other outdoor areas
Below is a quick and easy summary of the Blackpool Design Code, highlighting the key building types, public spaces, and priorities we have identified so far. The full Design Code will include detailed guidelines to bring these ideas to life.
We’d love your input:
Take a moment to read the summaries below, then share your thoughts in our short survey below each section so that we make sure we are on the right track!
Once finalised, the full Design Code will be available for you to explore in depth.
Please read the section of the Draft Design Code which explores Town Approaches, after this you can let us know your thoughts in the survey form below.
Please read the section of the Draft Design Code which explores Building Types which would be accepted and promoted within the code. After this you can let us know your thoughts in the survey form below.
Please read the section of the Draft Design Code which explores Public Realm Types which would be accepted and promoted within the code. After this you can let us know your thoughts in the survey form below.
