Draft Design Code for Blackpool

Context: The Vision

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.

What is a Design Code?

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.

Why are Blackpool Council developing a Design Code?

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.

Who is the Code for?

People

Raise the quality of life for
people living and working in,
or visiting Blackpool

Blackpool

Re-ignite the town through character-led approaches to both new and existing buildings, and public spaces

Planet

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:

Developers

Architects
and Designers

Council Planning Officers

Local Residents and Community Groups

Why is a Design Code important?

Improve

Design quality in housing, commercial buildings, public realm spaces, streets and green spaces.

Reflect

Local character
and heritage

Guide

Developers, architects
and planners

What is covered in the Design Code?

1. Town Approach

Sets out the core principles of good design that apply across the whole borough

2. Building Types

Provides detailed design guidance for different types of buildings, including: terraced houses, semi-detached homes, apartment blocks, guest houses converted into homes, and more

3. Public Realm Types

Covers the design of different kinds of public and shared spaces, such as streets, parks, courtyards, and other outdoor areas

Help us shape the final Design Code!

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.

Town Approach

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.

Building Types

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.

Public Realm Types

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.

Contact

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