Design Review Panel

What is Design Review?

Details of a regionally significant project are presented to a Panel of independent specialists for review. The Panel, which consists of four members and a Chair, discusses the project; and using principles of good design, provides constructive feedback on the existing design quality and offers views on how the proposed project may be enhanced or improved on. The Panel’s advice is summarised as a written report which can be used by scheme representative as a tool to aid design development, and local authorities to evaluate changes.

The process is most effective at pre-planning application stage as a project is sufficiently developed for the Panel to have something to review, however not so developed that it may not be possible or cost effective to implement any design changes suggested. Schemes are brought to the Service voluntarily and there is no obligation on any party to put forward a scheme for review.

The Panel provides advice on a wide range of issues including new buildings, masterplans, green spaces, urban frameworks and other planning and spatial strategies. It is made up of experienced built environment professionals who have significant expertise in their field.

If you are interested in Design Review, we encourage you to take part either by bringing a scheme to us or attending a session as an observer to see the Panel in action. Meetings are usually held monthly in locations around the region.

Desktop Review Service

We also offer a Desktop Review Service where the Chair, one Panel Member and Design Review Manager assess a scheme. These sessions are normally suitable for schemes that are not able to be reviewed at a Panel meeting due to timing issues, have been seen once already but would like reassessing on certain points picked up in a full review or are smaller in nature. They are carried out in-house and the Scheme Representatives are not normally present. A written report of recommendations is sent then to the Scheme Representatives.

Please contact us if you know of a scheme that you would like to be Desktop Reviewed.

Click here for Design Review Panel Meeting dates

Click here to find out who is on our Panel

Click here to submit a scheme

Click here to contact us about attending as an observer