Sandwell Council has begun work on developing a borough-wide Design Code, and input from local communities is invited from the outset.
Sandwell Council has begun work on developing a borough-wide Design Code, and input from local communities is invited from the very start. This is an exciting opportunity for residents across Sandwell to help shape the future look and feel of the borough.
Whether it’s the character of your neighbourhood, the quality of new buildings, or the protection of green spaces, the Design Code will help guide what new development should look like – and your voice matters in getting it right.
What is a design code?
A Design Code is a planning document that sets out simple, clear requirements to guide the physical development of an area. It ensures that new buildings, streets, and spaces are designed to a consistently high standard and reflect the character of local neighbourhoods.
In Sandwell, the Design Code will include a review and replacement of the existing Residential Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document. In line with the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, all local planning authorities are required to prepare design codes, and Sandwell aims to develop a best-practice, borough-wide example.
Once adopted, the Design Code will establish a set of rules that all new development in the borough must follow through the planning process. It will help raise the overall quality of development and ensure that proposals are informed by the unique character of different areas.
Design Codes typically cover aspects such as building height, parking provision, street layout, and green or open space requirements.
Who's involved?
To lead the work, the Council has appointed an experienced team led by Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners. They are currently engaging with local community groups to better understand priorities for design, local character, and development needs across the borough.
Sandwell Council is inviting residents, community organisations, and other local stakeholders to take part in shaping the content of the Design Code. The goal is to make it locally informed, inclusive, and reflective of what matters most to people in Sandwell.
Stage 1 – Understanding Local Character and Priorities (June–August)
The first stage focuses on capturing community views and identifying what makes each part of Sandwell unique:
- What do you like about your local area?
- What design issues should the Code help address?
An online survey is now live for everyone to share their thoughts. You can access the survey here.
At the end of Stage 1, a summary of the feedback will be published along with an outline of the next steps.
Join the Community Design Panel
As part of the engagement process, a Community Design Panel will be established. This group will meet four or five times during the project to steer, test, and review the emerging content of the Design Code.
The council is looking for a diverse and representative group of local people to join the panel and help ensure the Code reflects the borough’s communities. Panel members will be identified during Stage 1.
If you're interested or would like to get involved, email: Design_Code@sandwell.gov.uk
What happens Next?
Stage 2 (Autumn – Winter 2025)
This stage will focus on developing a vision for future development in the borough and identifying the key themes the Design Code will cover. Local stakeholders will continue to be involved to help shape the content.
Stage 3 (Early 2026)
A draft Design Code will be prepared and shared for public consultation, offering another chance for community input before it is finalised.