All new infrastructure and developments in Kent and Medway should have net zero carbon emissions and use resources efficiently, under new-look design guidance published by Kent County Council, Medway Council, and Kent’s District and Borough Planning Authorities today.

Thanet’s Margate Beach Houses, designed by Guy Holloway Architects, are fitted with underfloor heating supplied by an air-source heat pump

Communities must also be well connected both digitally, and through an effective network of footpaths, cycleways and public transport, as well as resilient to climate change, under the updated Kent Design Guide.

Now builders, architects, engineers, town planners and others who work, or have an interest, in the built environment are being asked to have their say on the refreshed guidance that will be showcased on the first ‘Kent Design Guide’ website.

The revamped guidance, which also requires development to protect biodiversity and enhance habitats and greenspaces to help people live healthy lives, aims to ensure there is a county-wide standard for sustainable design quality across Kent.

The website ‘Kent Design Guide’ is set to go live in Spring 2022.

KCC Cabinet Member for Economic Development Derek Murphy

Derek Murphy, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “By ensuring climate change, energy, air quality and other environmental considerations are better integrated into local planning, good design standards have a key contribution to make to clean growth and brighter futures.

“It is imperative new development helps drive down emissions and provides residents with a built environment that is resilient to more volatile weather, such as heatwaves and flooding.

“We have worked with a range of partners including the Kent Resource Partnership, Kent’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Kent Police to develop the draft digital guidance and now we want to hear what people think.

“While the guide is principally aimed at developers, architects and other building sector professionals, Local Planning Authority officers and Parish and Town Councils, any interested residents are welcome to comment.”

To find out more about the consultation, and to have your say by 17 January 2022, visit: www.kent.gov.uk/kentdesignguide