Liverpool City Council has introduced a new draft housing design guide intended to set a quality standard for all future residential developments in the city. The document, which will become a key factor in planning decisions, is now set to undergo a public consultation period to gather feedback from residents, developers, and architects.
Developed by the architectural firm Levitt Bernstein, the guide establishes five core principles aimed at ensuring new homes are sustainable, community-focused, and respectful of Liverpool's unique character. If adopted, the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will carry significant weight in the determination of planning applications.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool City Council's cabinet has been recommended to approve a public consultation for a new housing design guide.
- The guide, a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), outlines five principles for future housing quality.
- Key goals include sustainability, community wellbeing, and respecting the city's heritage.
- Once adopted, the SPD will be a 'material consideration,' giving it legal weight in planning decisions.
- The consultation will allow the public and industry professionals to provide feedback before a final version is approved.
A New Blueprint for Liverpool's Housing
Liverpool is taking a significant step towards shaping its future residential landscape with the proposed housing design guide. The city council's cabinet is expected to approve a public consultation for the document, which aims to improve the quality, sustainability, and liveability of new homes built across the city.
The guide, officially a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), has been compiled by the respected design and architecture practice Levitt Bernstein. It is not just a set of suggestions; once formally adopted, its principles will become a material consideration in the planning process. This means council planners must give it full weight when deciding whether to approve or reject new housing schemes.
What is a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)?
An SPD provides more detailed guidance on policies outlined in a local authority's main planning framework, known as the Local Plan. While it doesn't create new policy, it adds a layer of detail that helps developers understand what the council expects. For Liverpool, this new guide will clarify the city's ambitions for high-quality housing design.
The move is seen as an effort to ensure that as Liverpool grows, its new neighbourhoods enhance the city's identity rather than detract from it. The focus is on long-term value, moving away from short-term solutions towards creating lasting, healthy communities.
The Five Core Principles Explained
The draft guide is structured around five central themes that developers will be expected to address in their proposals. These principles cover everything from the environmental performance of a building to its contribution to the local community.
1. Homes Fit for Liverpool’s Future
This principle focuses on the longevity and performance of new properties. The guide states that all new housing should be built to last and age gracefully. A key requirement is sustainability, ensuring homes are energy-efficient and affordable for residents to run, particularly in the face of rising energy costs and climate change. Accessibility is also a priority, making sure homes can be adapted for people with different mobility needs over their lifetime.
2. Happy and Healthy Homes for All
Beyond the physical structure, this section addresses the wellbeing of residents. Developments should be designed to support independent living for people of all ages and abilities. The guide emphasizes the need for flexible internal layouts that allow families to grow and adapt their living space over time. It also specifically calls for the integration of specialist housing for those with disabilities, ensuring new neighbourhoods are inclusive.
The UK Green Building Council states that better design for ventilation and natural light can improve residents' mental health and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, highlighting the importance of the 'Happy and Healthy Homes' principle.
3. Building on Liverpool’s Character and Identity
Liverpool's rich architectural heritage is a core focus. The SPD insists that new housing must respond positively to the city's historic character. This does not mean simply copying old styles, but rather taking a contextual approach that respects and enhances existing heritage assets. The goal is to ensure new developments feel like a natural continuation of the neighbourhood, preserving the unique fabric of different parts of the city.
4. Building Connections and Communities
This principle aims to prevent the creation of isolated housing estates. Developers will be required to demonstrate how their schemes connect with the wider community. This includes providing sufficient local services, ensuring easy access to public transport, and engaging with existing local residents during the design process. The objective is to build balanced neighbourhoods that meet the needs of their occupants and are well-integrated into the city.
5. Leading with Landscape
Green space is identified as a critical component of successful housing developments. The guide calls for the maximisation of both public and private outdoor amenity spaces. This is seen as vital for residents' mental and physical wellbeing. A landscape-led approach is encouraged, where green spaces, trees, and public squares are designed to encourage social interaction, strengthen community bonds, and make neighbourhoods more liveable and attractive.
Impact on Developers and the Planning Process
The introduction of the SPD will have a direct impact on how planning applications are prepared and assessed in Liverpool. Developers will need to provide clear evidence in their applications showing how their designs align with the five principles. Failure to do so could result in planning refusal.
Some in the development industry may view the 206-page document as another layer of bureaucracy that could slow down an already complex planning system. There are concerns that stringent design standards, while well-intentioned, could make some schemes financially unviable, potentially hindering the delivery of much-needed housing.
"My worry with any design guide is that it could stifle creativity and innovation. Let’s hope this guide gives the architects the freedom to be creative," one commenter noted in response to the initial announcement.
However, supporters of the guide argue that it provides much-needed clarity. By setting out clear expectations, it can help developers design better schemes from the outset, potentially leading to a smoother and more predictable planning process. It aims to raise the baseline quality across the board, preventing poorly designed or inappropriate developments from being approved.
Next Steps The Path to Adoption
The immediate next step is for the council's cabinet to approve the draft document for public consultation. This phase is crucial, as it allows stakeholders from across the city to have their say. This includes:
- Local residents and community groups
- Architects and urban designers
- Housing developers and construction firms
- Heritage organisations and conservation groups
Once the consultation period ends, Liverpool City Council will review all the feedback received. The representations will be used to redraft and refine the SPD. This revised version will then be presented back to the cabinet for final approval.
If the cabinet votes to adopt the SPD, it will officially become part of the city's planning policy framework. From that day forward, its five principles will shape the future of housing in Liverpool, influencing the design of every new home, apartment block, and residential neighbourhood for years to come.