What is design review?
Design review is an independent, expert, peer‑review process that assesses the design quality of development proposals. In the UK planning system, it is advisory within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and is typically undertaken by a multidisciplinary panel of built environment professionals at key stages of a project, often pre‑application.
In Kent and Medway, design review is a well‑established mechanism for supporting high‑quality development, used by Local Planning Authorities to provide early, expert and place‑specific advice. It aligns with the county-wide emphasis on context‑led, character‑based placemaking. Used well, design review in Kent acts as a constructive, enabling tool for development teams and stakeholders.
Applicable to design review in Kent and Medway, the 2025 National Design Review Charter sets out the principles, scope and governance of the Design Review Process and serves as a model of best practice. The Charter aims to ensure that design review operates with transparency, consistency, independence and excellence across England.
How design review adds value
Design review adds value in Kent and Medway by identifying opportunities to improve design quality early, when change is easiest and most cost-effective, helping teams test ideas, resolve issues and strengthen proposals before they become fixed. It provides decision‑makers with independent, objective advice, increasing confidence that schemes respond appropriately to context, sustainability considerations and community needs, amongst other design quality factors.
More broadly, effective design review:
- Raises the overall quality and consistency of development
- Encourages place‑based, long‑term thinking rather than minimum compliance
- Provides officers and members with independent reassurance on design quality
- Reduces risk at application submission and committee stage by identifying issues early
- Supports constructive dialogue between applicants, officers and communities
How to arrange a design review
There are several providers of design review services in Kent and Medway. Applicant teams should refer to the relevant Local Planning Authority to discuss their preferred approach to design review.