About design review

There are five design review panels, which provide expert advice on major new developments in England.

Design review provides free expert advice on the design quality of schemes in England that will have a significant impact on their environment.

Our five design review panels are made up of built environment experts - but all advice we give on schemes is from CABE rather than individual panel members.

• National design review panel
  For significant schemes across England
• London 2012 design review panel
  For proposals for London 2012
• Schools design review panel
  For secondary schools in the Building Schools for the Future programme
• Crossrail design review panel
  For seven new Crossrail stations in London
• Eco-towns panel
  For the government’s proposed eco-towns.

We give advice on the design quality of around 350 proposals for new developments every year. Read some of our national panel reviews to find out more.

There are also a number of regional panels (please note that these are not run by CABE).

How do the reviews work?

Design review explains how we evaluate design and the criteria we use in our reviews. We use two types of design review process, depending on the nature of the scheme and any deadlines that might apply.

Who gets the advice from reviews?

After a review, a letter containing our views is sent to the designers, the local planning authority and may also be copied to other relevant parties. CABE's advice on a scheme is informed by both the panel and by CABE staff. If a scheme is the subject of a planning application, our review letter will be published on our website. All other reviews are confidential.