What we do

We aim to support good quality design through the planning system at national, regional and local levels.

We work to embed a design ethos in national policy, regional strategies and local development frameworks and build confidence in local authorities to ensure good quality design is delivered.

What are we doing?

Our work supports national planning policy, in particular the planning policy statements which focus on sustainable development (PPS1), housing (PPS3) and local spatial planning (PPS12):

  • working with local authorities and government to embed a design ethos within local development frameworks
  • working with Planning Aid to promote good quality design and sign-posting the tools available
  • working with the Planning Inspectorate, to increase Inspector understanding and confidence in dealing with design matters at appeal, and building a catalogue of case studies where design grounds have been successfully supported at appeal
  • contributing to the Councillors’ companion.

Who is this aimed at?

  • local planning authorities
  • local councillors
  • regional assemblies
  • government offices
  • regional development agencies
  • the planning inspectorate.

How does this fit in with other planning advice?

Communities and Local Government (CLG) provides four main routes for advice and guidance in the planning system. CABE works alongside the Planning Advisory Service (PAS), the Advisory Team for Large Applications (ATLAS) and the HCA Academy.

CABE

CABE provides independent advice and scrutiny on well designed buildings, places and spaces. CABE provide guidance, advice and direct support to local authorities across England on design quality:

  • design review
  • local development frameworks
  • spatial strategies / strategic urban design frameworks
  • green space / public realm strategies
  • masterplans
  • public buildings
  • design and development  procurement and delivery
  • environmental sustainability
  • design standards including Building for Life

Advice and guidance on delivering design quality through planning policy, applications and delivery.

Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

The Planning Advisory Service offers a range of services to help planning authorities and their partners make good plans and deliver good development. PAS is part of the Improvement and Development Agency for local government and a member of the Local Government Association group. PAS is funded directly by the Department of Communities and Local Government.

PAS supports local government and its partners to:

  • build confidence in and understanding of the planning system through events, materials and case studies
  • respond and adapt to change by providing tailored planning tools, support and training for officers and councillors
  • integrate spatial planning into strategies and investment programmes  by focusing beyond planning departments and planners
  • deliver timely and useful spatial plans by promoting good practice and innovation Continuously improve the effectiveness, responsiveness and efficiency of the planning function through support and onsite advice

Visit the Planning Advisory Service website.

Advisory Team for Large Applications (ATLAS)

Providing free independent advisory support to local planning authorities and partners who are faced with large scale, complex planning projects.

The team provides advice and hands-on support across a broad range of issues from project management to dealing with specific technical issues. ATLAS support enables the individuals involved to work through and resolve complex issues, improving both the quality of the process followed and the outcomes achieved. It is made up of staff with extensive planning experience, including specialists in engineering, sustainability, urban design and social infrastructure.

ATLAS helps to secure the timely delivery of high quality sustainable development through effective planning processes, collaborative working and the promotion of good practice.

Visit the ATLAS website.

HCA Academy (formerly Academy for Sustainable Communities)

Set up following the Egan Review to transform place-making skills and knowledge. Now the external skills arm of the Homes & Communities Agency. The Academy provides:

  • Skills support to public-private partnerships in HCA’s priority places
  • Carbon management and cohesion programmes
  • Planning for non-planners for councils
  • Recession workshops
  • Best practice, accessed through knowledge hub
  • Support to improve leadership of places

Supports local public-private partnerships to deliver housing and regeneration programmes by providing access to practical training and resources.

Visti the HCA Academy website.