Castle Point Design Code

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Place Services, working in partnership with Castle Point Borough Council, led the preparation of the borough-wide Castle Point Design Code to raise design quality, strengthen local character and establish clear, deliverable design standards for new development. The Design Code was prepared in support of the emerging Castle Point Plan and was adopted in August 2026 as a non-statutory material planning consideration, following the principles of the National Model Design Code.

Castle Point is characterised by a diverse range of coastal landscapes, estuary edges, established residential neighbourhoods and historic town centres. With approximately 53% of the borough designated as Green Belt and 45% within high-risk flood zones, the Design Code seeks to balance development pressures with the protection of local character and environmental sensitivities. Building on the accompanying Capacity and Density Study undertaken by Place Services, the Code supports the sensitive intensification of development in sustainable and well-connected locations.

The Design Code establishes a consistent, locally distinctive framework to guide high-quality development across the borough. It introduces a hierarchy of Area Types, Identity Areas and Borough Wide Principles, supported by detailed coding maps and a Coding Index to assist applicants and decision-makers. The Code addresses key design considerations including built form, architectural character, street design, landscape, biodiversity, climate resilience and accessibility. Decision makers, Developers, housebuilders and architects can use the Code to shape their submissions and prepare site-specific design codes, ensuring that proposals meet high design standards and reinforce local character. Overall, the Design Code framework will support contextually responsive development and placemaking across Castle Point.