Design Panel
The Council commissioned a Planning Outcomes Study in 2004 which recommended the establishment of an ‘expert’ Design Panel to assist us in the assessment of major proposals and design policies. This concept is widely endorsed by Government and statutory agencies and professional organisations such as CABE, English Heritage, RTPI and RIBA.
About the Richmond Design Panel
The Richmond Design Panel was established in 2005 and meets up to 6 times a year
The Design Panel has the following remit:
- To consider emerging development proposals and to make recommendations on urban design, architecture and sustainability matters;
- To advise on initiatives to improve the quality of urban design and architecture in the Borough and to promote the national design quality agenda.
Schemes referred to the Panel are limited to significant proposals, particularly those where there will be an impact on the character of the Borough and the public’s enjoyment of it. The significance of projects will generally be measured by the complexity or size of the proposals, their potential impact and the characteristics of the site. There will be instances where the panel will consider exceptional or controversial cases.
The membership of the panel (renewed every two years) comprises of architects, urban designers, landscape architects, engineers, artists and other design related professionals with a local interest or recognised expertise in their field.
The following terms of reference
(pdf, 72KB), adopted by the Council, give further information on the workings of the panel, resolutions to conflict of interest and confidentiality.