Design Code

Setting design standards for new development.

Adoption of the Westmorland and Furness Design Code Supplementary Planning Document

Westmorland and Furness Council adopted the Westmorland and Furness Design Code Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on 7 May 2026. This followed Cabinet approval on 21 April 2026. As an SPD it forms a material consideration in determining planning applications.

Adoption Statement (PDF 137KB)

View the Westmorland and Furness Design Code

It comprises 14 chapters each accompanied by a compliance and context checklist. 

In due course, an online digital version of the Design Code will replace these documents. 

Supporting Documents

Hard copies of the adopted SPD and accompanying checklists, Consultation Statement including the schedule of changes and Adoption Statement are also available to view during opening hours at:

  • Barrow Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1LL 
  • Kendal Town Hall, Lowther Street, Kendal, LA9 4DA 
  • Voreda House, Portland Place, Penrith, CA11 7BF

The Westmorland and Furness Design Code SPD provides clear guidance for new development to adhere to, including responding appropriately to local context, taking account of local identity, sustainability (climate and nature factors), building form and movement within and to new development.

The Design Code is built around a vision and a clear set of values that translate into detailed codes that are then applied to a range of development types. 

The Westmorland and Furness Design Code is for the Westmorland and Furness planning authority area (outside the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks). It provides more detailed coding and guidance for a range of design-related policies in the current adopted Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland Local Plans.

Any person with sufficient interest in the decision to adopt the SPD may apply to the High Court for permission to apply for a judicial review of that decision. Any such application must be made promptly, and in any event, not later than three months after the date on which the SPD was adopted, by 7 August 2026.

Early Engagement

Early work included a baseline review by the project consultants to understand heritage and landscape character, including site visits to view examples of local best practice.  

In summer 2024, we held a public consultation with stakeholders and communities as part of a wider ‘early conversation’ consultation on the Local Plan for Westmorland and Furness. A survey sought views on design to help inform preparation of the Design Code, exploring design preferences and local views on the quality of development in the district. The results of the early consultation are set out in the Design Code Early Engagement Report.

 Design Code Early Engagement Report - December 2024 (PDF 727KB)

Draft Design Code (3 November - 14 December)

Published responses to the Draft Design Code Short Survey can be viewed here.

A summary of the public consultation on the Draft Design Code can be viewed in the consultation report.

Westmorland and Furness Design Code Consultation Report (PDF 2.6MB)

The Draft Design Code Chapters are available if required upon request at localplan@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk