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We are currently working on a Design Code for Lye and Stour Valley

  • Lye and Stour Valley Design Code

This work is being undertaken as part of a National Design Code Pathfinder Programme. The project has been grant funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). Dudley Council is one of 25 local authorities taking part in the Design Code Pathfinder programme to develop a design code for their area based upon National Design Code Guidance 2021.

The aim of design coding is to improve the quality and design of new development in an area and to ensure that it reflects local character.  Unlike design guides, design codes are a collection of design principles which help residents define what good development and high-quality public space looks like in their area.

A design code sets out exactly what is expected of developers and others that propose changes in the local area in a clear and visual manner. This leads to the creation of more beautiful and sustainable places within existing communities that residents are more likely to support and treasure. 

We will be working with stakeholders to produce a design code for the regeneration of Lye and Stour Valley.  This will give us the opportunity to collectively influence the process to ensure development respects the area’s unique character. 

Urban design and planning specialists, Building Design Partnership (BDP), are supporting us with the project which will ultimately identify potential development opportunities and attract investment.

As we are developing this work, we would urge members of the public and other stakeholders to get involved.

Consultation

We held a consultation on the draft masterplan and design code work between 26 May and 23 June 2023. The consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken part and provided comments. We will now start to review the comments that were made.

We will undertake a further consultation in the autumn/winter 2023 as part of the supplementary planning document (SPD). Details will be published nearer the time.

Copies of the draft masterplan and design code we consulted on can still be viewed online:

If you have any questions or wish to be added to consultation list for information on further consultations, please contact us: