Design Council examines future of design review

The Design Council says the consultation will inform a ‘root-and-branch’ review of Cabe services, which will include recommendations of new market models for design reviews. The report will be authored by Peter Bishop, former group director of design, development and environment at the London Development Agency.

The consultation will run until June and will be supported by an advisory group chaired by former Cabe chairman Paul Finch.

Design Council chief executive David Kester says, ‘Design reviews and other forms of support such as enabling within local communities are an essential component of the planning and development system… This consultation is a rare opportunity to listen to people’s opinions and suggestions, and create a system that is truly responsive to the needs of our communities, economy and changing planning system.’

The Design Council is also currently seeking trustees to join a new ‘trust board’, which Design Council chief executive David Kester says ‘will have ultimate responsibility for the charity’.

The Design Council is assuming charitable status following the Government’s announcement last year that it would cease to be a Government-funded body. Earlier this year it was announced that the Design Council and Cabe would merge.