Cabe at the Design Council, Design for Homes and the Home Builders Federation, supported by Nottingham Trent University

Year of publication: 2012

The Building for Life 12 (BfL12) guidelines were published in September 2012. BfL12 is the third version of the guide for developers and local authorities, revised to suit the reformed planning system under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Localism Act.

BfL12 is designed to help local communities become more involved in design conversations and in shaping development proposals. Its 12 questions provide a structure for discussions between local communities, the local planning authority, the developer and other stakeholders, to ensure that the design of new homes and their neighbourhood are as attractive, functional and sustainable as possible.

The 12 questions are focused around integrating into the neighbourhood; creating a place, and street and home, with specific questions relating to:

1. Connections

2. Facilities and services

3. Public transport

4. Meeting local housing requirements

5. Character

6. Working with the site and its context

7. Creating well defined streets and spaces

8. Easy to find your way around

9. Streets for all

10. Car parking

11. Public and private spaces

12. External storage and amenity space

Content type: Placemaking

Tags: Report

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