An introduction the the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panels launched at the end of 2013. The Devon & Somerset Design Review Panels provide independent, impartial, expert design review, for major planning applications and planning applications of significance, to local authorities across Devon and Somerset. As at January 2014, eleven local authorities support the Devon & Somerset Design Review Panels including:- Devon County Council East Devon District Council Exeter City Council Mid Devon District Council North Devon Council North Somerset Council Plymouth City Council Taunton Deane Borough Council Teignbridge District Council Torridge District Council West Somerset Council For more information on the design review panel visit the website at: http://www.designreviewpanel.co.uk

1. The Devon & Somerset
Design Review Panels
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2. Objective:• To provide an independent, impartial evaluation process …
• … where a multi-disciplinary panel of built environment experts assess
the design of significant proposals.
Participating Local Authorities (January 2014):•
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Devon County Council,
East Devon District Council
Exeter City Council
Mid Devon District Council
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•
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North Devon Council
•
North Somerset Council
•
Plymouth City Council
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Taunton Deane Borough Council
Teignbridge District Council
Torridge District Council
West Somerset Council

3. The Panels …
• exists to offer constructive comments on schemes, aiding their improvement,
but not to fundamentally redesign them.
• advises and empowers the decision makers on how to improve design quality,
so as to meet the needs of their communities and customers.
• will support decision makers in resisting poorly designed schemes.
• will support decision makers in approving well designed schemes.

4. The Panels …
As well as being of benefit to applicants, the Design Review Panels aims to help the
project team in the following ways:• Provide designers with constructive, impartial advice from fellow professionals.
• Support unconventional high quality design proposals.
• Examine the design of a project in the round.
• Support good design intentions and pin-point any weaknesses.
• Bring a fresh external viewpoint.
• Reduce the risk of an unexpected decision.
• Aid in provision of a more efficient service to clients

5. ‘Design Review: Principles &
Practice’
New publication ‘Design Review: Principles and
Practice’:- Guide produced by CABE at the Design
Council, the Landscape Institute, the RTPI and the
RIBA.

6. 10 Principles of Design Review:-

7. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent

8. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
2. Expert

9. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
2. Expert
3. Multidisciplinary

10. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
2. Expert
3. Multidisciplinary
4. Accountable

11. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
2. Expert
3. Multidisciplinary
4. Accountable
5. Transparent

12. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
2. Expert
3. Multidisciplinary
4. Accountable
5. Transparent
6. Proportionate

13. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
6. Proportionate
2. Expert
7. Timely
3. Multidisciplinary
4. Accountable
5. Transparent

14. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
6. Proportionate
2. Expert
7. Timely
3. Multidisciplinary
8. Advisory
4. Accountable
5. Transparent

15. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
6. Proportionate
2. Expert
7. Timely
3. Multidisciplinary
8. Advisory
4. Accountable
9. Objective
5. Transparent

16. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
6. Proportionate
2. Expert
7. Timely
3. Multidisciplinary
8. Advisory
4. Accountable
9. Objective
5. Transparent
10. Understandable

17. 10 Principles of Design Review:1. Independent
6. Proportionate
2. Expert
7. Timely
3. Multidisciplinary
8. Advisory
4. Accountable
9. Objective
5. Transparent
10. Understandable

18. Additional Terms of Reference …
• Conflicts of Interest
• Confidentiality Requirements
• Code of Conduct
• Panel Members Presenting to the Panel
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19. The Panel Format …
Design Review Timing
Ideally, schemes will be submitted to the panel at the pre-application stage of the
planning process whilst the design is still fluid …
…. this can help to identify design aspects that may be improved. This in
turn may help resolve design issues before submission, saving time and expense.
The design review will be treated as a conversation about work in progress, not a
verdict on an outcome.

20. The Panel Format …
Session Format:1. Presentation - 30 minutes to present.
2. Questions – 30 minutes. Panel members will
4. Summary –
15 minutes. Chairperson will
verbally summarise Panels view in a clear and
constructive manner. Each Panel member will
make any final comments.
ask questions of the presenters.
5. Conclusion –
3. Discussion – 15 minutes. The panel will
discuss & consider in private.
The session is concluded. The
Panel Administrator will amalgamate the notes
from the meeting and produce a clear actionable
written report that will be provided to the Local
Authority (LA). The Local Authority will in turn issue
this to the applicant.

21. The Panel Format …
Multi-disciplinary
Six built environment professionals; the administrator/chairperson and five rotating
panel members, selected from a pool.
Panel pool includes built environment professionals from a range of disciplines …
… architects, urban designers, landscape architects, conservation specialists,
ecological & sustainability experts, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, structural
engineers, chartered surveyors, independent town planners & arboriculturalists.

22. Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel Members - January 2014 …
Click on photos for CV’s ...

23. Joining the Panel …
Applications are invited from all sectors of the design community of the built
environment.
Panel members are expected to attend approximately four full-day sessions a year,
and are not reimbursed for their time, other than for a small honorarium.
Refreshments & lunch will be provided.
All panel members are required to undertake the RIBA Design Review full-day
training & will be required to attend an annual full-day training update …

24. RIBA Design Review Training …
To provide a national standard
for design review panel
professionals across the
country.
Ensuring standards are
geographically consistent &
maintained at the highest level.

25. RIBA Design Review Training …
The training introduces the
principles of design review &
techniques for those who wish to
sit on a design review panel as a
panel member. The training
covers presentation skills and
proven design review techniques.
It instructs on how to provide
constructive criticism as a panel
member.

26. The Plymouth
Design Review Panel
@JB_DRP
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