Design guide plan passed

Kirklees Cabinet this week backed the publication of the Dewsbury Design Guide.

General principles include retaining and enhancing historic features, co-operation with neighbouring properties to improve the appearance of a street and improving unsympathetic shopfronts.

Coun Peter McBride, Cabinet member for Place, said it would “be prescriptive but not deter investment, there’s a fine balance and I think we’ve caught the right balance.”

The guide also discusses specific building materials and features, signage and lighting, and use of A-boards.

It will act as a planning consideration that will give councillors more power to resist planning applications on the basis of poor design.

The guide, which will be published online, does not require further funding.