What is a Design Enquiry?

A Design Enquiry is widely recognised as good practice in pre-application consultation. The philosophy is that developers, design experts and other technical professionals work intensively together, and in full public view, in order to conceive a masterplan and its associated strategies. Before the Design Enquiry begins, a series of technical studies are undertaken to understand a site's opportunities and constraints; local planning policies and priorities; local needs and aspirations. The masterplan itself is then developed live at the enquiry. The continuous exchanges that take place between designers, statutory representatives, local experts and residents inform the evolution of the plan, into a more responsive scheme.

The results of the enquiry are then presented and open public debate is invited.