Rutland County Council is inviting residents to take part in a six-week consultation on new Draft Design Guidelines for the area.

The design guidelines, which cover both Rutland and South Kesteven, aim to help improve the quality of new build developments in the area by setting out the Council's high design expectations and detailing the steps that must be taken for anyone wishing to apply for planning permission.

The guidance will also be used to assist with the assessment of development proposals, as well as informing anyone with an interest in design in the area.

The Design Guide has been funded from a special grant awarded by the Government to Rutland and South Kesteven, on the basis that this would be developed jointly between the two Councils.

The document covers all types of development, including large residential developments, commercial schemes and household extensions and is a crucial guide for the future development plans in the local area.

Rutland County Council wants to involve residents and businesses in the process of designing the version of document, which will be published specifically for Rutland.

Coun Gordon Brown, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: "This is a really important and exciting opportunity for local people to share their views on draft guidance that will help to shape what future new-builds and developments could look like across Rutland.

"However, this isn't just about aesthetics. Quality of design has a direct impact on quality of life, and the final Design Guide will play an important role in determining the outcome of future planning applications, once it's in place."

Rutland's consultation on the Draft Design Guide takes place between Friday 29 January and Friday 12 March 2021.

The draft documents are available to view on Rutland County Council's website, where you can also find a link to complete an online consultation survey. Full details can be found at: www.rutland.gov.uk/designguide.

Anyone who wishes to review the Draft Design Guide but does not have access to the internet can contact the Council by calling: 01572 722 577.