A public consultation on a new set of building standards for the borough has officially begun.

Design Codes are a collection of principles that help residents define what good development looks like, such as high-quality public streets and spaces.

Cheshire West and Chester Council carried out extensive engagement to establish the scope, vision and principles of the Design Code currently under consultation.

This included two rounds of community engagement featuring in-person events, interviews and workshops.

The council is now seeking views on the overall structure and principles of the code, alongside elements that could be missing and its likelihood to promote spaces that reflect the character and identity of the borough.

Councillor Christine Warner emphasised that the design code visually clarifies expectations for developers.

"It raises the bar for new development and supports our ambition to be champions of good design, both of new places and in the retrofit of existing streets," she said.

"Whilst this consultation is aimed at industry professionals that will be using the code such as Architects, Highway Engineers, Planning Consultants, we are keen to hear from residents and community groups if they feel the code will improve their neighbourhoods and to ensure it covers the right design issues."

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The consultation will include the full Design Code, along with a summary document.

Comments can also be sent by post to: Design Code Consultation, Development Management, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA.

The Design Code can be accessed here, or viewed digitally at local libraries.