Lead Member: Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning

Lead Officer: Kassandra Polyzoides, Interim Service Director – Place Shaping

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to approve adoption of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code as set out in Appendix 1, to provide guidance on the application of the Local Plan policies and form a material consideration in the planning decision-making process.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the report which sought Cabinet approval to adopt the Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code as a material consideration in the planning decision making process following a public consultation that took place between October 2025 to January 2026.

It was noted that the Design Code had been developed through the national Design Code Pathfinder Programme and informed by public consultation. The Code will support the implementation of Local Plan policies, provide clarity for developers and decision?makers, and act as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. Cabinet noted that the Design Code focuses on design quality and place?making and will also provide a template for potential use in other market towns.

Members welcomed the Design Code as a means of protecting the character of Shrewsbury town centre while supporting high?quality future development. Concerns were raised regarding levels of public engagement; however, it was emphasised that the Design Code relates specifically to design principles and does not replace wider consultation on transport or infrastructure proposals.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to approve adoption of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code as set out in Appendix 1, to provide guidance on the application of the Local Plan policies and form a material consideration in the planning decision-making process.