buildings design guidance
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The Chilterns Buildings Design Guide was produced in 1999 and was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) by local planning authorities covering over 90% of the AONB. The Conservation Board will press for the Guide to be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in Local Development Frameworks (LDFs).

The Guide contains practical advice for planners, architects and house owners on how to build or restore properties in keeping with the special qualities of the Chilterns AONB. It covers such topics as the setting of buildings, the design of vernacular features and the use of traditional local materials. By promoting the use of the Guide the Board aims to ensure consistency of design and materials across the AONB.

The Chilterns Buildings Design Guide is currently being reviewed and it is anticipated that the new edition will be available in 2010. The current edition can be purchased by sending a cheque for £17 to the Chilterns Conservation Board at the address under Contact Us.

Although the main Design Guide has been successful in promoting local distinctiveness, it was felt that further, more detailed guidance was needed in connection with the use of particular materials: flint, clay products and roofing materials. As a result three supplementary Technical Notes have been published. Copies of these Notes are available for purchase from the Conservation Board office at £14 each – please send a cheque payable to the Chilterns Conservation Board. They can also be downloaded here:

	Chilterns Flint (1.98 MB)
	Chilterns Brick (2.85 MB)
	Roofing Note (2.77 MB)

The aim is that all three Technical Notes should be regarded as material considerations in decisions on relevant planning applications and ultimately be adopted as Supplementary Planning Documents by local authorities.