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The Greater Cambridge Design Review Panel

The Greater Cambridge Design Review Panel (GCDRP)

Design review is a well-established and effective way of enhancing the quality of the built environment that is recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The panel offers independent advice from a panel [PDF, 3MB] of over 50 nationally-respected built and natural environment professionals. It operates in the public interest and its advice is for developers, planning officers, planning committee, parish councils and members of public.

The Panel helps to raise the quality of development by seeing if designs can be improved. The Panel follows a strong design review process in line with the Cambridgeshire Quality Charter for Growth [PDF, 1MB]. It is governed according to the Terms of Reference [PDF, 0.3MB], managed by GCSP (Greater Cambridge Shared Planning), and overseen by an Independent Advisory Group.

Enquire to Book a Review Meeting

If you think your scheme would benefit from a Panel Review by the GCDRP, then please read the Quick Guide for Applicants [PDF, 0.1MB], and fill out an Enquiry Form. We will be in touch with you soon to discuss this further and schedule a meeting.

The Panel

The Panel is made up of over 50 members, with a balance of skills that address the themes of Community, Character, Connectivity and Climate.

Types of Schemes Reviewed

The Panel reviews schemes that are significant because of their scale, site or because of a local issue, specific impact exceptional challenge, or public benefit. Further information about the referral criteria is set out in the Quick Guide for Applicants [PDF, 0.1MB].

Schemes can be reviewed at any stage in the planning process; however, they benefit most from being brought for review early in the pre-application process, when designs have yet not been fixed.

Types of Review Meeting

There are 3 types of Review that could be selected, as set out below. The Panel Manager will decide which Review is most suitable for a given proposal.

Full Design Review

A Full Design Review is for a first review of the scheme, ideally at pre-application stage. It includes a site visit and a review by the Chair and 4 to 5 Panel Members. It will be attended by the planning officer and other key stakeholders, such as officers from the County Council and Historic England. 

Fee: £4500 + VAT

Subsequent Design Review

A design workshop is used for second and subsequent reviews, or less complex schemes that do not need a site visit. A design workshop usually takes 2 hours per review. 

Fee: £4000 + VAT

Chair’s Review

The Chair’s Review is used for a limited number of schemes with the agreement of senior officers within GCSPS. It provides a Desktop Review and advice on schemes that have already been to a Full Review and Subsequent Review at pre- application stage. In exceptional cases it may also be used for smaller, less complex schemes. The Review will usually take one hour and be conducted by the Chair plus one Panel Member. The design team is not present; the presentation is delivered by the Planning officer.

Fee: £2500 + VAT

Further Information

Contact Details

For questions about the Greater Cambridge Design Review Panel, please email designreviewpanel@greatercambridgeplanning.org

The Greater Cambridge Design Review Panel