To approve the procurement of a consultant to prepare the development of a Hereford city centre design guide supplementary planning document (“SPD”) in partnership with the NMiTE University

The production of a Hereford city centre design guide SPD (“design SPD”) will provide the basis for a comprehensive and effective approach to achieving good quality design.  The guidance, will help provide a consistent approach across the city centre and ensure the guidance is sensitive to local distinctiveness.

That:

(a)         a consultant be procured to prepare a Hereford city centre design guide supplementary planning guidance document in accordance with an agreed timetable within a total budget of £80k; and

(b)   The programme director housing and growth be authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to appoint a consultant.

1.           To prepare the design SPD in-house. The preparation of a detailed design guide for a historic and sensitive area such as central Hereford will require a specialist knowledge and experience which is not available within the council. 

Not to produce design guidance.  Central Hereford is an area of rich architectural, archaeological and historic interest which is proposed for an ambitious programme of new development.  These significant changes which will take place within the city as a result of new proposals will require detailed policy advice to ensure that the approach delivers a high quality environment which respects the city’s heritage.  The Hereford area plan will include a policy framework for the city centre but it will not provide the more detailed grain of design guidance required