National Planning Policy Guidelines for England - Draft Published

http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningsystem/planningpolicy/planningpolicyframework/

Full Document

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1951811.pdf

Design is covered on page 33 (and not page 30 as stated in the Table of Contents) 

117. Local planning authorities should consider using design codes where they could help deliver high quality outcomes. However, design policies should avoid unnecessary prescription or detail and should concentrate on guiding the overall scale, density, massing, height, landscape, layout and access of new development in relation to neighbouring buildings and the local area more generally.

118. Planning policies and decisions should not attempt to impose architectural styles or particular tastes and they should not stifle innovation, originality or initiative through unsubstantiated requirements to conform to certain development forms or styles.

120. Local planning authorities should have local design review arrangements in place to provide assessment and support to ensure high standards of design. They should also when appropriate refer major projects for a national design review

Footnote: Currently provided by Design Council Cabe

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Commentary

Telegraph - Green Belt under threat

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/8660560/New-planning-laws-threaten-green-belt.html

Guardian - Government to hack back 'thicket' of national planning regulations

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/jul/25/planning-regulations-cut

Financial Times - 'Chaotic' planning rules given overhaul‎