The government has launched a consultation on a proposed national design code for buildings in England. The publication of the draft code is the latest step in Whitehall’s far-reaching shake-up of England’s planning system, which is expected to see all local authorities required to divide up their jurisdiction into defined areas for growth, renewal or protection. As part of this goal, authorities must set out local plans for development, drawn up with community involvement, that include local design codes. The draft national code provides a model for how local authorities should tackle their design oversight role under the new regime, offering a checklist focused on topics such as street character, wellbeing and environmental impact.