The Council has established a new independent Design Review Panel consisting of a group of impartial experts to advise and improve design quality across Bexley.
The Bexley Design Review Panel will help the Council to ensure that growth in the Borough is well planned, is of a high quality, brings with it benefits for all, and provides for a sustainable future whilst protecting and enhancing the much valued and distinct character of the area.
The panel will deliver independent design reviews for the Council as part of the pre-application planning process for future developments in Bexley and will provide clear recommendations for applicant teams.
Design Review is an invaluable opportunity to gain additional impartial, expert, multi-disciplinary advice and feedback with the aim of improving design quality across the Borough’s built environment.
Councillor Munur, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Growth said,
We are committed to achieving the right kind of growth in our borough that benefits new and existing residents. We are pleased to be working with such a knowledgeable and diverse range of partners whose experience will help us continue to deliver the Local Plan ensuring future developments protect the local character of Bexley and contribute positively to our community”.
The Bexley Design panel will be managed on the Council’s behalf by Design South East who are an independent, not-for-profit organisation specialising in design support to local authorities and their stakeholders.
The panel will meet bi-monthly to review development proposals. Panel members consist of professionals from a range of design disciplines with local knowledge of Bexley. All have significant design expertise and can offer independent advice on all aspects of design and development to developers, clients and local authorities.
The panel will be co-chaired by Kyle Buchanan and Gillian Horn.
Co- chair Kyle Buchanan said,
Like many London Boroughs Bexley is facing a period of change as it makes space for new development alongside existing homes, businesses and communities. I am excited to be able to work with Design South East at this important moment in Bexley's history to co-Chair the Design Review Panel and support the borough's ambition for high quality design that works for local people.”
Co-chair, Gillian Horn, echoed these sentiments saying,
Rising up from the river, with a distinctive mix of industry workplace, housing and open space, Bexley has a unique range of spatial and environmental conditions. These bring particular pressures and opportunities for its land and development - from the redevelopment of old industrial sites in the north of the borough, to the densification of local centres and the perennial demand for house extensions. And all set within the constraints of financial, social and environmental viability.
I am excited about the potential of the new design review panel to help applicants and local authority officers alike to get the best out of these conditions and to create places and buildings for the people of Bexley, rooted in context.”
Information about the Design Review process, meeting dates, session formats etc and guidance on how to book and prepare for Design Review can be found on The value of Design Review page.