The Design Guide is separated into several distinct documents which will be developed and consulted upon in phases. The Design Principles, which are the first part of the Design Guide SPD to be adopted, applies across all types of development in Bexley to ensure consistency and quality. This will be followed by additional guidance specific to certain types of development, including:

• Small Sites - sites below 0.25 hectares
• Building Alterations - extensions and alterations to existing residential buildings
• Area Types - common development types in Bexley e.g. industrial buildings
• Site Design Codes - design guidance for areas undergoing significant change

These documents will be supported by a Technical Handbook that will contain detailed specialist information and standards required for certain planning applications, including highways, waste, sustainability and biodiversity.

The documents are colour-coded to aid navigation and each section of design advice is given a sequential number for ease of reference. Design Principles are given the prefix D, Small site codes will be given the prefix S, Building Alterations codes B, and Area Types A. The prefix for the Site Design Codes will be based upon the name of the relevant area.

Please note that references to these additional documents are included in the text but they do not form part of this Design Guide SPD - Part 1 document. They will be finalised and published for consultation in due course and simultaneously adopted as Part 2 of the Design Guide SPD.

The Design Principles document is split into three chapters. Each begins with an overview of the advice being given and the structure of the chapter. This is then followed by design advice in the form of codes and guidance.

The codes either use the words must, should, or could. These indicate the strength of the guidance.