A NEW guide is being produced to help provide advice to those seeking to carry out development in Dartmoor National Park.

Encouraging a high standard of design in new development is essential in protecting the special qualities of Dartmoor and the newly published Dartmoor National Park Design Guide is now available in draft form for public consultation.

The guide has been produced in partnership with Dartmoor National Park Authority by architects and planning consultants, Stride Treglown.

The initial section of the document seeks to raise an appreciation of Dartmoor itself and what makes the area special. Subsequent sections provide advice on building design to help meet the challenges of climate change and design guidance on the most common types of development proposal. The final section offers ideas on best practice in the design and detailing of individual building elements such as doors and windows.

Phil Markham, head of forward planning for Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: 'The main purpose of the document is to provide advice for those seeking planning permission from the national park authority for their development proposals and it will be useful for applicants and their agents and architects.

'However, it is also hoped that the guide will influence those who are carrying out smaller changes to their buildings by providing them with ideas and inspiration and also encourage a greater interest in the built environment from all those who live and work in the national park and those who visit it.'

The guide can be viewed at http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and by personal callers at the national park authority's headquarters at Parke, Bovey Tracey.

Reference copies are also available at local public libraries in and around the national park, at District Council offices in Tavistock, and at County Hall in Exeter.     

Comments on the Dartmoor National Park Design Guide should be sent by post to: Stephen Belli, director of planning, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Parke, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9JQ or by email to [email protected]">[email protected]

The consultation period closes on April 21.