Avoiding Arbitrary Architectural Taste

Planning authorities should not attempt to impose a particular architectural taste or style arbitrarily. It is, however, proper to seek to promote or reinforce local distinctiveness, and this should be supported by clear LDP policies and/or supplementary design guidance that seeks to address the connections between people and places and the integration of new development. Local design policies and guidance should not lead to a rigid and formulaic approach to decision-taking but encourage good design and responsible innovation, originality or initiative.