Kent Design Guide

Setting shared standards for high-quality homes
and neighbourhoods across Kent

Explore the Principles Find Guidance

How can we help you?

Guidance for applicants and design teams

Find out who to engage with, and when, to support a successful application.

Go to People & Process →

Guidance for assessing a design proposal

Apply Kent's design principles to proposals you're reviewing.

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About the Kent Design Guide

What the KDG is, who it's for, and how to use it.

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Five Design Principles for Kent

Principle 1

1. Of Kent

Design for Kent's identity — landscape, heritage and character

Principle 2

2. People-first

Support sociable, inclusive and resilient communities

Principle 3

3. Health & wellbeing

Promote health, nature and active living

Principle 4

4. Active travel

Enable connected, accessible and low-carbon mobility

Principle 5

5. Resilient places

Deliver sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient places

The Kent Design Guide is a shared resource for everyone involved in design, planning and development in Kent and Medway. It sets out five core principles for what good design looks like across the county, and provides practical guidance, tools and contacts to help deliver it.

The Kent Design Guide is a living resource. This website launched in Summer 2026 and will continue to grow as new guidance, case studies and tools are added. If you have feedback, visit the 'About' page and get in touch.