1.5.2. Musts, shoulds and coulds
In line with the National Model Design Code (NMDC), this code sets out three levels of design instruction. These levels draw on design issues and opportunities identified by Cheshire West and Chester Council, character assessments, local community preferences, and research into how places influence health, sustainability, popularity, and wellbeing.
This language will be used throughout the document.
Must: Mandatory design practices and parameters that must be adhered to. Policies designated as a MUST are essential and non-negotiable.
This is to ensure that well-designed places are achieved, as required and defined by Policy 14 of the NPPF and in accordance with the principles set out in the NMDC. The NPPF is clear that development proposals should be refused if, without clear justification, they conflict with the requirements of Policy 14 or explicit design standards set out in the development plan (including those in locally specific policies, guides, codes or masterplans). An application's conformity with all MUSTS shall be demonstrated in the compliance checklist.
Should: Practices and parameters that should be adhered to unless there are specific and genuine reasons for not doing so. Non-compliance would generally be due to physical constraints or exceptional design reasons, and would not typically be justified by a project's financial viability. If a should is not adhered to, justification and evidence shall be included in the compliance checklist .
Practices that are recommended to ensure high-quality design is achieved.