Journal

What the new draft means for developers in Norfolk and Suffolk In January 2026, the government published a draft Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance  for consultation. While it may read like another policy document to add to an already long list, this guidance is important. It signals how planning authorities are expected to assess design quality going forward and how refusal decisions will increasingly be justified. For developers working in Norfolk and Suffolk

Why clarity at the start leads to better buildings One of the most rewarding parts of an architectural project happens before any drawings are produced. It is the moment when ideas begin to take shape through conversation. When priorities become clearer. When a project starts to feel real. This is the design brief. A good architectural brief is not a technical document or a list of rooms. It is a shared understanding between client and designer about how a building should sup

Custom-built housing has moved from a niche idea to a viable and commercially strong development model across the UK. In Norfolk and Suffolk, where land values, local character and planning sensitivities often shape the success of a project, Custom Build is becoming an increasingly attractive option for developers and landowners who want to deliver high-quality homes and improve the commercial performance of their sites. Although many people confuse Custom Build with traditio