ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the surveys, consultation and analysis that are critically important to the development of design policies that both respond to the character of the locality and reflect the design aspirations of the populace. It briefly restates the theoretical basis for appraisal, and examines central government advice, before examining the content of current plans. Four propositions for successful design surveys/area appraisals are developed, and examples are drawn from plans and from analyses conducted outside the plan-making process. Attention then turns to consultation initiatives that can be run in conjunction with area appraisals, to provide the all-important public perceptions of local values and character that require protection. A set of recommendations are developed to aid good practice.
