Updated The National Model Design Code Buckinghamshire has been chosen as one of two areas in the south east to pilot a new national design code for planning A new national design code aimed at ensuring areas are beautiful, well designed and locally led is being tested across 14 areas in England. Each of the 14 councils has been given £50,000 of government money to develop a new local design guide for housing development. Local design codes will set out design principles for new development in local areas, and will be expected to ensure future developments are beautiful and fit in with local character – such as by using honey-coloured stone in the Cotswolds or red brick in the Midlands.