For the first time, the Essex Design Guide includes new socio-economic themes alongside best practice design standards. These new design themes address Active Design, Ageing Population, Health and Wellbeing, Digital and Smart Technology and Garden communities.

As we plan for the future growth of Essex, it is vital that we begin to respond to the challenge of these new themes to ensure that the new and existing communities, villages and towns are designed to respond to these key overarching themes.