This book examines the design policies in current development plans. With design quality of growing importance to the public, consumers, developers and their clients, and high on the Secretary of State's agenda, this book makes an important practical contribution to improving design control. This research text explains how clear, comprehensive and effective policies can be researched, written and implemented. Based on detailed analysis of nearly a quarter of the new English plans, and detailed case studies of the 25 "best" plans, the book provides guidance on all aspects of urban design, architecture, landscape, conservation and design process policies, and makes recommendations about how policies should be expressed, organized, implemented and monitored. It makes over 150 specific recommendations for incorporation into better practice and advice. Illustrated with over 20 conceptual diagrams, 55 plan extracts and over 30 tables on plan content, the book provides a unique reference for architectural and planning practitioners, design and planning students and researchers in the field.