The coalition government’s approach to localism marks a fundamental shift in the way to approach good design and placemaking, says the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Councils and councillors now have real freedom and power to influence the quality of their local area and CABE are there to help them make the best of the opportunities with a new advice leaflet on design.

The leaflet can be downloaded as a PDF from the CABE website (www.cabe.org.uk/councillors). They are intended for councillors to show them how an understanding of good design can help them.

The case studies demonstrate some impressive councillor operations, from a ward member playing an honest broker role over a school, to leaders delivering transformation in Gateshead.

The case studies also turn the spotlight on the work of councillors within six areas of influence, whether that is over green space or town centres such as the groundbreaking Liverpool One redevelopment.