The three central messages of the guide are: Good design is important everywhere, not least in helping to bring rundown, neglected places back to life; While the planning system has a key role to play in delivering better design, the creation of successful places depends on the skills of designers and the vision and commitment of those who employ them; and, No two places are identical and there is no such thing as a blueprint for good design. Good design always arises from a thorough and caring understanding of place and context. The guide is relevant to all aspects of the built environment, including the design of buildings and spaces, landscapes and transport systems. It has implications for planning and development at every scale: in villages as well as cities and for a street and its neighbourhood as well as regional planning strategies