Top tips for designers of new commercial buildings have been released by Hertfordshire County Council.

The guide instructs by giving examples of best practice, and was produced with the input of borough councils and design specialists.

Available to individuals for £10, it also gives step-by-step guidance to the process by which planning applications are dealt with. For a copy, send a £10 cheque payable to Hertfordshire County Council, to Liz Heath, Environment Department, County Hall, Hertford, SG13 8DN. Topics covered include how good design makes good business sense, dealing with waste during construction and planting, lighting, landscaping and special materials.Environment committee chairman Brian York said: "Behind the guide is the recognition that promoting the businesses that drive Hertfordshire's economy is the key to the prosperity of all of us who live here.

"Good design of employment environments is a form of investment which ultimately benefits everybody: the companies themselves, business people, employees, as well as the wider community by contributing immeasurably to local civic pride."

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