The Neighbourhood Planning and Design Guide was developed with and for the national Department of Human Settlements to provide practical information related to the planning and design of the range of services and infrastructure typically provided as part of a neighbourhood development project. The application of the guidelines would contribute to the creation of vibrant, safe, integrated and inclusive neighbourhoods, towns and cities.

The Red Book provides decision-making support to built environment professionals and practitioners – including public and private sector engineers, town planners, urban designers, architects and landscape architects – as well as community groups involved in people-driven housing developments. The guide also contains useful information for students, lecturers and decision-makers, such as local government councillors. The Guide encourages integrated settlement and neighbourhood development, promotes sound urban planning and design principles, and assists in improving the efficiency of engineering services and infrastructure.

The document is divided into two parts. Part one contains background information that frames the environment within which the Guide will be applied. The human settlement context in South Africa is briefly discussed and key global trends and challenges are highlighted. International imperatives and the local regulatory environment are summarised and, against this background, the purpose, nature and scope of the Guide are explained. The factors to consider when applying the guidelines, including the application context and the type of development, are described, and the importance of inter-disciplinary collaboration and community participation is explained.  

The second part contains detailed planning and design guidelines related to neighbourhood layout and structure, public open space, housing and social facilities, transportation and road pavements, water supply, stormwater, sanitation, solid waste management, electrical energy, universal design, and planning and designing safe communities.