During the course of discussions with the Local Planning Authority, I mentioned that I had read the design guide and had hoped that the design criteria regarding Open Space and Wildlife would have been followed (Specifically the point on page 33 "Have the natural features of the site - in terms of landscape, soils, mature trees and hedgerows, and distinctive / valuable wildlife habitats - been surveyed and evaluated?)

I received the following response:

"As the title suggests, it is a guide; no discussion on design issues can ever be prescriptive. It shows good practice and principles, but there is always scope for other ideas, and an application that ignores the advice cannot be rejected on that ground alone."  

The design guide remains adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance in the latest deposit version of the Draft Local Plan.