Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) was an executive non-departmental public body of the UK government, established in 1999.

It championed well-designed buildings, spaces and places, ran public campaigns and provided expert, practical advice.

One of CABE's main functions was design review: expert independent assessments of building schemes at an early stage.

CABE reviewed schemes of national importance, that had a significant impact on the local environment, or which set standards for the future.

Its design review panel consisted of around 40 expert advisors drawn from England's architectural, built environment and creative community.

CABE's main office was situated in a large tower block built in 1968 (and designed by Richard Seifert) near Drury Lane.

The panel reviewed the proposals for: Whitehill-Bordon in Hampshire; Rackheath in Norfolk; North-West Bicester in Oxfordshire; and St Austell in Cornwall.