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CITY REGION BOUNDARIES STUDY
CHAPTER EIGHT CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1 The analysis in this report has sought to define the broad sphere of influence of Scotland's four largest cities: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. However, the cities themselves represent only one part of the functioning city regions. The city regions have many centres with differing zones of influence. A similar analysis of the overlapping spheres of influence of all the Councils in the central belt would provide a clearer picture of the boundaries of the city regions.
8.2 The data and maps presented in this report can be viewed as a starting point for identifying cross boundary planning issues for the four largest cities. They provide a picture of some key linkages between the cities and their hinterlands. To define the geographical coverage required for joint strategic planning, further work will be needed including policy aims and a wider range of strategic planning needs.
8.3 Table 11 suggests that for the City of Glasgow, in addition to the existing Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan area, there are strong links with other Councils, particularly North Ayrshire and Stirling. Similarly for Edinburgh, there are strong links beyond the Structure Plan area with Fife and Scottish Borders. For Dundee and Aberdeen the existing Structure Plan areas appear to cover the most important linkages.
8.4 To take forward this analysis to inform decisions about future cross boundary planning requirements in Scotland it is recommended that:
- Priority areas for economic development should be identified and added to the analysis.
- The analysis of housing market areas should be broken down by market sector. There would be particular merit in looking at the locations chosen by long distance movers settling in each city hinterland.
- Case studies should be undertaken looking at how boundaries and joint working arrangements need to be defined to ensure effective strategic planning able to resolve conflicts between individual Council aims.
- It should be recognised that the issues identified in this report are not the only strategic planning matters requiring joint working. Other issues such as river basin management should be considered when defining the framework for planning in the city regions.
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