Design
Good design is about more than just architecture and the aesthetics of individual buildings. It is about the places in between buildings and how well these spaces are integrated into the existing context and landscape. By investing in quality, we will promote a wide range of long term social, economic and environmental benefits. The overarching design policy document is called Designing Places.
Policy summary
Designing Places: A policy statement on design sets out the overarching policy on design. This document is supported by a series of design based Planning Advice Notes (PANs). The main policy messages are:
- Design as a material consideration - When determining a planning application, a planning authority can refuse a proposal solely on design grounds and defend its decision at appeal,. A masterplan can help in the decision-making process. Once approved, the masterplan can be adopted as supplementary planning guidance to help raise design quality
- Six qualities make a successful place - distinctive, safe and pleasant, easy to get to and move around, welcoming, adaptable and resource efficient.
Latest
In February 2008 as part of the Scottish Government's commitment to simplifying the public sector landscape the Architecture Policy Unit joined with Building Standards and Planning in a new Directorate for the Built Environment. These changes allow us to develop and strengthen the clear synergies and linkages between various elements of the work streams on architectural policy, building standards and planning within a clear organisation framework.
Forthcoming publications
- PAN on Masterplanning
Due September 2008 - Designing Streets Note: Scottish version of Manual for Streets
Due: Spring 2009
Project
- Residential Streets
Note: This is a joint project with the Scottish Government Sustainable Transport team, East Renfrewshire Council and Mactaggart & Mickel.
Started: October 2007
Completion: August 2008