The Scottish Government

The publication of the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative announced by Ministers on 25 June aims to encourage inspirational and high quality developments which will serve as exemplars for the 21st Century. The Initiative invites and guides the submission of proposals for new sustainable communities, setting out the key criteria against which proposals will be assessed including the relationship of the development to a sustainable transport network, locational considerations, principles of design and construction, environmental considerations including energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources. The publication outlines the form submissions should take and the relevant timescales for the submission and assessment process. <<more here>>

Entries for the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning 2008 competition, launched on 27 June, are sought. The competition will culminate in a presentation ceremony at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh on 12 March 2009.