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The Development of a Policy on Architecture for Scotland: Report on the Public Consultation

12.0 LOCAL GOVERNMENT

12.1 Respondents suggested that local authorities had a key role to play in the promotion of architecture at a local level. It was noted that local authorities were not only major clients for construction but also had administrative responsibility for the statutory control functions affecting development. Respondents suggested that, in both roles, local authorities could be influential in maintaining and shaping the quality of the built environment in their area. It was also noted that local authorities were well placed to work in partnership with other agencies such as local enterprise companies, Scottish Homes and transport authorities and to work nationally on policy initiatives through CoSLA⁶.

12.2 Respondents identified a number of ways in which local authorities could contribute to the implementation of a policy on architecture. It was suggested that strategies on architecture and construction should be included within the development of Agenda 21⁷ environmental policies. It was also suggested that authorities should acknowledge architecture as a cultural phenomenon and develop promotional strategies under local policies on the arts, culture and heritage. Examples of authorities which did this were cited.

12.3 Respondents pointed to the potential role of local authorities in the promulgation of information on architecture and the built environment. It was suggested that this might be done by fairly conventional means such as publications and guides or events and festivals. Alternatively, it was suggested that authorities could provide support for the development of a network of local architecture centres. These could provide a focus for information and discussion on local matters to do with the built environment. Respondents also suggested that authorities might provide support in the educational field, for example for the development of resource material on architecture and the built environment for use in schools and adult education.

12.4 A number of respondents noted that the ability of local authorities to promote good architecture, whether through their own procurement or through local planning guidelines, had diminished in recent years. It was suggested that this was due in part to pressure on budgets and the limited capital consents available to authorities, in part to the status afforded to technical services departments in authorities and in particular to the loss of Chief Architect posts. One respondent suggested that, in the absence of appropriate professional advice at a senior level in authorities, development decisions often seemed to be taken on the basis of national or local economic considerations rather than agreed local planning strategies.

12.5 Respondents suggested a number of measures that might strengthen authorities promotion of architecture. Several respondents suggested that the post of "architecture champion" should be established. It was suggested that such posts should have a degree of independence and would provide representation at a senior level in authorities on architecture and design matters. Respondents suggested that authorities needed to draw up clear strategic development briefs containing a strong commitment to design quality. It was also suggested that authorities should be able to sponsor architectural competitions to help implement these development strategies.

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