Architecture and Place policy statement, has been launched. The
commitment in the document is one of a series of pro-design pledges with
the Scottish Government having promised to put design and placemaking at
the heart of revised planning policy which is due to be published by the end of
the year.
The document contains an action plan that
sets out the work that is to be taken forward to achieve positive change. In
association, a new Creating Places website has been set
up which is intended to act as a resource for everyone with an interest in
the built and natural environment.
Culture secretary Fiona Hyslop has set
out a series of commitments including a clear message that design quality
will be upgraded as a material consideration in planning decisions in Scotland.
Other measures include a commitment to work more closely with
Architecture and Design Scotland, promote community participation in design and
planning at a local level through participatory exercises such
as charettes, and to develop a ‘Place Standard’ assessment tool for
housing developments which will play a key role in accessing government
affordable housing funding. Town centres will get a masterplanning toolkit with
guidance that will put the emphasis on transport, design and the public realm.
The Creating Places policy statement can be
found here.