ScottishplannerJournal of the RTPI in Scotland

The judges, Joan Burnie (AssociateEditor, Daily Record) Fiona Moriarty(Director, Scottish Retail Consortium)and Richard Holland (Strategic PlanningDirector,Wimpey Developments),praised the Shetland scheme for themanner in which it complemented theTown Centre, creating new buildings

and sensitively restoring listedproperties as new landmarks.

High Quality of Entries

The Awards were presented by StewartStevenson MSP, Minister for Transport,Infrastructure and Climate Change, whocommented on the extremely high

quality of all the entries and the depthof talent and innovation amongplanning and development professionalsin Scotland. Other Award winners were:the InterMETREXPlus Greenhouse GasInventory Project; the South LanarkshireLocal Plan – Local Plan Inquiry; theStobswell Neighbourhood PhysicalRegeneration Project in Dundee; theHeart of Hawick arts and culture-ledregeneration project; and the EllonMasterplan, Pattern Book and Model bythe Prince’s Foundation for the BuiltEnvironment, Aberdeenshire Counciland partners.

Personal AwardThe Award Ceremony included a veryspecial personal award for DavidMorrison who has masterminded thearrangements for the Awards for thepast 12 years. David is soon to retirefrom the Scottish Government.

No 128 : April 2009mediation of space • making of place

Thanks to our sponsors:

continued on page 4

The ScottishPlanning Oscars

This year’s overall winner of the Scottish Awards for Quality inPlanning (2008) is the Lerwick Waterfront Regeneration Scheme.The scheme, submitted by Shetland Islands Council and partners,includes the North Ness Business Park, the start of the coastalwalk, the refurbishment of the old ice factory into the ShetlandAmenity Trust offices, and the new Museum and Archives.

Shetland Museum and Archive ©Austin Taylor Photography

Hay’s Dock, Finger Pier and Store©Austin Taylor Photography

APRIL 2009 Scottishplanner

02 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

03 Convener’s Comments

Update04 A Consolidated SPP – Scottish Government

05 A View from Holyrood - Tavish Scott MSP

06 Planning Reform: SSDP and Development ManagementChallenges; and North Ayrshire’s Development Plan Scheme

Focus on Sustainable Placemaking08 Enquiry by Design – Prince’s Foundation

09 Flexible Interactive Placemaking – greenspace scotland

10 The Challenges of Sustainable Placemaking - Halcrow

12 Putting Placemaking on the Map - Scottish Young PlannersConference

13 Leadership Required – Young Planners Network

Views and News14 A Planner’s Profile - Bill Lindsay, Fife Council

15 Keeping Planning Positive – RTPI Highlands and IslandsChapter

16 News and Events

18 Policy Briefing

20 Directory

contentsEditorial

�

It was a great pleasure to welcome RTPIPresident MartinWilley and his wifePhilippa to Scotland.Many thanks to all of you who helped to maketheir visit such a success. It was a whistle stoptour taking in the Scottish Young PlannersConference, the Scottish Awards for Quality inPlanning, a tour of development projects incentral Edinburgh and a visit to Heriot-WattUniversity. Martin thoroughly enjoyed his visitand would like to join us again for the AnnualConference in November when he hopes to meetmore Members in Scotland and to present thefirst award under his newly-launched Today’s andTomorrow’s Leaders Award - further details willbe made available on the website.

The Scottish Young Planners Conference exploredthe theme of sustainable placemaking andthis is reflected in the focus of this edition.Placemaking is at the heart of planning and thechallenges involved are explored from a numberof different directions.

This edition also begins a series of articles onimplementing planning reform with LocalAuthorities reporting on how they are addressingnew issues in Development Management andDevelopment Planning.

We have received very positive feedback on thenew style and structure of the journal, and are, asever, extremely grateful to our sponsors, BiggartBaillie LLP and Halcrow, for enabling us to makethese improvements.

Veronica BurbridgeEditor

Editor Veronica BurbridgeProduction James Henderson

Articles and photographs are welcomed.The Editor reserves the right to amend articles as necessary.

Enquiries to: the Editor, Scottish Planner, RTPI in Scotland,57 Melville St, Edinburgh, EH3 7HLTel: 0131 226 1959; email: scotland@rtpi.org.uk

The opinions stated are the contributors’ own unlessotherwise stated. The RTPI is not responsible for statementsmade or views expressed in this journal.

ISSN 1353-9795

Registered office: Royal Town Planning Institute,41 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DL

Scottish Charity No. SC 037841Registered Charity No. 262865

Scottish Planner is printed on Era Silk recycled paper.

Design, production and advertising byDesign Links.Tel 0131 554 2807

Scottishplanner is the Journal of the Royal TownPlanning Institute in Scotland and is distributed free bydirect mail to all Members in Scotland. It is availableon the web at www.scotland.rtpi.org.uk Scottish Planner Sponsors

From pre-application right up to anyappeal, our highly focused partner ledteam advises on all aspects of planning.Specifically, our experience covers housing,business, retail, leisure, industry, transport,waste, energy and minerals, as well asnatural and built heritage matters.

We act for developers, local authoritiesand any other party involved in planningmatters. At Biggart Baillie we prideourselves on seeing the planningand related issues in the round.For further information, please visitwww.biggartbaillie.co.uk

Sustaining and improving thequality of people’s lives.

We believe in making places workthrough our unique collaborativeapproach to planning, design, transportand development.We take proposalsand projects from inception tosuccessful implementation. Our skillsare equally important to small-scale commissions as to majormasterplanning and infrastructureprojects.

08 10 13

Convener’sComments

At a time of change in the planningsystem across Scotland the continuedsupport by the Scottish Government inproviding the funding for these Awardsis welcomed by the profession.

Delivering on Planning ReformThis month will see another significantmilestone in the modernisation of theplanning system with the launch ofe-Planning across Scotland. The projecthas had a long gestation period, and notone without difficulties, but the newtechnology offers huge potential inmaking the planning service withinScotland more transparent, efficientand accessible to a wider audience.

The launch will also be an opportunityto ‘maintain the momentum’ and toreview progress on the joint actionscommitted to at the Planning Summitin October 2008. For the RTPI thesefocussed on improving communicationto its Members of the changes takingplace in the planning system,supporting professional developmentand promoting planning as a career. Iam happy to say significant progresshas been made on all these issues. Inaddition to improving communicationsthrough the e-bulletin, Scottish Plannerand the Chapter network, the RTPI inScotland is looking to promote the RTPILearning Partners initiative as a meansby which employers can benchmarktheir training and developmentpractices against RTPI standards.Information on this initiative is beingsent to all local authorities and publicagencies in Scotland. Learning Partners

provides an important kitemark whichallows employees and the generalpublic to recognise employers withstrong staff development policies.Further information is available atwww.rtpi.org.uk/education_and_careers/learning_partnerships/

The RTPI in Scotland has also draftednew careers information. Previouslynone was available which provided aScottish context, and it is hoped thatthis will be available for use in the nextschool session.

Planning and ResearchWith a modern planning system comesthe need to monitor its effectivenessto address future economic andenvironmental agendas, and to ensureresearch and practice are more closelyaligned. The initiative by the ScottishPlanning Education Forum to holda workshop at the end of April toaddress some of these issues andto link planning research with practiceis a significant step forward indisseminating research to theplanning practitioner.

Landscape CharterAs part of the national debate on thefuture of Scotland’s landscapes, theRTPI in Scotland joined over 20 otheragencies and representative bodies inbecoming a signatory to the ScottishLandscape Charter – as featured inFebruary’s Scottish Planner. TheCharter is an initiative of the LandscapeForum of which the RTPI is a member.Landscape is closely linked with place

and the ideas behind placemaking.Places with a strong ‘sense of place’have a clear character and identity andare cherished by residents and visitors.Analysis and understanding of the ‘DNAof place’, as it has previously beendescribed, and ensuring futuredevelopment is sympathetic with localidentity will be at the heart of asuccessful planning system.

The Charter draws attention toScotland’s landscape and confirms it is:“a vital national resource which isfundamental to our prosperity andwellbeing”. Further, it confirms that:“we all play an active part in decisionsaffecting our surroundings and everyoneis in a position to help shape them and tocommit to maintaining their quality anddistinctiveness.” The Charter initiates adebate on the shape of tomorrow’slandscapes in which the RTPI is happyto be involved.

Finally, I would like to thank all ofyou who have now subscribedto the monthly e-bulletin, asupplement to Scottish Planner,which was launched inMarch. It is a good read.If you have not yet signedup you can do so byregistering for the RTPIin Scotland Group atwww.scotland.rtpi.org.uk(click green shaded box).

Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning 2008Last month was an opportunity to celebrate the best of ScottishPlanning. The Awards are recognition of good practice and of excellence.The winners clearly demonstrated this, and also illustrated the widevariety of work being undertaken by the profession within Scotland indelivering solutions for the future. They also highlighted the variety ofskills now required by the professional planner, and to the fore wereskills in masterplanning, public consultation and placemaking - the lastbeing the theme of this edition of Scottish Planner.

03

JohnW. EsslemontScottish ExecutiveConvenor 2009

APRIL 2009 Scottishplanner

04 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

Student AwardsThe Designing Places Award was judgedby Karen Cadell, Cadell2 Architects andUrban Designers; Stephen Proctor,Proctor and Matthews Architects; andthe Scottish Government. It wasawarded to John Deffenbaugh of theHeriot-Watt University for hisdissertation on masterplanning: acommendation was awarded to GeorgeWeeks of the University of Glasgow.

The Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial TrustStudent Awardswere won by:Mike Smith of Crichton University;Clare Gillespie of the GeographyDepartment at Edinburgh University;Keith McGregor of the Department ofArchitecture at Strathclyde University;Allana Hughes of the School ofArchitecture at the University of

Dundee; and Claire Myles of theDepartment of Town and RegionalPlanning at Dundee University. TheTrustees congratulated all prize

winners, noting the high standard ofwork. They also thanked the ScottishGovernment for hosting the eventand the Economic DevelopmentInvestment Group for ongoing financialsupport. For a full account of the TrustStudent Awards please see:www.scotland.rtpi.org.uk

In his closing address, RTPI PresidentMartinWilley said: “The Awardsdemonstrate that Scotland’s plannersare clearly raising the bar by deliveringhigh-quality planning solutions coupledwith creative flair. The RTPI is pleasedto recognise good planning practice, asplanning is vital in boosting economicdevelopment and readying the marketfor a stronger, faster recovery.”

Veronica Burbridge, NationalDirector of RTPI in Scotland

continued from page 1

: UPDATE

David Morrison, who coordinates the SAQP,receives his personal award from StewartStevenson MSP (right), Minister forTransport, Infrastructure and ClimateChange; with Jim Mackinnon, Chief Planner(left), and Joan Burnie.© Scottish Government

As part of the commitment toproportionate and practical planningpolicies, the current SPP and NPPGseries is being consolidated into a single,shorter Scottish Planning Policy.

The commitment to rationalising theSPP series was set out in DeliveringPlanning Reform. The Cabinet Secretaryfor Finance and Sustainable Growth,John Swinney, explained at thePlanning Summit that if theGovernment is looking for astreamlined planning system then itneeds to put its own house in order.

The initial part of the single SPPcovering core principles andexpectations for the planning systemwas launched at the Planning Summitin October 2008. The final part of theSPP includes sections on communityengagement, outcomes and the subjectpolicies: economic development,retailing and town centres, housing,rural development, coastal planning,fish farming, historic environment,landscape and natural heritage, openspace and physical activity, green belts,transport, renewable energy, flooding,waste, minerals, opencast coal andtelecommunications. Guidance onthe requirement that DevelopmentPlans are prepared with the objectiveof contributing to sustainabledevelopment (Section 3D, Planning etc.(Scotland) Act 2006) is also providedin this final part.

Because most policies are relativelyup-to-date, National Planning Policy isnot being reviewed, and this enablesthe consolidation to be progressed asquickly as possible. The consultativedraft SPP will be almost 90% shorterthan the existing seventeen SPPs and

NPPGs. This has been achieved byremoving the contextual informationand advice and by rewording policy tofit the new format.

When finalised later in 2009, the newSPP will replace SPPs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10,11, 15, 16, 17, 21 and 22, and NPPGs13, 14 and 19. NPPG12 SkiingDevelopments and SPP20 Role ofArchitecture and Design Scotland havenot been incorporated into the draft:a separate section on skiingdevelopments is not considerednecessary because other policies coverrelevant considerations, while the roleof A+DS is not planning policy.

The Scottish Government will beholding events in Inverness, Aberdeen,Glasgow and Edinburgh to supportdiscussion – consultation closes 24June 2009.

For further information on theconsolidated SPP and the consultationevents view: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/newSPPor contact Emma Richardson:emma.richardson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Towards a consolidated Scottish Planning Policy

Emma Richardson from theScottish Government discussesthe consultative draft of theconsolidated SPP.

© Scottish Government

0305

As a former elected member ofShetland Island’s Council, I wellremember the delights of the monthlyplanning meeting!

Tackling RecessionThe most important issue at this time forpoliticians at all levels has to be theeconomy: it’s about jobs, jobs, jobs.Acoherent and effective planning strategywill underpin our economic developmentand right now is more important thanever. The new Forth crossing, for instance,is not just a vital link in our transportinfrastructure, but will create thousandsof jobs and be a crucial boost to theregional economies of Fife and Edinburgh.

That is why it is frustrating that workon this key project cannot get underway because of the SNP’s battle withWestminster over funding. At present,every other planned transport projectalso hangs in the balance as the twoGovernments bicker.

Planning ReformImproving the level and quality of publicparticipation in planning has been onetheme of the planning modernisationprocess. Reconciling development andlocal sensitivities is always difficult, buta much greater role for communityinvolvement in the planning process iskey to the reforms.

Although some of the planning reformsintroduced will make it easier forhouseholds and businesses to installmicrorenewables, Ministers havenot gone far enough. There aredisappointing delays in sanctioningsmall turbine developments and airsource heat pumps, and practical issueswith the requirement that there should

be at least 100m between PermittedDevelopments.

Affordable HousingMore importantly, before sorting outhome renewable technology, theGovernment needs to address thechronic shortage of affordable housingin Scotland. Through the recession manypeople face the very real possibility oflosing their home or being unable topay the rent. But, there is a black hole infunding for affordable housing. HousingAssociations have to borrow almost halfthe money necessary to get new homesbuilt. The Scottish Government keepsre-announcing money they have alreadyallocated. So as planners, councils andconstruction companies work together,we must all push for Government toinvest new money.

At the same time, the constructionindustry in Scotland has been paralysedby the recession. Liberal Democratsstress the need to get the house-building programme moving again andto give a boost to the economy.

Climate Change and FloodingClimate Change brings immediatechallenges for our planning systemwhich cannot be ignored. Flooding, forinstance, is becoming a regular problemfor people across the UK. Public servicesin Scotland are getting better at keepingthe country moving in the face of snowand blizzards. This approach must nowbe applied to the growing number offloods and landslides. Last autumn Ivisited Yetholm in the Scottish Borderswhich had been badly affected byflooding. Homeowners were leftwithout power, and farmers were cut off

at one of the most important times ofyear for them. There is a Flooding Billgoing through Parliament, but it hasbeen beset with problems, particularlyabout funding. The ScottishGovernment approach is to state thatLocal Government has all the money itneeds. Local Government begs to differ.Who suffers? It’s time this blame gamewas sorted out.

In addition to the Parliamentary Bill, theGovernment needs contingency plans.They could start by identifying theroads most at risk from flooding andlandslides, to make sure that there is aplan in place to keep Scotland movingwhen natural disaster strikes.

Constructive working inParliamentA responsive, responsible planningstructure will underpin our economy asScotland fights the recession. It is up toall the Parties in Parliament to workconstructively to make sure that theright decisions are taken. The road outof this recession will depend on gettingplanning for the future sorted out.

The views expressed in this article arethose ofTavish ScottMSP.

Tavish Scott of the Scottish Liberal Democrats continuesour series from party leaders.

Climate Change bringsimmediate challenges forour planning system whichcannot be ignored.”

AView from Holyrood

“

APRIL 2009 Scottishplanner

06 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

: UPDATE

Implementing Planning Reform

David Hammond, PlanningOfficer (Development Plans)with North Ayrshire Councilconsiders how they areengaging with the public andother stakeholders throughtheir Development PlanScheme (DPS).

Delivering Planning Reform is highon the Government’s agenda.Whilstthe new regime was conceived in astrong economic market, a streamlinedprocess is arguably now even moreimportant in trying to facilitateeconomic recovery. Perhaps thisis the reason that Planning Reformhas maintained its impetus whilesome other national priorities

have been overshadowed by currentmarket conditions.

North Ayrshire Council has embracedthe new planning agenda. Our recentlypublished DPS marks the first interfacebetween the public and the new Plan.In this, we have tried to adopt anapproach which reflects the coreprinciples of the Government agendafor plans which are efficient, inclusive,fit for purpose and sustainable as setout below.

Efficient – In writing the DPS, wehave demonstrated efficientcommunication through adopting user-friendly, plain English. The drive forefficiency also underpinned ourdecision to state in the DPS thattraditional representations will besought after publication of the MainIssues Report (MIR). The MIR will focusthe debate, and direct the public,developers and agents as to how theirsubmissions may contribute to theCouncil’s vision for the area and help

Development Planning

With little over four months to go untilthe implementation of some of themost significant aspects of planningreform, Councils all over Scotland arenow firmly embedded in the processof making revised arrangements forputting into practice the changes todevelopment management. This isthe first in a series of articles to bepublished in the ‘Scottish Planner’ over2009 that will describe practical stepsbeing taken to implement the newlegislation and will also set out LocalAuthorities’ experiences of workingwith the new regulations during thedifferent stages of their introduction.

Hierarchy of DevelopmentsThe new statutory instruments andassociated draft circulars were issued toCouncils in December 2008. The firstregulations that take effect in earlyApril 2009 relate to the Hierarchy ofDevelopments. This means thatapplicants seeking to submit a majorapplication after 3 August are able tocarry out the statutory pre-applicationconsultation procedure, ensuring avalid ‘major’ application can beregistered on or after the August date.The two-staged introduction of the newregulations thus enables statutoryCommunity Council consultation by

applicants to take place in advance ofthe coming into force of the bulk ofthe regulations later in August.

The other key changes that have tobe speedily addressed include newSchemes of Delegation and theestablishment of the Local ReviewBodies. These will carry out reviews ofdecisions taken by persons appointedunder the 2006 Act who will determine‘local’ applications. Such changes willrequire amendments to Councils’Schemes of Administration and thesubmission of Schemes of Delegationto the Scottish Government by June.Given committee timetabling withinCouncils, time is indeed very tight.

The SSDP DevelopmentManagement Sub-CommitteeMany other changes will take effect inAugust including the provisions forCouncils to carry out NeighbourNotification, the preparation ofHandling Reports and the enhanced

Chris Norman, Development Control Manager with West LothianCouncil and Chair of the Scottish Society of Directors ofPlanning’s (SSDP) Development Management Sub-Committee,considers the work of Local Authorities and the SSDP inimplementing the new planning regulations during 2009.

Development Management

Drama-based workshop engaging young people on planning issues© North Ayrshire Council

07

role of Community Councils. Sadly,Planning Reform is taking place againsta major reduction in Councils’ feeincome and the additional financialand human resource implications willbe a concern with many Authorities.Nonetheless, through the SSDPDevelopment Management Sub-Committee, steps are being takento share practice about theimplementation of the new legislationacross Scotland, and discussionshave taken place, following thePlanning Summit (October 2008)about new working relationships withthe key agencies.

At a time of such significant change itis recognised that the pooling of

experience has many advantages. Ata well-attended meeting of the Sub-Committee in early March,representatives from some 14 LocalAuthorities identified key parts of thelegislation that give rise to questions ofinterpretation. Discussions are nowtaking place with Scottish Governmenton these matters and a response will becirculated to all Authorities. An e-mailcontact list of the key personnel fordevelopment management across

Scotland has been created to allow thedissemination of information and tosupport practitioners in exchangingquestions and experiences on practicalmatters that are identified as we movetowards implementation.

In my own Authority, as well ascommencing the procedural andpractical changes to implementPlanning Reform, I have begun a seriesof training events with CommunityCouncils, local architects and agents,and internal staff from the Council’shousing, architectural, property andlegal departments who will all beaffected by the changes. The nextstages involve discussing with theCouncil’s Elected Members the remit forthe Local Review Body, the terms of thenew Scheme of Delegation and thepractical steps to be put in place toinform the public of the changes.

At future meetings of the Sub-Committee we will be looking at waysof sharing common styles of proceduralnotice and continuing to learn fromeach other over the coming months.

For contact details for the SSDP view:www.ssdp.co.uk

Sadly, Planning Reform is takingplace against a major reduction inCouncils’ fee income and the additionalfinancial and human resourceimplications will be a concern withmany Authorities. Nonetheless,through the SSDP DevelopmentManagement Sub-Committee, steps arebeing taken to share practice about theimplementation of the new legislationacross Scotland.

“

”

them respond to the Main Issues.This will contextualise representations- speeding up our assessment ofsubmissions and giving the public anddevelopers alike greater certainty as tolikely policy changes and allocations.

Inclusive –We need to be as inclusiveas possible in plan-making. In preparingour MIR, we are developing ‘toolkits’for dissemination to schools andCommunity Councils to encourageinvolvement and capacity-building.The kits will contain a handbook,worksheets and a disposable camera.It is hoped the toolkits will focusdiscussion on the Main Issues andassist in articulating opinion. However,we need to maintain face-to face-contact, so once the toolkits arecompleted we will gatherrepresentatives from the groupstogether for a plenary discussion.

In our wider public engagement,after publication of the MIR, we aremoving away from top-table style

presentations. Our strategy includesfocus groups consisting of communityinvitees to boost equality and inclusion.This brings different sectors ofcommunities around the table todiscuss the Main Issues and, at theProposed Plan stage, site-specific details.We will maximise use of the internetand email to maintain momentum; withregular e-bulletins to keep interestedparties abreast of progress.

Fit for Purpose – The DPS sets out ashort, efficient and transparentframework to produce a Plan that isproportionate.We think this sends theright message to the public and otherplan users. Planning is, by its nature,complex and technical, however, wehave worked hard to produce a DPS

which is clear and concise at just 700words. While the MIR will have anumber of lengthy or technicalbackground reports, these will remain‘under the table’ but available for thosewho wish to pore over them. The MIRitself will be presented in the style ofan Executive Summary withappropriate maps and diagrams.

Sustainable – The DPS sets out howour Plan process incorporates SEA fromthe first instance, and runs parallelwith Plan production. In addition, wehave decided to carry out Social andEconomic Reports in tandem, whichwill work with the EnvironmentalReport to aid fully sustainabledecision-making.

We are all cutting our teeth on thenew planning system and much is stillunknown. One thing is for certain: fulland frank input from communities, keyagencies, the private sector and otherstakeholders is essential to the deliveryof Planning Reform.

…we are developing ‘toolkits’for dissemination to schools andCommunity Councils to encourageinvolvement and capacity-building.

“

”

Howden Park Centre in Livingston©West Lothian Council

APRIL 2009 Scottishplanner

08 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

: SUSTAINABLE PLACEMAKING

Enquiry by Design forSustainable PlacemakingHank Dittmar, Chief Executive with the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment considershow its work is impacting on placemaking and planning in Scotland.

Almost three years ago the Prince’s Foundation opened anational office in Edinburgh in response to growing interestin its work and to directly engage with the emergent planningsystem. The Foundation is involved in education, research and,importantly, live projects in order to demonstrate timeless andecological ways of planning, designing and building –ultimately aimed at improving quality of life.

A process by consensusAn engagement process developed by the Foundation andknown as Enquiry by Design (EbD) is employed at theoutset of every project: it has been used from Castletown inCaithness to Cumnock in East Ayrshire to draw up long-termmasterplans for sustainable growth and regeneration basedupon broad consensus. Through intensive workshops theFoundation engages with communities, landowners,businesses, Local Authorities and other interest groups. TheFoundation also relies on specialist support to assist its designteam: recently this has includedWSP on roads and transportand the Building Research Establishment for greeninfrastructure. At Cumnock,Willie Miller Urban Design,Benjamin Tindall Architects, Austin-Smith Lord and LukeMoloney have all played parts in generating the masterplanfor development associated with the saving of DumfriesHouse; whilst Oliver Chapman and James Simpson architectshave been involved with the house and estate buildings. TheFoundation is also encouraged by the take-up of EbD by otherScottish architects including Anta Architecture and MichaelGilmore Associates. The Foundation also works with its sister

charity the Prince’s Regeneration Trust when projects involvefinding new uses for existing buildings.

Scottish Awards for Quality in PlanningFive EbD workshops have been carried out so far in the NorthEast where pressures of growth are anticipated over comingdecades. One of the largest of these in scope was theproduction of a new vision for the town of Ellon, which hasessentially become a commuter satellite to Aberdeen. Theprocess was sponsored by Scotia Homes, an Ellon-based firm,and it resulted in three strategic outputs: a framework plan forthe whole town; large-scale physical models of specific areas;and a Pattern Book, to help establish legibility, variety anddistinctiveness of form. The large team assembled for Ellonincluded Urban Design Associates from the USA, who arerecognised for their development of new urban design tools.The Enquiry for Ellon recently received the Award forCommunity Involvement at the Scottish Awards for Quality inPlanning (2008) where its adaptability to a wide variety ofcontexts and scales was acknowledged.

Influencing policyCommon themes can be found between the Foundation’swork and many of the planning reforms underway in Scotland.In 2008 a major conference entitled Sustainable Places, aScottish Future was hosted at the Palace of Holyrood - jointlysponsored by Scottish Government and the Foundation - andsought to emphasise the importance of placemaking. A newpolicy document Designing Streets has been written and putout to consultation by a team includingWSP: it embodiessome of the design principles that the Foundation hasdemonstrated through its work to prioritise people over cars.Most recently, Susan Stirling, a Scottish Government PrincipalPlanner, completed a secondment with the Foundation inLondon where she gained experience of the full range of theFoundation’s national and international activities and wasinvolved in developing new Foundation-led educationinitiatives with Local Authorities in Scotland.

The Foundation is well-placed to play an important role overthe next few years, during a period that will set the course forcarefully considered growth and restructuring through andbeyond the current downturn.

For further information on the Prince’s Foundation for theBuilt Envronment visit:www.princes-foundation.org orcontact EdTaylor: ed.taylor@princes-foundation.org

Detail of Ellon masterplan© Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment

09

How can we make sustainable places:places which not only deliverenvironmental benefits but are wherepeople want to live, work and visit… andwhich retain this attraction over time?Our experience of working to transformurban spaces into places for peopleidentifies the following three key factors.

Connecting with peopleSuccessful places evoke feelings ofrelaxation or excitement. They are, forinstance, attractive, meaningful, safe,welcoming and sociable; qualities whichare not just aspects of the physicalenvironment itself. It is important,therefore, to view placemaking as aprocess for creating environments whichmaximise the opportunities for peopleto connect with them. To do this, wemust engage with stakeholders earlyand consistently.

No place is created in a vacuum so theprocess should start with an evaluationof what we already have. This must beinclusive, with much wider engagementthan the ‘usual suspects’. This buildssupport, allowing people from a range ofbackgrounds and skills to work togetherusing the language of the communityrather than of professionals: often simplybringing people together in one roomleads to new approaches and solutions.Such ‘place evaluation’ needs to focus onwhat is good about the area and couldbe enhanced, rather than its problems.A focus on functions rather thantechnical solutions helps people expresswhat they would like to be able to do ina specific place.

Working to ‘real’ timescalesThe timeframes professionals use areoften both too long and too short to

meet the expectations of localcommunities. The time taken to get fullpermissions and arrangements in placecan give the impression that nothing ishappening. Conversely, professionalsoften move away from a project longbefore the factors required for successare all in place. If, however, theplacemaking process can deliver short-term ‘quick wins’, change can beginalmost immediately and experimentationmay be possible before committing tofinal plans. Smaller-scale actions help todevelop community structures andcapacity which can be crucial to long-term success. Delivering in the longerterm requires a focus on ‘place’ not‘project’ and an understanding ofadaptability and management.

Adaptability, multi-functionality and activemanagementThere is a danger when we talk ofsustainability that we focus too stronglyon environmental considerations to thedetriment of social and economic ones.For example, climate modelling suggestthat our towns and cities will have tocope with more extreme rainfall events

and associated flooding. Part of thestrategy to manage this includes the useof Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems(SUDS) and the creation of (single-use)spaces that slow the rate of watertransfer.While these may increasesustainability they don’t by themselvesmake places. Glasgow’s East End LocalDevelopment Strategy recognises thisand instead encourages thedevelopment of SUDS which createmulti-functional spaces that can alsocontribute to local identity and sense ofplace. We are seeking to promote theimportance of multi-functional spacesthroughout all placemaking – clusteringand layering uses within an area greatlyenhances the qualities of welcome,vibrancy and sociability.

Adaptability is ultimately dependent onmanagement, particularly managingareas to actively encourage new uses.Often what is needed is simply thepermission to use local spaces forcommunity events and to allow thedevelopment of new uses - where thesedo not adversely affect others.Management emphasis should be onplaces where people are comfortable inusing and adapting their environment:this builds ownership, connection and alasting sense of place.

Great Places,Great Cities 09:greenspace scotland and RTPI in Scotlandare both partners for this internationalconference (4-5 June, Glasgow) -view: www.greenspacescotland.org.uk/GreatPlacesGreatCities

Formore information viewwww.greenspacescotland.org.uk/placemaking andwww.pps.org

Interactive Placemakingwith Local Peopleplacemaking scotland is a partnership between greenspace scotland andthe Project for Public Spaces. It works to maximise communityengagement and empowerment and to support ‘locally-sensitive’ solutionsfor sustainable placemaking. Deryck Irving, Partnership and EnablingManager for greenspace scotland, discusses the learning so far.

Great places are distinctive, active and busy, with something for everyone© greenspace scotland

APRIL 2009 Scottishplanner

www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

: SUSTAINABLE PLACEMAKING

Creating healthy places is a key objectivefor the Scottish Government, localauthorities, developers, designers andcommunities.With the credit crunchbiting, collaboration and a holisticapproach to partnership-working is vitalin delivering sustainable places andfacilitating sustainable economic growth.

The recent RTPI in Scotland and ScottishYoung Planners Network conference onPlacemaking in Scotland: a planner’s role- see page12 for the full conferencereport - demonstrated how planningreform is bringing in a new role forplanners, and recognised the vision andleadership required to deliver high-quality places. No one wants to live ina ‘nowhere’: we need places that arevalued economically, socially andenvironmentally, and which can growand support themselves.

The economic downturn, too, is changinghow we think about delivering places,and giving time to reflect on whatquality placemaking involves. One clearmessage is that great places do not needto be extraordinary. The challengeinstead is to redefine a ‘new ordinary’which suits our everyday lifestylesand aspirations, and which deliverssustainable mixed communities.

Halcrow is organising a Scottish YoungPlanners seminar on 10 June to promotefurther practical guidance on these issues– for further information see below.

Places for People: aninnovative approachScotland requires an innovative approachto placemaking that provides for acontemporary attitude, building on thebest traditions to create distinctive,distinguished and deliverable places.This must provide an antidote to thebland and mundane developmentpatterns that are not in the long-terminterest of our cities and towns.Importantly, a new approach must tapinto community expectations to createhealthy places and a nuanced view ofgrowth. This should result in a newdemand for ‘places for people’:economically and socially vibrant placesproviding a foothold for positivesystemic change.

Such an approach needs to recognise theconnections between development,density and quality of life. It should beplace-centred, people-oriented andpromote a greater mix of housing,business and retail uses. It must createthe critical mass that can provide localservices and stem the need for privatecar travel. It should integrate openspaces and other environmentalamenities to safeguard and improvephysical and mental well-being.

There will be no ‘one-size-fits-all’solution: every place is unique. There willbe a need to develop a bespoke visionfor each initiative based on the agendaof key stakeholders.

The four key principlesThe approach needs to be based aroundsustainability and to set a strategicplanning direction by using the followingfour principles - economic development,environment, accessibility and communityinclusion (see box). A key componentmust be effective stakeholdercollaboration – which encourgesparticipation and is inclusive. This mustdevelop a culture of collaboration withstakeholders that is much more than aprocess of partnership and which will paydividends for delivery in future years.

HalcrowPlaceAt Halcrow we have developedtechniques to address these challenges -HalcrowPlace and Collaboration forSuccess. Recent projects where we havehad the opportunity to successfullyapply this approach include:

Perth Western Expansion Area:provided advice on the long-termgrowth of Perth, consideringinfrastructure provision, urban designand funding mechanisms. The projectaimed to bring forward a significantcommunity growth area with potentialfor 2,000 new homes.

Stefano Smith and Scott Davidsonfrom Halcrow discuss the context,principles and projects thatunderline their bespoke approachto placemaking – HalcrowPlace.

10

Haymarket Interchange Study and Masterplan © City of Edinburgh CouncilA96 Corridor Framework ©The Highland Council

The Challenges of Sustain

11

Three Towns’ Regeneration Plans, IrvineBay: prepared regeneration plans for thetown centres of Ardrossan, Saltcoats andStevenson. These were developed throughrobust collaborative working and publicconsultation. Pragmatic, practical proposalsfor significant positive change weredeveloped for this high-profile project.

Haymarket Interchange Study andMasterplan: addressed complex planning,engineering and design issues and within thecontext of driving forward a commerciallyrobust and innovative design for the gatewayto Edinburgh City Centre – aWorld HeritageSite. This allowed a preferred option for themasterplanning of the HaymarketInterchange to be selected.

Paisley Town Centre North: prepared aMasterplan and development strategy for abusiness-led regeneration of part of thetown centre, by identifying a robust baselineand market analysis.

A96 Corridor Framework, HighlandCouncil: undertook a major studyto establish the capacity of the A96 Corridorto accommodate substantial newsettlements for 10,000+ houses post-2011,and to establish a clear implementation andfunding framework. The masterplanning ofthe A96 Corridor is a significant planningchallenge for Scotland.

Burdiehouse, Edinburgh:workedto promote a sustainable communityintegrated within the urban fringe of theCity; one which supports sustainable

development and minimises impacts onthe natural and built environment.

Biggar Extension, Biggar: developeda Masterplan and supporting DesignStatement to promote a sustainableextension to the Borders conservationtown of Biggar.

Successful Places, Scottish Centre forRegeneration: led research into successfulplacemaking across the UK, identifying bestpractice, and highlighting case studies of eightnew places including New Hall, Harlow; NewGorbals, Glasgow; and Staithes, Gateshead.The study focused on placemaking ‘in theround’ by considering housing, access, qualityof life, urban design, economics, environmentand health.

Stornoway Harbour and DistrictRegeneration Study: examined theregeneration opportunities - including socio-economic impacts - at the Harbour, resultingfrom the relocation of some facilities. Theopportunity presented is outstanding forStornoway and theWestern Isles generally.

Four keyprinciples forsustainableplacemaking…Economic development

• ensure land use is appropriateand development uses aresited to maximum advantage,emphasising sustainabledevelopment.

• promote a mix of land usesthat allow houses and jobs tobe closely related anda more varied mix toward thecentre of places.

• make development decisionspredictable, fair and cost-effective through developinga clear master-planned contextvia a stakeholder process thatunderstands market trends.

• present master-plannedoutcomes that afford theopportunity to create vibrantareas that are marketresponsive.

Environment

• take advantage ofenvironmentally-sensitivebuilding design that respectsand responds to local context.

• maintain, integrate andenhance open space, naturalfeatures and criticalenvironmental areas tomaximise the quality of life.

Accessibility

• relate development density toaccessibility to help ensureviable public transport services.

• deliver walk-able and cycle-friendly places that areattractive with a strong senseof place through legible andpermeable design.

• ensure accessibility by activelypromoting attractive publictransport.

• maximise opportunities todevelop accessibility andconnectivity.

Community inclusion

• contribute to the creation of arange of housing opportunitiesand choices, and promote arange of housing density.

• strengthen existingcommunities through theprovision of services andopportunities for the widercommunity.

To learn more about Halcrow’s work please register for the Scottish Young Planners Breakfast Seminar atCity Park in Glasgow on 10 June or the RTPIWest of Scotland Chapter Placemaking event at City Park inGlasgow on 28 May – further information via scotland@rtpi.org.uk. To discuss placemaking generally,please contact either Stefano Smith in Edinburgh (smithsb@halcrow.com) or Scott Davidson in Glasgow(davidsons@halcrow.com).

able Placemaking

DeliveringIn a changed economic and market context delivery of successful places has becomean increasing challenge. Key elements that must be applied include:

• to garner a commitment to a strategic delivery solution that recognises therelationship between infrastructure provision and development, and their phasing;

• to promote a meaningful and pragmatic understanding across government agencies,landowners, developers and their advisors;

• to agree an accountable SMART action plan to facilitate delivery.

The Green, Aberdeen © Scottish Enterprise

APRIL 2009 Scottishplanner

12 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

When debating the topic for the AnnualConference, the Steering Group faced adevelopment climate completely alteredfrom that of 12 months ago. In 2008, wediscussed whether Scottish plannerswere up to the challenge of delivering32,500 homes every year. It seems agrotesque irony now.

For 2009, we decided the theme neededto be irreducible, something that wasrelevant no matter what challengesplanners faced. Making better placesshould be at the core of what we do,therefore, the conference wouldexamine Placemaking – A Planner’s Role.

Anticipating lower demand, wedownscaled the venue but needn’t havebothered! The event was sold out andthe big crowd brought with them thebuzz associated with our conferences.This was partly due to ScottishGovernment sponsorship and havingJohn Swinney as our opening speaker;a massive contribution to the day andgreatly appreciated. Our thanks for theirsupport also go to our other sponsors:Atkins, EDI Group, Fife Council, ScottWilson and the Improvement Service.

Visions of Successful PlacesProfessor Trevor Davies successfullychaired the day ensuring fluidity andtime-keeping: moreover his enthusiasmfor the topic was clear from his ownanimated contributions. Our firstkeynote speaker, Diarmaid Lawlor, Headof Urbanism at Architecture + DesignScotland, set out a vision for the futureof placemaking. He is a fast-talking,fast-thinking Irishman, and a passionateadvocate for our responsibility to makequality places. Diarmaid suggested fiveconcepts that should guide what goeswhere and why: long life/loose fit, newordinary, multiplicity, spontaneous city,and changing places. Central to hisargument was the desire not to buildplaces of mediocre or indifferent quality.

Malcolm Cooper, Chief Inspector withHistoric Scotland, followed with his viewof how history contributes to a sense ofplace: he was insistent on the ability ofour built heritage to make a positivecontribution. The flexibility of historicbuildings often goes ignored and as aresult they are neglected, seen asreminders of past glories and presentfailures. Their re-use can uplift acommunity and provide an opportunityto add value, drawing on the narrativeof place.

Placemaking needs investment and asupportive market. Dr Mark Robertsonof Ryden highlighted the practicalproblems that can prevent placemaking.Key among these is the disparitybetween the short-term interests of thedeveloper and the long-term interestsof tenants and investors; misalignmentsthat planners have to understand toaddress. Nick Brown then set out hisexperience of working in small andmedium towns in Scotland’s North East,demonstrating the different challengesthey face and how working withcommunities can uplift local moraleand lead to financial and emotionalinvestment in these sometimesneglected locations.

On a more practical level, Simon Pallantof Planning Aid for Scotland detailedtheir work to improve the contributionof communities to planning andplacemaking, and Nicola Hay from theScottish Government explained theScottish Sustainable CommunitiesInitiative, which supports and publicisesexamples of sustainable placemakingin Scotland.

Place, Community and SoulOur final session was the wildcard.Alastair McIntosh of the Centre forHuman Ecology and David Harding, anartist and Chair of the Royston RdProject in Glasgow, were invited becausewe wanted different perspectives on

what ‘place’ can mean. Alistair held us inthrall as he swept us into his vision ofhow community gives a place its soul,spirituality and history. David Harding’sartistic contributions to places notknown for their heart and soul showedwhat could be achieved with littlemoney but some ingenuity.

The panel discussions were of ahigh level; facilitated by the Chairand the President of the RTPI, MartinWilley, who had stayed on afteroutlining the RTPI’s plans for the year.Valuable contributions came from thefloor as young planners again showedtheir ability to ask questions ofthemselves and their profession - surelya positive thing.

The feedback so far includes:“Inspirational, uplifting and motivating”;“Very thought-provoking”; “Consideringplacemaking at all levels”; and “Offeredscope to learn new ideas and to meetfriends and former colleagues”. Theseare all the things we hoped for andmore. Our thanks go to our speakersand to all those who attended andcontributed to a successful day.

Forthcoming event:Halcrow’sScottishYoung Planners BreakfastSeminar on Sustainable Placemakingto be held at City Park inGlasgowon10 June – further information viasypg@rtpi.org.uk.

“Inspirational, uplifting and motivating”Young planners put placemaking on the mapFiona Clandillon from the Scottish Young Planners Network’sSteering Group reports on the very successful RTPI ScottishYoung Planners’Annual Conference held on 11 March.

: SUSTAINABLE PLACEMAKING

Artist GrahamFagenworkedwith the RoystonRoad community, running a local poll to name atea rose.The Royston Rose or ‘Where theHeart Is’is nowplantedwidely in people’s gardens andpublic flowerbeds. David Harding, artist-educator, Chair of the Royston Rd Project inGlasgow and Conference speaker.

©Alisdair Simpson

13

There is general scientific agreement thathumans and their carbon emissions havecaused the world’s climate to change, andthat we are approaching the peak of theworld’s oil output. Both Peak Oil and the‘point of no return’ in climate changeterms are likely to be 10-15 years away.As our buildings generally last for 50years and our urban structures around200 years, the case for radical changenow should be clear to all.

The challenge is to maintain and improvethe quality of life whilst substantiallylowering carbon emissions and fossil fueldependency. The target should be that allresidents can live within their global ‘fairshare’ - a carbon footprint of no morethan 2.1 tonnes per person per annum.Planning should be at the forefront oftackling this question.What should ourtowns and cities look like in the future?Can they work by producing only a tinyfraction of current carbon emissions?

There are small steps being taken, e.g.Edinburgh Standards for SustainableBuilding, Scottish Borders CouncilSupplementary Planning Guidance onTimber in Construction, SPP 6 and PAN84. Each is in itself ground breaking, butdo they go far enough? The answer isundoubtedly no.

Some places have ambitious visionsof the future:

Curritiba, Brazil:with its mass rapidtransit systems, encouragement of greentechnology firms, walkable city and cityscale recycling.

Bo01, Malmo, Sweden: aiming for50% of the carbon emissions of anormal housing area. Principles includetransforming brownfield sites intoattractive residential areas and

public spaces, efficient energyconsumption, new technology for watersaving and sewage treatment, andhealthy building materials.

The Dutch district of Nieuwland:designed around short walking and cyclingroutes with low carbon housing, districtheating schemes and green spaces.

These examples required vision,leadership and new skills in physical andenvironmental design.We should beequipping all our planners with thisknowledge and lobbying governmentsand councils to lead. There are nostandard solutions; each region, city andneighbourhood needs to be consideredin its own context. At the very least,sustainability training should be amandatory component of the RTPI’sannual CPD requirement.

There are some themes and patternsof development we should rejectimmediately: we should be saying no toout-of-town development with tokenpublic transport, no to housing sprawl, noto dispersed communities.We must focuson a few simple patterns of densificationof town/city uses, pedestrian firstenvironments, creative use of spaces,innovative energy and heating solutions,and clever transport proposals.

The Sullivan Report prepared by theScottish Government sets out a boldstrategy for Scotland’s building fabric butdoes not address the planning issues.We need that bold vision for planning ata national scale and, at a more local level:it needs to be creative and backed upthrough political will, policy, LocalDevelopment Plans, and funding.

New visions should be generated fromthe grass roots and top down.Why not

turf over George Square and bringcitizens, academics and professionalstogether for a weekend of debate?Perhaps we should hold big planningcompetitions for new ideas for the future.Students of Planning,Architecture andUrban Design should be presenting theirvisionary ideas to Council leaders andpoliticians. Planners need to thinkcreatively and take the lead, the time foraction is now, and the need has neverbeen greater.

Matt Bridgestock is a Planner/Architectwith John Gilbert Architects and tutoron Strathclyde University’s UrbanDesign course – a referenced version ofthis article is available via theYPN. TheYPN has recently consulted on climatechange as part of the RTPI’s refreshingof the ‘NewVision for Planning’.

For further information on the YPNvisit: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/young_planners_network/

Leadership required for truly sustainable placesMatt Bridgestock, a member of the RTPI’s Young Planners Network (YPN), calls on planners to becreative and courageous in the face of global challenges.

Bo01, MALMO, SWEDEN: Aiming for50% of the carbon emissions of normalhousing, and attractive public spaces.© John Gilbert Architects

APRIL 2009 Scottishplanner

14 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

Bill Lindsay is Team Leader for Local and CommunityPolicy with Fife Council Development Services, aformer RTPI Scottish Executive Committee Convener,and a current member of the Planning SummerSchool’s Council. Here he takes a look back at some ofthe practical learning from a career in planning.

It’s illuminating to speak to people inplanning who never planned to beplanners. Some came by way of law orgeography. In my case, it was via aconsulting engineers’ office, naturallyenough! I trained as an electrical designengineer and was at home with lightingcalculations and at the drawing board.You didn’t need Ethernet cables forparallel motions - and if you know whatthey are you are more than likely over35. My involvement in meetings witharchitects and engineers allowed meto learn about other environmentalprofessions, and through a speculativevisit to Glasgow District Council’sPlanning Department, the work ofplanners struck a chord.

My first planning job after graduating in1985 was a temporary post in Falkirksurveying and reporting on vacant towncentre floorspace. After a few weeks,I started work with Edinburgh DistrictCouncil as local planner. That’s when Itruly realised that planning educationdoes not really prepare you for workingin planning for real: even now, there isscope to teach more about design,government and economics.

Over the years since then, I have goneback to the private sector and then toFife where I was given the opportunity

to build a new Local Plans team forNorth East Fife District Council.

My work with Fife Council has beenrefreshed every four to five years - timefor a change again then! I now managethe team responsible for Fife’s LocalDevelopment Plans and policy. On aday-to-day basis, my role has becomemore about management, leadershipand governance than site visits anddrawing proposal boundaries. Myinvolvement in planning activitiesoutwith the Council has, however,helped to keep tabs on what ishappening elsewhere.

Those activities have included servingon the RTPI’s Scottish ExecutiveCommittee until last year and being theScottish representative on the steeringgroup of the RTPI’s DevelopmentPlanning Network. Away from the RTPI,I have an active role in the PlanningSummer School, an independent charitywhich runs Annual Schools throughoutthe U.K. The Summer School providesexcellent CPD for all of us working inthe environmental professions, includingElected Members. As one of a smallgroup of Scottish members on theSchool’s Council, I can help to keepScotland’s planning presence visibleto the rest of the U.K., as well aslearning from what is happening inEngland,Wales, Northern Irelandand internationally.

I’ve never really stopped learning –planning as well as life. I’ve beenfortunate to work with some talentedand inspirational people. I currentlyhave the privilege of leading an excellentteam of dedicated people and I takepleasure in seeing their growth anddevelopment as confident professionals.

What can I distil from the last24 years?

Advice: to younger planners, don’tbe afraid to make mistakes - butnot the same one twice - and totheir managers, be prepared tosupport them.

Frustrations: apart from the abuse ofapostrophes, the way we complicatesimple messages. The theme of thisedition is sustainable placemaking butfind me someone in Buchanan Streetor the Overgate who can explain whatthat is, and I’ll buy you a pint.

Regrets: none really. I would haveliked the chance to get involved indevelopment control earlier in mycareer, but I do sleep at night.

Hopes: that we avoid making thesame mistakes made in the 1960s ofpromoting thousands of homes withlittle or no services or facilities in asterile environment - my formativeyears were in Easterhouse - andthat as a society we learn to respectour environment.

Skills and experiences: Most ofthose picked up will stay with me –I can still master the cleaning of aRotring pen!

A Planner’s Profile

As one of a small group ofScottish members on the

School’s Council, I can help tokeep Scotland’s planningpresence visible to the restof the U.K.

“

”

: VIEWSAND NEWS

… that we avoid makingthe same mistakes made

in the 1960s of promotingthousands of homes with littleor no services or facilities ina sterile environment - myformative years were inEasterhouse.

“

”

15

Keeping planning positiveMalcolm Macleod, Convener of the RTPI Highlands and Islands Chapter, reports on theirrecent day-long development seminar which caught the attention of many across Scotland.

Generally speaking, one does not havethe Queen and the Aga Khan as thekey stakeholders in the preparationand determination of a planningapplication, but such was thechallenge given to TurnberryConsulting in the redevelopment ofAscot Racecourse. Paul Roberts fromTurnberry Consulting regaled theChapter with tales of how a majorscheme like that can be deliveredthrough rigorous project management,a light touch from the planningsystem and an effective and well-researched Masterplan.

This was just a small slice of a dayseminar entitled DeliveringDevelopment in the Highlands andIslands, held on 30 January inInverness. The event drew over 120people from across Scotland todiscover more about the currentdevelopment context, the role ofeffective pre-application advice, thedevelopment process, and the role ofplanning consultants.

Adapting to currenteconomicsStuart Black, Highland Council Directorof Planning & Development, JonathanFair, Chief Executive of Homes forScotland and David Sutherland,Chairman of Tulloch Homes Limited,all gave different but positiveperspectives on the current economicoutlook. The need for Planning

Authorities and developers to worktogether was a key theme runningthrough all three presentations.Jonathan summed this up bysuggesting that Planning Authoritiescould enable development by lookingat Section 75 payment schedules,identifying innovative public sectorfinancing models, providing for viableand flexible design and tenure mixes,and using affordable housing to kick-start developments.

One of the main aims of the day wasto focus on the role that effective pre-application advice can play in helpingto deliver major developmentschemes. Richard Hartland, Head ofPlanning & Building Standards,provided the context for change inplanning, before detailing howHighland Council is seeking to do thisby launching new pre-applicationguidance and supporting protocol.

Planning Reform in actionAberdeenshire Council have beenthere, done that and were wearing thet-shirt - metaphorically of course -with Darren Ross recounting howthey have implemented their MajorApplications Service. Many of thebenefits such as improved staff morale,increased certainty of decision,improved consistency across theCouncil and more efficient use ofresources, are clear demonstrationsof Planning Reform in action. Darren

emphasised the positives for Councilslooking to adopt a similar approach, asopposed to following the advice of acertain Homer Jay Simpson, who tookthe view that: “Kids, you tried your bestand you failed miserably. The lesson is,never try!”

Alan Ogilvie from G.H. JohnstonLimited and Richard Hughes of TullochHomes Limited gave delegates a runthrough of some of the issues thatprivate developers face in progressingschemes.Whilst some of these relatedto the operation of the planningsystem, some were to be found inthe natural environment with thechallenge of dealing with resident redsquirrels a common thread in bothpresentations! And last but not least,the Chairman of the Scottish PlanningConsultants Forum, Rick Finc, coveredthe role that planning consultantscan play in supporting the planningprocess as we prepare for an up-turnin the economy.

The Chair for the day, HighlandCouncillor Iain Ross, concluded theseminar with an optimistic view ofdevelopment prospects for theHighlands & Islands. He emphasisedthe role of early and effectivediscussion on major developmentschemes which will undoubtedly leadto greater certainty in the planningprocess, and challenged planners toshow creativity and ambition todemonstrate where planning can makea real difference.

January’s event was hailed a positivesuccess, by others as well as us, honest,and our thanks in particular go to G.H.Johnston Limited and Highland Councilfor supporting and co-sponsoring theevent. Keep an eye out for otherHighlands & Islands Chapter eventswhich are being planned for later in theyear and will be advertised shortly –view ‘Chapters’ via RTPI in Scotlandhomepage www.scotland.rtpi.org.uk

Inverness from the air © Highland Council

APRIL 2009 Scottishplanner

168

www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

News and events

Events - RTPI Nationaland ChaptersFor more information on these eventsview the RTPI in Scotland homepage atwww.scotland.rtpi.org.uk and …

For National events including PartnerEvents choose ‘RTPI in Scotland Nationaland Network Events/Events and PartnerEvents’ in the left-hand column.

For Chapter events choose ‘ScottishChapters/Chapter pages’ in the left-hand column and follow to particularChapter page.

April

28: Scottish Planning Education ForumSeminar on Research and Practice –enquiries to RTPI in Scotland

30:West of Scotland Chapter event –Knockroon, Dumfries House with thePrince’s Foundation

tbc. Edinburgh Lothian Fife & BordersChapter event – Planning LegislativeChanges; the calm before the storm

May

20: RTPI in Scotland Annual Sir PatrickGeddes Commemorative Lecture 2009Murdo Macdonald, Professor of theHistory of Scottish Art at Duncan ofJordanstone College of Art will speak on‘Patrick Geddes and the ScottishGeneralist Tradition’ at the Royal Societyof Edinburgh. See brochure enclosedwith the Journal.

28:West of Scotland Chapter event –Placemaking

28: Edinburgh Lothian Fife & BordersChapter event – Design

June

4-5: Great Places Great Cities – partnersinclude greenspace scotland and RTPI

25: West of Scotland Chapter event –ArdrossanWindfarm visit

tbc. Edinburgh Lothian Fife & BordersChapter event – West Edinburgh site visit

RTPI NewsClimate Change Challenge: the RTPI’sUK-wide consultation to support thereview of its Vision for Planning has justfinished (10 April) – feedback from thiswill follow in the next issue.

For the April edition of the monthlyRTPI Network News view via:www.rtpi.org.uk – choose ‘Networks andAssociations’ from the ‘Events Awards andNetworking’ tab at the top of the home-page… and then scroll down.

Other News – includingUK and InternationalKevin McCloud and the role of Planners– the debate continues?It was encouraging to read in PlanningResource (11.03.09) that, Grand Designs’presenter Kevin McCloud believes plannershave embraced sustainability better thanany other section of the built environmentsector. Surely it is coincidental that hisviews were reported soon after Bob Reid’sOpinion piece, On hearing that KevinMcCloud thinks “planners should retrain asplumbers…” was published in February’senvironmentally-themed Scottish Planner.Or is it just possible the new-look journalis reaching out to new audiences?

The Scottish Sustainable CommunitiesInitiative (SSCI), launched in June 2008by Scottish Government, sets out toencourage creation of a number of verylow or zero carbon communities whichdemonstrate the ability to deliver highquality design and environmentaloutcomes. There has been a very positiveresponse to the invitation, with nearly70 submissions received. The assessmentprocess is nearing completion and it isintended to showcase submissions in anexhibition later in the Spring. See thenext edition of the Scottish Planner formore details on outcomes of thisexciting Initiative.

Nicola Hay, Scottish SustainableCommunities Initiative Team

For more information see the ScottishGovernment website at :http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/SSCI

Commonwealth Association ofPlanners – view latest news itemsincluding ‘theWorld Habitat Awards –Invitation to Enter’ (item dated 13/03/09)at: http://www.commonwealth-planners.org/latest.html

RTPI International DevelopmentNetwork – view presentation onPlanning for Adaptation to ClimateChange in Trinidad and Tobago at:http://www.rtpi.org.uk/international_development_network/

Chapter NewsEdinburgh Lothian Fife Borders (ELFB) Chapter

Annual Curling Bonspiel

On Friday 6 February six teams from ScottishBorders Council, City of Edinburgh, TurleyAssociates, Malcolm Fraser Architects andHalcrow (x2) competed for the title of ELFB2009 Curling Bonspiel Champions. It was ahighly enjoyable evening played in the uniqueatmosphere of the Murrayfield curling rink.Newcomers to curling received basicinstruction and advice alongside moreexperienced players, and the overall mix provedsuccessful as the games were all closelycontested. The greater curling nous of theShifty Sliders from Halcrow, however, prevailedand they ended worthy winners.

Hamish Bell

ELFB ProgrammeThe 2008 CPD Programme proved to be verysuccessful with an average attendance ofaround 20 to 30, and we are developing areputation for quality. Our provisional 2009programme takes account of the Chapter’scontinued support of the work of the RTPI inScotland and Scottish Government, includingthe implementation of the Planning etc(Scotland) Act 2006 and other significantinitiatives such as design and sustainableplacemaking, and transport and connectivity.Potential site visits includeWest Edinburgh andthe proposed international business gateway,and the St James Quarter project.

ELFB CommitteeMany thanks to the existing Committeemembers BenWilson (City of Edinburgh),Nikola Miller (GVA Grimley), Katherine Pollock(Turley Associates), Tony Irving (West LothianCouncil), Hamish Bell (City of Edinburgh) andnew recruit AilsaWright (Halcrow).

We are also seeking new Committee Members.If you are inspired to take a more proactive rolein the Chapter please don’t hesitate to contactme. It would be great to hear from you!

Stefano Smith, RTPI ELFB Chapter:elbf.scotland@rtpi.org.uk

: VIEWSAND NEWS

© Samantha ThameChampions - The Shifty Sliders

17

We would like to welcome the following Members in

Scotland who have recently been elected to the Institute:

Corporate:

Alastair Coke Aberdeen City Council

Naomi Cunningham RPS Edinburgh

Matthew Easton Aberdeen City Council

Daniel Harrington Aberdeenshire Council

David Hearton South Ayrshire Council

Grainne Lennon City of Edinburgh Council

Nikola Miller GVA Grimley Ltd

Muhammed Majeed Aberdeen City Council

Riccardo Marini City of Edinburgh Council

Gavin Russell East Renfrewshire Council

Kirsty Sweeney Loch Lomond and Trossachs

National Park

JamesWelsh Halliday Fraser Munro

Dr ChristineWhittle Dumfries and Galloway Council

AlisonWood Fife Council

Associate:Fraser Blackwood Scottish Environmental

Protection Agency

Technical:MurrayWilson City of Edinburgh Council

We would also like to welcome the following who have

recently become Licentiate or Student Members within

the Institute in Scotland:

Licentiate:

Nicola Abrams Aberdeenshire Council

Iain Brodie West Lothian Council

Chris Collins ScottishWater

Sophie Corbett Renfrewshire Council

Grant Douglas Zoom Developments

Jon Grounsell Andell Studios

Conan Farningham Highland Council

Christopher Harris WSP

Kirsty Hutchinson East Dunbartonshire Council

Craig Latimer Savills (L&P) Ltd

Catherine McLaughlin Keppie Planning

Heather Raphael East Dunbartonshire Council

Student:

James Allanson University of Dundee

Gary Bruce University of Glasgow

Euan Brown Heriot-Watt University

Nicola Charleston Heriot-Watt University

Katrine Dean

Mary Dilger Heriot-Watt University

Angela Harper University of Dundee

Daniel Harvey Heriot-Watt University

David Laming Aberdeen University

Carla McWhinnie Heriot-Watt University

Mark Newsam Gardner Financial Services

Olanrewaju Omitogun University of Dundee

Olubukola Oladoke Heriot-Watt University

Fiona Scott Argyll and Bute Council

Lisa Smith North Lanarkshire Council

DavidWalsh Heriot-Watt University

SimonWatt Business Stream

We would like to welcome the following Members of the

Institute who have recently moved to Scotland:

David Love Scottish Environmental

Protection Agency

We are sorry to announce the recent deaths of the following

RTPI Members in Scotland:

Douglas Henderson

Peter McGovern

Members’ News

Other Events

May

20 May: Past Forward - Celebrating and Promoting OurHistoric Environment.A national conference to celebrate and promote Scotland's richhistoric environment; organised by the Historic EnvironmentAdvisory Council for Scotland (HEACS) and to be held at theDynamic Earth, Edinburgh. All are welcome and attendance is

free but booking essential. For further information pleasecontact Pat Stables at the HEACS Secretariat at:patricia.stables@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.heacs.org.uk.

June

12-13 June: Spaces of the Nation: the Planning of Spaces inIreland and Scotland. This is organised by the Irish-ScottishForum for Spatial Planning and will be held in Aberdeen.For further information view: www.abdn.ac.uk/riiss/isfsp

APRIL 2009 Scottishplanner

18 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

Policy briefing

�

PUBLICATIONS SCOTTISH PARLIAMENTPUBLICATIONSSPICE BriefingsWritten by research specialists in the ScottishParliament Information Centre (SPICe) for useby MSPs in support of parliamentary business inthe Committees and in the Chamber; theyare always impartial. Briefings can also bebrowsed by subject or publication date at:www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/index.htm

� SB 09-20 MicrogenerationMicrogeneration has the potential to reducegreenhouse gas emissions and cut energy billsfor households and businesses. To date,however, there has been very limited uptakeof microgeneration. This briefing outlines thetechnologies and barriers to uptake, examinesScottish and UK Government policy, and looksat recent reports on how to achieve widespreaduptake and the potential for reducing emissions.(18/03/09)

� SB 09-15 The National Planning Frameworkfor Scotland 2 This briefing summarises thekey points of the discussion draft of NPF2published by Scottish Government on 9 January2008. It then looks at the key differencesbetween the discussion draft of NPF2 and theNational Planning Framework for Scotland 2:Proposed Framework laid before Parliament on12 December 2008, and finally summarises theparliamentary consideration of NPF2 to date.(4/3/09)

� SB 09-13 Economic Indicators This briefingprovides a selection of indicators on aspects ofthe Scottish economy. The indicators include:economic growth (Gross Value Added); thelabour market; the housing market; UK inflation,interest and exchange rates; and retail sales.(23/2/09)

� SB 09-10 The Future for Scotland'sUniversities This briefing summarises thereports of the Joint Future Thinking Task Forceon Universities collectively titled ‘NewHorizons’. The Task Force was chaired jointly bythe Government and Universities Scotland, andincluded the Scottish Funding Council andindividual HE institutions. The Taskforcereviewed future challenges for the universitysector and set out a new organisational andfunding structure. (11/2/09)

� SB 09-09 Climate Change (Scotland) Bill -Forestry Provisions The Climate Change(Scotland) Bill was introduced in the ScottishParliament on 4 December 2008. It sets targetsfor reducing greenhouse gas emissions, andintroduces a framework for advice andreporting on climate change. It further allowsfor climate change duties to be placed on localauthorities and includes provisions onadaptation, muirburn, forestry, energy efficiency,waste reduction and recycling. This briefingfocuses on the forestry provisions. (6/2/09)

� SB 09-05 The Scottish Housing MarketThis briefing note provides information on howthe current economic climate is impacting onthe housing market in Scotland. It includes

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENTPUBLICATIONS� Scottish Planning Series: PlanningCircular 1/2009: Development PlanningOutlines the operation of the newDevelopment Planning system. (16/2/09)

� Scottish Planning Series: PlanningCircular 2/2009: The Town and CountryPlanning (General Permitted Development)(Domestic Microgeneration) (Scotland)Amendment Order 2009 Explains theprovisions of the T&CP (GPD) (DomesticMicrogeneration) (Scotland) AmendmentOrder (GPDO) which came into force on12 March 2009. (24/3/09)

� Scottish Planning Series: Planning Circular3 2009: Notification of PlanningApplicationsThe primary responsibility for the operation ofthe planning system and service lies with localand national park authorities. They are bestplaced to make decisions about matters whichaffect their areas. But there can be someoccasions when The Scottish Government willbecome involved in the planning applicationprocess. This circular explains theGovernment's role. (1/4/09)

� Bringing Private Sector Empty Housesinto Use: Research Findings Summary of areview of initiatives to address the problem ofempty houses: drawn from case studies acrossthe UK. (24/3/09)

� Community Renewable Energy ToolkitThe purpose of this toolkit is to helpcommunity groups find ways of maximisingcommunity involvement and benefits fromrenewable energy. (23/3/09)

� Community: Scottish CommunityEmpowerment Action Plan - CelebratingSuccess: Inspiring Change This Action Planexplains what community empowerment is,why community empowerment is importantand how communities become empowered. Italso sets out a range of new and existingpractical actions which underpin the processof community empowerment. (20/3/09)

� A Guide to the Use of Mediation in thePlanning System in Scotland The purpose ofthe Guide is to help those involved in theplanning system in Scotland to understandhow mediation can be used to enhance theplanning process. (16/3/09)

� Scottish Awards for Quality in Planningand Designing Places Award 2008: Report ofthe Judges A total of 25 entries werereceived for the twelfth annual ScottishAwards for Quality in Planning. The entriescovered four categories: Development Plans,Development Management, Development onthe Ground, and Community Involvement.(12/3/09)

� Consultation on Scotland's ClimateChange Adaptation Framework:Analysis ofResponses Overall, respondents from allsectors agreed with the understanding of

climate change portrayed, but stressed thatthe Scottish Government needs to expandthe definition, make it clearer, and provide abetter explanation of the role of mitigation.They argued that mitigation is central, ratherthan complementary, to adaptation measures.(9/3/09)

� Environment Research FindingsNo.5/2009: Scottish EnvironmentalAttitudes and Behaviours Survey 2008(SEABS'08) The 3054 people polled weregenerally in favour of generating more energyfrom renewable sources, but they wereunwilling to pay higher household bills, orsacrifice the aesthetic of the landscape, tomake this possible. Similarly, whereas amajority supported the idea of charging up to10p for a carrier bag, fewer than half were infavour of congestion charging or charging forwater by water meters. (09/3/09)

� The Experience of Poverty in RuralScotland: Qualitative Research withOrganisationsWorking with PeopleExperiencing Poverty in Rural Areas: ResearchFindings Summary of qualitative researchwith five vulnerable groups to examinewhether and how the experience of poverty isdistinctive in rural Scotland. (4/3/09)

� Scottish Government Response to EUTerritorial Cohesion Green Paper Responseissued on 27/2/09 by John Swinney to the EUGreen Paper on Territorial Cohesion. (2/3/09)

� Processing Planning Applications forNational and Major Developments Thisresearch reviewed existing processes forhandling national and major planningapplications, identified best practice, andmade recommendations for improvingefficiency. (16/2/09)

� Consultation on the Modernisation ofthe Planning System with 'Seldom Heard'Groups Part of The Scottish Government'songoing consultation process (in this case viaPlanning Aid for Scotland) to help improvethe evidence base for planning policydirection and implementation. (10/2/09)

� Housing, Regeneration and PlanningResearch Findings No.26/2009: Review ofRural Housing Enablers A review of theactivities and coverage of Rural HousingEnablers. (3/2/09)

� Literature review: policies adopted tosupport a healthy retail sector and retail ledregeneration and the impact of retail on theregeneration of town centres and local highstreets RF 25/2009 Summary of a literaturereview which explored policies and theirimpact on the regeneration of town centresand local high streets. (30/1/09)

� Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey2008 Overall, the total amount of derelictand urban vacant land in Scotland has showna net increase of 1 per cent since 2002 (from10,696 hectares in 2002 to 10,832 hectaresin 2008). (30/1/09)

19

CONSULTATIONS

Current consultations to which the Institute may wish to respond are listed below.They can also beviewed on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/Current.

To assist the Institute in preparing representative responses, Members are invited to contribute theirviews by post or email - see contact details on p2 - ideally no less than 14 days prior to the end of theconsultation period.The Institute’s Scottish responses can be found athttp://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/760/23/5/3

information on house prices, house salestransactions and mortgage availability, andthe impact on the house-building industry. Italso provides information on governmentpolicy responses to stimulate the housingmarket and assist those with difficultiespaying their mortgage. (21/1/09)

� SB 09-04 Climate Change (Scotland) Bill:Waste Provisions The Climate Change(Scotland) Bill was introduced to theParliament on 4 December 2008. The Billcontains provisions that aim to improvewaste management and recycling in order tohelp move Scotland towards a zero wastesociety. This briefing considers the wasteproposals in the Bill. (15/1/09)

� SB 09-03 Climate Change (Scotland) BillThe Climate Change (Scotland) Bill wasintroduced to the Scottish Parliament on4 December 2008. This briefing introducesthe Bill and summarises selectedstakeholders’ views. (15/1/09)

� SB 08-72 Climate Change: EmissionsTrading Emissions Trading is a market-basedmechanism that regulates greenhouse gasemissions using a system of exchangeableallowances. This Briefing introduces theconcept, explores how it has been used in thepast, explains how it is currently used, andconsiders how proposals in the ScottishClimate Change Bill fit in with existingemissions trading schemes. (18/12/08)

OTHER PUBLICATIONS� SEPA’s Climate Change Plan SEPA’s five-year climate change plan sets out SEPA’s rolein addressing climate change and actions tofurther integrate climate change mattersacross the organisation. The actions fall intosix key areas: Monitoring and Analysis;Regulation; Advice to Operators; GreeningSEPA; Informing and Influencing;Communicating Information. (7/3/09)

� Sustainable Development Commission:Prosperity without Growth? The Transition to aSustainable Economy The current globalrecession should be the occasion to forge a neweconomic system equipped to avoid the shocksand negative impacts associated with ourreliance on growth.Ahead of the G20 Summitin London, the report calls on leaders to adopt a12-step plan to make the transition to a fair,sustainable, low-carbon economy. (30/3/09)

CONSULTATION RESPONSESResponses by the RTPI in Scotland toScottish consultations are posted on thewebsite at: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/760/23/5/3. Since the last edition ofthe Scottish Planner, the RTPI hasresponded to: Householder PermittedDevelopment Rights; and Designing Streets.

Text on Scottish Government publicationsfrom the Scottish Government website(pages 18-19) is reproduced courtesy ofCrown Copyright.

CONSULTATIONS FROMTHESCOTTISH GOVERNMENTANDOTHER PUBLIC BODIES� The Scottish Government Gaelic LanguagePlan The Scottish Government is committedto promoting Gaelic within Government. Thisstatutory Gaelic Language Plan (under theterms of the Gaelic Language Scotland Act2005) sets out how Scottish Government willuse and enable the use of Gaelic in relation toits corporate identity, communications,publications and staffing, and demonstratelinks with the National Plan. (29/4/2009)

� Consultation on Draft Guidelines for theSaltire Prize Competition The ScottishGovernment has created an opportunity toaward one of the biggest internationalinnovation prizes in history through its plansfor the Saltire Prize - a £10 million challengeprize for advances in clean energy. Thisconsultation seeks stakeholder views on thedraft Competition Guidelines that have beendeveloped for the Prize. (30/4/2009)

� Technical Guidance, Noise Action Plans,Candidate Noise Management Areas toNoise Management Areas Consultation onTechnical Guidance for moving from CandidateNoise Management Areas to NoiseManagement Areas in the context ofEnvironmental Noise Action Plans. (11/5/2009)

� Consultation on Regulation of EnergyEfficiency Under the Pollution Preventionand Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000Consultation paper about ScottishGovernment's plans to provide additionalpowers to the Scottish Environment ProtectionAgency (SEPA) to regulate energy efficiencyat industrial installations under PollutionPrevention and Control (Scotland) regulations2000 (PPC). (22/5/2009)

� Consultation on the Transposition of thePriority Substances Directive 2008/105/ECand the Groundwater Directive 2006/118/ECThe 2006 Groundwater Directive underpins therequirements of theWater Framework Directiveconcerning the protection of groundwater fromhazardous substances and other pollutants. Themain requirements are to set threshold valuesfor good chemical status in groundwater;establish the criteria for identifying significantand sustained upward trends in concentrationsof pollutants and the starting point for trendreversal; and determine the measures toprevent or limit inputs of specific pollutantsinto groundwater. (19/6/2009)

� Preparing for a New Climate: ManagingScotland's Climate Risk: Second Consultationto inform Scotland's Climate ChangeAdaptation Framework Views are sought onproposals for a strategic centrally co-ordinatedplan for adapting to climate change. The aim isto increase the resilience of Scotland'spopulation (and the natural and economicsystems on which we depend) to the impactsof climate change. (19/6/2009)

� Scottish Planning Policy This keydocument sets out Scottish Ministers’ planningpolicy on different types of development,including housing and wind farms, and onenvironmental issues such as built and naturalheritage, and flooding. This new, shorterScottish Planning Policy (SPP) is intended toreplace seventeen existing policy documents.(24/6/2009)

� Scottish Planning Policy EnvironmentalReport A Strategic Environmental Assessmentof the redacted Scottish Planning Policy (SPP).(24/6/2009)

� Red Squirrel Strongholds This documentintroduces the concept of red squirrelstrongholds as sites for the enhancedmanagement of forests for red squirrels, andpresents them within the context of widerwork to conserve the red squirrel in Scotland.(26/6/2009)

� Firth of Clyde Marine Spatial Plan Thedraft Marine Spatial Plan addresses theregulation, management and protection of themarine environment of the Firth. (26/6/09)

FORTHCOMINGCONSULTATIONS

� Implementing theWater EnvironmentandWater Services (Scotland) Act 2003:Environmental Impact Assessments inrespect of agricultural irrigation projects -proposals for a simplified approach Thisconsultation proposes streamlining theprocess for carrying out the EnvironmentalImpact Assessment of agricultural irrigationprojects. (Spring 2009)

� CyclingAction Plan for Scotland (CAPS)“By 2020, 10% of all journeys taken inScotland will be by bike.”This statement is theoverall vision (sic) for cycling in Scotland, andthe actions in this draft CyclingAction Plan forScotland (CAPS) are intended to deliver this,and bring attendant benefits for all.(Spring 2009)

TheCharlton

SmithPartnership

MONTGOMERYFORGAN ASSOCIATES

CHARTERED TOWN PLANNERSCHARTERED ARCHITECTS

FOR COMPREHENSIVE INDEPENDENT PLANNINGAND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERTISE

Eden Park House CuparFife KY15 4HS

Tel: 01334 654936 Fax: 01334 656629email: admin@montgomery-forgan.co.uk

97c West Bow Edinburgh EH1 2JPt 0131 226 4505 f 0131 226 4515PLANNING | URBAN DESIGN | LANDSCAPE

UrbanDesignFutures

We knowAbout Noise

MUNROConsultants

• Transport Assessments• Green Transport Plans• Traffic Engineering Studies• Development Master Plans• Public Inquiries

Traffic & Transport Specialists

Hugh Munro:

PO BOX 28296

Edinburgh EH9 3WT

0131 662 6611

email:hm@munroconsult.co.uk

ConsultantsRPSP L A N N I N G & E N V I R O N M E N T

info@urbandesignfutures.co.ukwww.urbandesignfutures.co.uk

Planning and Development advisers tothe Public and Private sectors

Bryan Wallace MRTPIKeith Hargest MRTPI MIHT MRICS

22 Manor Place, Edinburgh EH3 7DSTel: 0131 226 1718/Fax 0131 226 1719

Hargest & Wallace Planning

Planning, Urban Design &Development Consultants

Contact:Ken Davie, Baxter Allan & Gordon MacCallum

160 West Regent Street • Glasgow • G2 4RLTel: 0141 204 0066 • Fax: 0141 226 4571

Lynsey Fraser

6 Bells Brae • Dean Village • Edinburgh • EH14 3BJTel: 0131 220 3067 • Fax: 0131 220 3068

Glasgow Edinburgh Perth Inverness Aberdeen Belfast

www.keppiedesign.co.uk planning@keppiedesign.co.uk

keppie planning

Mark Myles MSc MRTPITel: 01738 450506

email: mm@mbmplanning.co.ukwww: mbmplanning.co.uk

Hardie Planning Consultancy is a newindependent town and country planningconsultancy specialising in:

• rural development

• site appraisals and indicative master plans

• local plan objections and precognitions

• renewable energy projects

• open space strategies

Computer House, Dalkeith Country ParkDalkeith Midlothian EH22 2NA

Tel: 0131 660 2705 M: 07917012883Email: tom@hardieplanning.co.uk

www.hardieplanning.co.uk

Scottishplanner DirectoryDistributionEach edition reaches:• 2150 members across Scotland (and membership is steadily increasing).

• 150 organisations across Scotland including universities, local authorities,central government,MSPs, organisations working in the built and naturalenvironments, professional bodies, national and professional press/media.

It is also available as an electronic version, which includes the advertisers, onour public web-pages - the Scottish Planner webpage averages 300 hits permonth.

Town Planning, Acoustics & Noise Control Consultancythroughout Scotland

NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENTSIN PLANNING, TRANSPORT

AND CONSTRUCTION

EXPERT WITNESSPublic Inquiries and Court Actions

Tel: 01241 859495 Fax: 01241 859496email: info@consult-csp.co.uk

www.consult-csp.co.uk

APRIL 2009 : Scottishplanner Directory

PPCA LTD CHARTEREDCONSULTANT TOWN PLANNERSAND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

ContactsPeter PC Allan MSc, Dip Arch, RIBA, RIAS MRTPI

Ronald H Oliver Dip TP (Edin) MRTPI Andy Follis BSc MPhil, MLINeil Sutherland BA Hons, MRTPI

25 Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PSTel 0131 225 1225 Fax 0131 220 1773

E-mail: enquiries@ppca.co.uk www.ppca.co.uk

Advertise hereCONTACT

DESIGN LINKS ON0131 554 2807

www.tymconsult.com

Paul Houghton - DirectorEmail: pjh@alliance-plan.co.uk

Tel: 0141 248 2882Mobile: 07971 826250

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ON:

• Development Plan Representations

• Masterplans

• Environmental Impact Assessments

• Landscape Design

• Planning Applications

• Public Inquiries

Contact Alan Pollock on0131 555 5011Ocean Point One, 4th floor94 Ocean Drive Edinburgh, EH6 6JHrpsed@rpsplc.co.uk