2015 Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning

2015Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning

This is my first year of endorsing the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning. I am delighted to be able to congratulate those responsible for achieving successes within the planning system. We rely on individuals with passion, knowledge and commitment to drive forward new ideas and to keep the planning system delivering to the best of its capacity. The places that we create are our legacy. This year we have sustained a high number of entries but the quality has improved beyond expectation – to the extent that this really has to be one of the best years for seeing achievement and progress across Scotland and within all parts of the planning system. The key to this has, in many cases, been down to strong individuals who have wanted to make processes more efficient for applicants, developers and communities. Their strength, vision and professionalism are certainly paying dividends in both the built and natural environment. So, it brings me great pleasure to celebrate with you as well as to continue to support those achievements, especially at a time when an independent review of planning is underway. Let’s make it our ambition that Scotland’s planning system is one of the best.

Thank you.

Alex Neil MSPCabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners’ Rights

MINISTERIAL FOREWORD

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About the SAQP

Judges’ Comments

Overall Winner

Categories: Development Plans Development Management Development on the Ground Community Involvement Quality of Service Delivering in Partnership

Designing Places

contents

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ABOUT SAQPThe Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning is one of the Scottish Government’s most prestigious events, celebrating achievements in planning, from high-level visions to development on the ground.

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JUDGES’ COMMENTS “2015 has been a record year for quality, leadership, partnership and delivery”

We had 42 entries to consider this year and shortlisted 29 applications. This was quite a high number to interview but we felt confident from our initial selection process that they all merited meeting the people involved, to learn more about the projects and probe the details of each case. As a result, we were more impressed than we might have imagined by the quality, commitment, leadership, risk-taking and results. In many ways this reinforced the value of the Awards process as a key opportunity to profile the whole range of good work being delivered ‘day-in and day-out’ across the public and private sectors. What this year has indicated is that successful planning is often about aligning forces effectively with other sectoral partners, for instance from legal, housing, transport, design, heritage and the natural environment. Although it’s always tough awarding winning entries, this year’s process has been exceptional with so much good work deserving of recognition. We would like to congratulate everyone involved for their hard work, often over several years. You are all a credit to the profession in Scotland.

Nikola Miller Kevin Murray Alistair MacDonald

Overall WinnerAbout this initiativeThis application was submitted by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority (the Park Authority). The project relates to the Park Authority’s approach to consultation on its LIVE Park Main Issues Report (MIR) between April and July 2014, focusing on the campaign run by the LIVE Park team. Follow up engagement – post Main Issues Report was also undertaken during October and December 2014. Work on the wider project to update the Park Authority’s Local Plan began however in 2011, with the Callander charrette supported by Stirling Council and the Scottish Government through the charrette mainstreaming programme. Overall, LIVE Park took a deliberate design-led approach to working with communities.

Community Involvement

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority – LIVE Park: Main Issues Report Engagement

Reason for an AwardThis has been adjudged the Overall Winner for the dynamic and refreshing approach taken towards creating a development plan. The Judges were impressed with not only the level of ambition showed by the team but how they applied a range of new and innovative techniques tailored to the Park’s circumstances and local development issues. While some of these elements have been applied elsewhere, the Judges considered that LIVE Park had gone further by combining mainstream consultation with marketing, digital and social media, along with clear graphic design and more traditional plan-making skills. As a result they felt the team had delivered a better consultation process for their key audience. All in all the Judges felt that the comprehensive consultation approach, combined with the modern approach to engaging local communities, exceeded expectations. The team were considered great advocates for the profession. It was felt that that the project had, without doubt, set a new pioneering benchmark which others could follow.

Who made it happenLoch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park with 7N Architects, SNOOK and PAS as key partners

ContactStuart Mearns – [email protected]

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Categories:Development PlansThis covers statutory development planning, as well as other plans, policy and supplementary guidance.

Award

East Renfrewshire Council – Supplementary Planning Guidance on Development Contributions

About this initiativeThe project involved a review and update of the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) on development contributions with a focus on the creation of a new cumulative approach to calculating education contributions which would ensure that fair, equitable and proportionate contributions are sought from all sites identified in the Local Development Plan.

Reason for an AwardThe Judges have given this an Award as they felt the local authority had tackled a complex subject with a committed determination to find a better way of working for both developers and themselves. In particular, the creation of the new cumulative approach to education contributions was considered progressive. To make this happen, the Judges were very impressed with how planning and legal teams worked together to improve certainty and efficiency with the outcome being more effective and transparent processes. The Judges considered that this new approach, alongside the Council’s Local Development Plan, was a demonstration of how successfully planners can balance the promotion of sustainable economic development whilst ensuring adequate infrastructure is in place. This is something they felt strongly could be transferred and applied to other local authorities.

Who made it happen East Renfrewshire Council

Contact Ian MacLean – [email protected]

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Award

Renfrewshire Council – Paisley Town Centre Heritage Asset Strategy

About this initiativeThe main aim of the Paisley Town Centre Heritage Asset Strategy is to use Paisley’s architectural and cultural heritage as a lever for transformational change. In parallel to the development of heritage and cultural assets, the Council commissioned the Asset Strategy and Action Plan which was approved and subsequently confirmed via the local development plan in 2014. The programme extends over a 10 to 15-year period and aims to transform Paisley town centre into a positive destination, delivering world-class facilities and supporting 800 new jobs with a local economic boost to a value of £45 million per annum.

Reason for an AwardThe Judges felt the Council’s long-term regeneration strategy deserved an Award. They felt that the vision and leadership shown from the Planning Department from the outset, had helped to deliver improvements in the town centre and was well embedded within their development plan. This strong foundation was, in turn, signalling a new confidence with an aspiration for the place to become a City of Culture. The Judges liked this boldness, in its approach, and wished it every success.

Who made it happen Renfrewshire Council with SLR Consulting Ltd as a key partner

Contact Stuart McMillan – [email protected]

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Award

The Moray Council – Delivering an Effective Housing Land Supply

About this initiativePolicy H2 of the current Moray Local Plan 2008 (carried forward into the emerging Moray Local Development Plan) manages housing land supply which is monitored and controlled through the annual housing land audit. Containing triggers controlling the release of LONG-term sites, this designation encourages site masterplanning in readiness for them being brought forward.

Reason for an AwardThe innovation of this approach towards housing, which had been welcomed by major landowners and developers in Moray, impressed the Judges who gave this an Award. They felt it was quite ‘place specific’ but nevertheless the outcomes had been very positive for Moray. In particular, with the Council taking the long-term view this had helped to reduce potential disputes over land supply issues. The approach also encouraged more collaborative masterplanning between the Council and developers which in turn helped to quickly address any issues arising as well as leading to, better, long-term infrastructure planning. The Judges felt that this work had to be given recognition, especially within what is often considered quite a complex subject of ‘effective’ housing land. Plus, it is something which the Judges felt there were benefits which others could learn from and test.

Who made it happenThe Moray Council

Contact Gary Templeton – [email protected]

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Award

TAYplan – Proposed Strategic Development Plan

About this initiativeThe project revolves around the delivery of the second Strategic Development Plan for the TAYplan region, setting out a 20-year vision and spatial strategy with policies to best ensure TAYplan’s outcomes can be achieved. The plan provides a positive spatial strategy for growth and investment across the area, plus there is a strong partnership consensus on the content of the Proposed Plan as a result of collaborative partnership working from the outset. The project highlights effective leadership and sound project management to ensure that all stages have been delivered on time and to a high quality.

Reason for an AwardThe Judges have given this an Award because it illustrated the desire of the TAYplan team to continually move their plan-making agenda forward. Through partnership work, the Proposed Plan is easy to read and ambitious. In particular, there has been an emphasis on the use of graphics to help with their engagement process as well as by placing a strong emphasis on incorporating health into the agenda.

Who made it happen TAYplan plus a Key Stakeholder/Agency Group as a partner

Contact Bill Lindsay – [email protected]

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Commendation

East Renfrewshire Council – Green Network & Environmental Management Supplementary Planning Guidance

About this initiativeThe project involved the preparation of Green Network & Environmental Management Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG). It is a new element of the Local Development Plan (LDP) which guides and sets the framework for the growth and development of East Renfrewshire up to 2025. It explains the rationale behind the green network and provides further guidance on the implementation of a raft of policies within the LDP. The SPG has been developed over several years with the process running in tandem with the LDP. This led to its formal adoption by the Council in June 2015.

Reason for a CommendationThe Judges felt this was a very commendable piece of work. They particularly liked the way in which the Council had been proactive in setting out their requirements but also deliberately trying to push their green network commitment more upstream with developers. The aim is to create better places by providing comprehensive policy linkages and to integrate green network and infrastructure. In doing so, the SPG therefore provides a solid framework which promotes a ‘bottom-up approach’ to site design with green infrastructure at the heart.

Who made it happenEast Renfrewshire Council

ContactIan MacLean – [email protected]

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Commendation

The Highland Council – A New Template for Collaborative Outcome-based Development Plans – The Caithness & Sutherland LDP Main Issues Report

About this initiativeThis project covers the preparation of the Caithness & Sutherland Local Development Plan (CaSPlan) using an outcome-based approach by embedding community planning principles within the land use planning process. The aim of the project was to produce CaSPlan so that it aligned with the priorities of both partners and communities, yielding a Main Issues Report that represents a shared vision for land use planning and service delivery in Caithness & Sutherland.

Reason for a CommendationThe Judges have given this a Commendation because of the collaboration and outcomes-based approach provided the Council with a unique template for preparing development plans that reflect priorities for people and places, not just sites and policies. The fact that the plan therefore, had been driven from a people and place point of view, helped its contents to be formatted in a way which streamlined the graphic presentation making it easy to read and accessible to communities. The Judges felt this was a solid piece of work developed from a charrette style of engagement.

Who made it happenThe Highland Council

ContactCraig Baxter – [email protected]

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Commendation

West Lothian Council – Planning for Nature: Development Management & Wildlife Supplementary Planning Guidance

About this initiativeThis project comprises the preparation of a best practice example of supplementary planning guidance for developers and development managers focusing on how natural heritage should be taken account of in the planning process.

Reason for a CommendationThe Judges commended this local authority not just for producing a piece of guidance but creating something, with Scottish Natural Heritage, that could be of value and reproduced by other local authorities. In particular, it uses plain English, diagrams and process charts to set out the key nature conservation issues to be considered when submitting and determining a planning application. The style of the document enables development managers and developers to deal with more routine/local natural heritage issues without needing to consult SNH and also provides opportunities to reduce some of the policy detail in their forthcoming development plan. Plus, the approach has also been a clever way to help replenish a loss of cumulative knowledge, re-skill planners and help cope with budget cuts. Overall, this helped towards a modernisation of services and West Lothian Council has been a champion in leading the way.

Who made it happenWest Lothian Council with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Natural Capital consultants as key partners

ContactChris Alcorn – [email protected]

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Development ManagementThis includes any developments and outcomes which relate to planning policy, improve the built environment, regenerate a local area, or have a positive impact on the community.

Award

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park – Delivery of Run-of-river Hydro Electric Schemes

About this initiativeThe main aim of the project was to streamline the handing of applications for run-of-river proposals from pre-application stage, through Environmental Impact Assessment screening and scoping, and to the assessment of planning applications.

Reason for an AwardThe Judges welcomed this initiative as it followed on from last year’s application relating to the authority’s Renewable Energy Supplementary Planning Guidance (Commendation). The Judges were impressed with how the planners by anticipating the increased caseload of considerable complexity, implemented changes to ensure successful delivery of 25 approved schemes with an installed capacity of up to 12.3mW, which could meet the electricity demand of around 20,000 homes. In addition, EIA applications were processed faster than the Scottish Average in 2013/2014 – 18.4 weeks in LLTNPA compared with 46.7 weeks; and changes to procedures for screening and scoping, as well as prioritising internal advice have had an on-going benefit in the development management team across other application categories by improving efficiencies. The Judges felt that the efficient and time-pressured proactive nature of the work was a significant help to developers and investors when dealing with sensitive landscaped area.

Who made it happenLoch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority

ContactBob Cook – [email protected]

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Commendation

Glasgow City Council – Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow

About this initiativeThis new £842 million hospital is one of the largest hospitals to be built in the UK and comprises an adult acute hospital, a children’s hospital, laboratory facilities plus associated site infrastructure. To make this happen, several teams were involved from the outset, whilst others were involved sequentially as the project evolved. In particular, a dedicated team of Council planning officers and key stakeholders interfaced with the various project teams throughout, leading to the efficient delivery of the planning consents. Reason for a CommendationThe Judges recognised the partnership approach within this project but also wanted to acknowledge the strength of the development management team that had been set up to help harness the strong mechanism for delivery. Indeed, the Council approved the masterplan within eight weeks and the architecture, public realm, transportation and site infrastructure within 12–16 weeks, which was considered by the Judges a superb outcome for the size and complexity of the project. The Judges welcomed the ambition of Glasgow to set a benchmark for health care in the both the UK and internationally.Who made it happenGlasgow City Council with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde plus Brookfield Multiplex as key partners ContactForbes Barron – [email protected]

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Development on the GroundThis includes any developments and outcomes which relate to planning policy, improve the built environment, regenerate a local area, or have a positive impact on the community.

Award

City of Edinburgh Council – Mixed Use Development – Advocate’s Close

About this initiativeThis project involves the regeneration and re-use of a complex series of buildings in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. The project has resulted in a large mixed-use development including hotel, short-stay holiday accommodation, offices, restaurant and residential.

Reason for an AwardThe Judges felt that Advocate’s Close was an impressive example of planning and heritage delivering a contemporary design on the ground. Over a number of years, the vision always stayed true to being both creative and pragmatic – all within a World Heritage Site. This is despite the phenomenal complexity of the site with all its different levels and access issues. From the start, however, a brief was prepared and this worked well with the developer who not only embraced that but, equally, had a strong desire as well as a steely determination to deliver a stunning place. It’s a very impressive regeneration project which opens up new pathways of accessibility and has encouraged new investment – right in the heart of the Edinburgh Old Town. The Judges welcomed the evidence of tenacity and commitment from all involved.

Who made it happenCity of Edinburgh Council with Morgan McDonnell Architects and the Chris Stewart Group as key partners

ContactStephen Dickson – [email protected]

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Award

Dumfries and Galloway – Lockerbie High Street: Town Centre Regeneration

About this initiativeFollowing an urban design charrette, Lockerbie High Street regeneration focused on improving the public space in the town centre. Delivered outcomes are transformational at the scale of a traditional market town and have brought a divided community together around a central theme of place and local identity. Reason for an AwardThe Judges were truly inspired by this story, recognising the project with an Award. They appreciated how this town centre urban realm project demonstrated the impact that a small change – done well – could unlock people’s aspirations for their place. The attention to detail to create high quality sculptures, reflective of the local area, together with de-cluttering of the central traffic junction has had transformational change across a rural area. As a result, this modest scheme has turned into a local ‘trail blazer’ which has not only won ‘hearts and minds’ but has set the standards for design and community engagement. The result has been increasing interest, and demand, for more civic changes throughout Dumfries and Galloway. This would not have been achieved, however, without the leadership shown by the local authority throughout the project, as well as investing their in-house professional and financial resources into the project, to ensure it was successfully delivered on the ground. Who made it happenDumfries and Galloway CouncilContactJason Syers – [email protected]

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Award

Dundee City Council – Percent for Public Art Policy

About this initiativeOver the past 20 years, this Policy has sought to secure the delivery of high quality public art within major developments throughout Dundee in partnership with developers, artists and local communities. The delivery of the public art is through planning conditions rather than legal agreements. Reason for an AwardThe Judges felt that this project merited an Award for the sheer commitment by, mainly, one person, who, for over 20 years, has driven ‘Percent for Public Art’ to deliver outcomes on the ground – expanding from the city centre to surrounding communities. The Judges also recognised, however, that this personal commitment had been continually supported by the planning department, as well as in partnership with developers, schools, the university and communities to create a legacy of high quality public art and enhanced public realm. This ‘long-haul’ approach has required strength of leadership to continually believe, and sometimes even defend, the impact that art and sculpture can have on people and place. Whilst this took risk, the reward has paid off with the City now enjoying a significant number of art-based projects, often allowing local stories to be told, visually, and in turn cementing relationships in either new or established communities. Priceless.Who made it happenDundee City CouncilContactGordon Reid – [email protected] Gray – [email protected]

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Award

Scottish Borders Council – Kelso Town Centre Regeneration

About this initiativeThis project comprises a complex, heritage-led regeneration scheme for Kelso Town Centre which included the redevelopment of a gap site for the new Horsemarket Business Centre. Reason for an AwardThe Judges have given this small town design and engineering project an Award. They considered it to be an impressive commitment from both planning and transport to resolve modern day activity within an historic place. Likewise, the Judges felt that credit must be given to how the local authority involved local businesses to ensure confidence, trust, buy-in and a genuine understanding of ‘place’. The whole process was enhanced by ensuring ‘testing’ phases were built into the transformation process and this was welcomed by the Judges. Overall, through gradually addressing different demands on the market square, and re-engineering how traffic is handled, the outcome has been a restoration of civic pride and confidence in the town. All in all, the town is moving onwards and upwards and is a credit to everyone who was involved. Plus, the approach aligns with the Scottish Government’s ‘town centre first’ principle – the result being a sustainable approach to shaping ‘places’.Who made it happenScottish Borders Council with Future Kelso, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic ScotlandContactMark Douglas – [email protected]

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Commendation

East Renfrewshire Council – The Foundry, Barrhead Regeneration

About this initiativeIn January 2015, East Renfrewshire Council opened the £3.8 million Barrhead Foundry – this was just five years after its initial project inception and two years since it acquired planning permission. The building comprises a two-storey extension and refurbishment of Barrhead Sport Centre, transforming it into a multi-purpose learning, leisure and business centre.

Reason for a CommendationThe Judges have given this a Commendation as they recognise that this is not just a building but part of a wider regeneration strategy for the town centre. The Foundry provides a new library, improved sports facilities, flexible community meeting spaces, business support, back-to-work and employment help within the heart of the town centre. The Judges were particularly impressed, therefore, with the local authority’s commitment to deliver the Scottish Government’s town centre first principle. This particularly came into play when negotiating with a supermarket giant. By investing in the Foundry, however, and staying true the ‘place’ the policy was pivotal in anchoring the location of Asda adjacent to the Foundry. As a consequence, the Foundry is breathing new life into the community with a restoration of civic pride in the local area.


ContactIain MacLean – [email protected]

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Commendation

The Moray Council – Dalmunach Distillery, Speyside

About this initiativeThis project relates to the replacement, by Chivas Brothers, of the derelict former Imperial Distillery with a new £6 million facility at Carron near Aberlour. Whilst not open to visitors, the distillery is visible from the nearby Speyside Way walking trail. The distillery was officially opened by the First Minister in June this year.

Reason for a CommendationThe Judges were enthused by this grand architectural project and have given it a Commendation. They felt it was an impressive building driven by (1) a client who wanted to invest in the local area and (2) an architect with a desire to design something that set well within the landscape, as well as offering all the practical requirements of a working distillery. In understanding the significance of the building, the planning authority dealt with the application effectively thorough pre-application stage and supported its high quality ambition, throughout the whole process. The long-term aim is to integrate the building in the wider tourism opportunities along the Speyside Way, in the area, which will enhance the potential of the place, even further in the future.

Who made it happenThe Moray Council

ContactBeverly Smith – [email protected]

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Community Involvement This looks for examples of community empowerment, where groups have been active with or through the planning service.

Award

East Renfrewshire Council – Barrhead Water Works

About this initiativeThis project looked to transform derelict space into wild flower meadows using former sewage tanks as giant experimental planters where wild flower habitats could be created.

Reason for an AwardThe Judges felt the Water Works was a ‘first class’ regeneration project which heralded a new optimism for the local area simple by making the town a better place. This was all through the transformation of an old, long-abandoned sewage works into a new greenspace. In essence, the local authority, in partnership with Grow Wild, recognised their social responsibility to the community and seized the opportunity to ‘do something better’ to a place which was considered troublesome for development. The project allowed children to get their ‘hands dirty’, as well as giving them experience of investing their ideas and hard work into creating a new resource, to be enjoyed, on their doorstep. The Judges felt that the impact of the project could be summed up by one of the young participants who said that she ‘now had the confidence to make a difference’. Plus, the Judges felt this project wasn’t a one-off as it had longevity through the creation of the new forum for community engagement which provided continual opportunities for learning, volunteering, recreation, health and biodiversity.



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City of Edinburgh Council – Forth Bridge Writing Competition

About this initiative The project involved two schools, one in Fife and one in Edinburgh in a project-based writing competition where the Forth Bridge was the focus for the writing.

Reason for a Commendation The Judges were impressed with this ‘unusual’ entry and gave it a Commendation because they felt that it did something ‘different’. In particular, the project got young people to connect to their built surroundings by engaging in the narrative of a place which, in turn, helped them to see and understand their local area through new lenses. The Judges felt that this project not only brought a partnership together but it also had the potential to grow. Indeed, they were also impressed that professional writers gave their time to read the submissions and participate in the Award ceremony. The project was also supported by the Edinburgh International Book Festival which hosted the Awards ceremony, with all the finalists invited to participate in a creative writing weekend set up especially for them by the Creative Writing School at Napier University. With so much positive momentum, inevitability, one day, it is hoped that the project will inspire student planners and engineers!

Who made it happenCity of Edinburgh Council

ContactWill Garrett – [email protected]

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The Highland Council – West Highland and Islands Local Development Plan Schools Engagement

About this initiativeWorking with the three main secondary schools in the local plan area, the project aimed to encourage engagement with young people throughout the development plan process. It did this by connecting early, educating the young people about the planning system and allowing formal influence on the future development of their communities. The Council adopted an approach, learning from past experiences to tailor a ‘lesson plan’ which expanded upon the pupil’s geographical skills and local knowledge.

Reason for a CommendationThe Judges rated this project highly and have given it a Commendation because of the planning authority’s desire to integrate this project into the school curriculum. They felt that this approach offered as much an opportunity as possible for young people to get involved in the ‘planning of their place’. As a consequence, the Judges were pleased to see how the local plan project empowered students to make ‘actual’ submissions process enabled the Council to achieve actual site suggestions and justifications which they can now consider and present as part of the Main Issues Report.

Who made it happenThe Highland Council

ContactCarrie Pratt – [email protected]

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Quality of Service This recognises innovative approaches that have been developed and applied across Scotland to improve the customers’ experience of the planning service.

Award

Aberdeenshire Council – Proposed Local Development Plan Short Films

About this initiativeThis project involved the production by the Council’s Planning Policy team of six short films with the aim of improving the community engagement process of the Proposed Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan. Within the first two weeks of the consultation process the six films received over 1,500 views. A further 500 people had watched the trailer, which highlighted each film and stated how viewers could comment on the Proposed Plan.

Reason for an AwardThe Judges found this project enlightening and felt it duly deserved an Award as it was a clever way to present planning to the public. It also worked particularly well in Aberdeenshire whereby there was a large geographic area to cover and so the ‘films’ helped to reach a wider audience. The planners took a ‘big leap’ in attempting this piece of work but it has turned out to be invigorating, amongst staff, within the planning department – even to the upmost of sceptics or camera shy. Overall, through the ‘creativity’ of film the ‘complexity’ of planning was almost being ‘forced’ to be communicated in very simple terms. There is a lesson in that and the media statistics prove it is being successful! Well done.

Who made it happenAberdeenshire Council

ContactPiers Blaxter – [email protected]

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The Highland Council – Leading Practice in Planning Enforcement

About this initiativeThe aims and objectives of the project were to produce a fit-for-purpose Planning Enforcement Guidance Manual that would guide officers through all the procedures of Planning Enforcement from initial investigations through to action in the courts.

Reason for a Commendation The Judges welcomed this submission as a follow on to the Council’s previous planning enforcement project which was shortlisted at last year’s Awards. This latest project is, therefore, aimed at continual improvement in service delivery. The Judges have given this a Commendation as they felt that the role of enforcement can often be overlooked. The time, however, which has gone into the creation of the Planning Enforcement Guidance Manual helps catapult enforcement to the front line and has given it a much higher profile than it has had in recent years. Plus, the Judges considered that the quality of service to the customer, development industry and elected members has been transformed. Likewise, with the Council prepared to go the ‘extra mile’ in creating guidance, the Judges felt that this could pay dividends for other local authorities.

Who made it happenThe Highland Council with Scottish Planning Enforcement Forum (SPEF) noted as having a key role

Contact David Mudie – [email protected]

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Delivering in PartnershipThis category recognises the work achieved through public and private bodies (house builders or commercial) coming together and using innovative ways to get development moving and the planning system delivering.

Award

East Renfrewshire Council – Barrhead South Master plan

About this initiativeWorking collaboratively with house-builders and landowners the aim of the project was to prepare a master plan for the Barrhead South Strategic Development Opportunity (SDO) that would enable development on the ground that is commercially viable whilst delivering the Council’s aspirations and sites infrastructure requirements. A project team was jointly instructed, with Geddes Consulting being chosen to manage the technical, environmental and master planning requirements for the delivery of the SDO.

Reason for an AwardThe Judges felt this project had a strong partnership – right from the Council, to the landowner, to the developer, to the planners. Trust was, therefore, key throughout the whole process. It was also considered that with the masterplan being adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG), in June 2015, alongside the Local Development Plan (LDP) this was a great success. The Judges felt this illustrated an example of how the private sector had worked with the public sector – all for the benefit of creating a great place to live. The added ingredient, however, was that spatial planning was being underpinned by commercial reality, at every step, throughout the process.

Who made it happenEast Renfrewshire Council supported by Geddes Consulting


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Award

Glasgow City Council – Laurieston Transformational Regeneration Area

About this initiativeLaurieston is one of eight Transformational Regeneration Areas (TRAs) identified as priority areas for redevelopment by the Transforming Communities Glasgow partnership. It comprises a £100 million development of a 13-hectare neighbourhood. Phase 1A has delivered 201 new homes for affordable rent with further development scheduled out to 2022.

Reason for an AwardThis project has been created through a long-standing partnership, extending over 20 years and the Judges were confident in giving this an Award. They felt the project had a particularly positive energy towards handling social housing and that the whole essence embraced architecture, design, good living and accessibility for all. This was all assisted through quarterly Local Delivery Group meetings which provided an opportunity for local community representatives to make views known to the partners. Overall, the Judges agreed that the plans have been formulated through an extensive process of consultation and negotiation, and demonstrate a shared vision of how residents and stakeholders envisage the future development of the area.

Who made it happenGlasgow City Council with Transforming Communities Glasgow, New Gorbals Housing Association plus Urban Union

ContactForbes Barron – [email protected]

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Terence O’Rourke Ltd – Hillington Park – Simplified Planning Zone

About this initiativeHillington Park is an established business and industrial location on the western edge of Glasgow. The aim of the project was to introduce a simplified planning system to promote Hillington Park as an opportunity for sustainable economic investment over the next 10 years.

Reason for an AwardThe Judges were impressed with the work which had gone into creating the SPZ. This is because it was considered an ingenious model to promote sustainable development using existing but, often, rarely used legislation. The Judges also felt that project showed solid partnership working as a group was established early in the process, involving representatives of each of the key organisations, to meet on a regular basis, while scoping and drafting the joint scheme. Through the SPZ, it was felt that more upfront ‘certainty’ was given to developers and, in turn, the project was proving to generate interest and investment. It’s hoped that this approach will be replicated by other local authorities and the SPZ could be seen as a way to add competitive advantage to the Scottish business and economic market.

Who made it happenTerence O’Rourke Ltd with Glasgow City and Renfrewshire Councils plus Patrizia UK Ltd and Vectos

Contact James Iles – [email protected]

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Aberdeenshire Council – Chapelton Delivery Process

About this initiativeThe primary aim of the project was to deliver a sustainable new town in the Aberdeen to Laurencekirk Strategic Growth Area. Following a community charrette and allocation in the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan in 2012, Planning Permission in Principle was granted in 2013 for the entire allocation of 4,045 houses, this included planning permission granted for first phase of 802 houses. The first residents moved into their homes in February 2015.

Reason for a Commendation The Judges recognised that this was a long-term strategic project and felt that it had braved a shift from a mainstream house-building model towards new urbanism, including Designing Streets. A strong partnership and collaborative approach was not only developed between the local authority and developer but also the community. Indeed, it was through a Delivery Process and team approach that the project was managed. This allowed for the co-ordination of meetings to ensure that all actions are carried out and best practice implemented. Overall, the Judges felt that credit was merited in the landowner’s aspiration to create a cohesive place which, in turn, helped to accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery.

Who made it happen Aberdeenshire Council with EDC and Turnberry Planning and Development Consultants

ContactSarah Graham – [email protected]

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Angus Council – Regeneration of Historic Buildings to provide Quality Affordable Housing

About this initiativeThe project centres on the restoration and re-use of Glengate Hall in Kirriemuir, Angus. This project has resulted in: the creation of nine units of affordable housing; provided a new use for, and restoration of, a listed building including removal from the Buildings at Risk Register; restored pride in community as a catalyst for town centre regeneration; and provided an opportunity to explore further ways of public and private partnership working.

Reason for a Commendation The Judges commended the commitment to pull key players together – from policy through to funding, covering heritage, housing and a landowner – to make a project ‘happen’ and stimulate further investment. They also felt this was another example of a ‘small’ project which has had a ‘big’ impact within the heart of the town which was now being recognised through positive community support. Plus, the project was in-line with the Scottish Government’s policy of Town Centre First by encouraging affordable living. It also has a particularly powerful message in that quality design has been delivered through a recession.

Who made it happenAngus Council with Redford Homes Ltd and Historic Scotland

ContactKirsty Macari – [email protected]

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City of Edinburgh Council – World Heritage Site

About this initiativeThe aim of the partnership is to deliver good, effective management that responds to the changing needs of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site (WHS), meeting UNESCO’s management requirements for all world heritage sites, whether an individual building or a dynamic urban centre. A key objective is to develop positive working relationships that benefit from each partner’s links with communities, the business sector and professional organisations in order to strengthen professional knowledge and achieve better outcomes as a result.

Reason for a Commendation The Judges felt that this project, which was now celebrating its 20th anniversary, had reached an excellent place in terms of crystallising the value of the World Heritage Site. They recognised the effort which had gone into ensuring their role was more ‘upstream’ as well as being more ‘proactive’ than ‘reactive’. It was also considered to be a good move to unite resources and as a result conservation was now more embedded within planning decisions. Congratulations on two decades of achievement.

Who made it happenCity of Edinburgh Council with Edinburgh World Heritage and Historic Scotland

ContactJenny Bruce – [email protected]

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Glasgow City Council – Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre Restoration

About this initiativeThis project involved the repair and restoration of the 1924 Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre, which had fallen into disrepair following its closure in 1999. Work had been in development since 2008 when a Pathfinder study was commissioned by Glasgow City Council and Friends of Kelvingrove Park. Following a number of consultation events, a Conservation Management Plan was completed in 2012 with planning permission and Listed Building consent granted in early 2013. The Bandstand re-opened to the public in May 2014. Glasgow Building Preservation Trust co-ordinated the delivery of the project with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life.

Reason for a Commendation The Judges could recognise strong partnership working throughout this project and felt it deserved a Commendation. The outcome that has been delivered is a superb re-development. This conservation-led regeneration project has paid particular attention to its historical legacy and design. As a result, the project has also started to have a positive impact on the regeneration of other parks – as these spaces are now, increasingly, being seen as vital to boosting the green infrastructure provision throughout the city.

Who made it happenGlasgow City Council with Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, Glasgow Life plus Friends of Kelvingrove Park

ContactForbes Barron – [email protected]

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Designing PlacesDesigning PlacesStudent Competition | February 2015

This year’s competition took place on Saturday, 28 February, 2015 at The Lighthouse in Glasgow. The day was led by Susie Stirling (Scottish Government), supported by Ian Alexander (JM Architects), Rowena Statt (Anderson Bell Christie) plus Stuart Watson and Kristen Anderson (Scottish Government).

Over 30 built environment students from courses in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning from across Scotland attended the one-day live masterplanning class which this year focused on town centres and with a particular focus on the Raploch Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative (SSCI) site.

Work of outstanding quality was produced during a fast-paced afternoon by all teams. The Judges were impressed with everyone’s dedication, team work and excellent outputs.

The winning team – called The Urbanites – created a well-considered masterplan, under great time pressure, working hard together as a team. Named ‘Castle Square’ it had a strong street structure and a good balance of green spaces, new housing arrangements and community amenities such as a school. The plan looked outwards, towards city and castle, but also created a focus on a new urban space, that would attract vibrant activity. The team also captured a good sense of scale in terms of building blocks and spaces.

The team included:Jessica Gaudi Cowan – University of StrathclydeLucy Duerden – University of EdinburghHoussam Elokda – University of GlasgowCameron Legg – University of GlasgowJohanna Rosvall – University of StrathclydePetra Sandberg – University of Edinburgh

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BIGThank you

With special thanks to everyone who participated, for all your hard work and contributions to this year’s Awards.

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http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/SAQP

2015 Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning

Documents

Transcript of 2015 Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning