Architecture + Design Scotland

A+DS Responds to 'Firm Foundations'

25 January 2008

Architecture + Design Scotland (A+DS) has responded to ‘Firm Foundations' - the Scottish Government's consultation on the future of housing in Scotland. A+DS has  welcomed the call in Firm Foundations for housing development to focus on delivering quality places.

A+DS raise a number of issues in their response to the consultation, including:

• Urban design and placemaking should be embedded at the heart of all housing development.

• The quality of spaces between buildings, the public realm, is a vital component of the quality of place, and therefore the quality of life - particularly in deprived neighbourhoods.

• Roads design standards should be revised as a matter of urgency, to assist the development of safer more enjoyable streets and places in housing areas.

• Spatial masterplans can play a vital role, ensuring sensitive integration with and connecting to existing communities, creating places of enduring quality that respect local character.

• Good practice examples can demonstrate that radical change is not only possible but that it can lead to better places and better lives. This kind of public inspiration is essential for decision makers who are seeking a strong public mandate to back up tough decisions and motivate changes in behaviour.

• It is essential that Local Authorities work together on a regional basis, to best plan the location, size and nature of new housing development.

• Local Authorities have key leadership roles through the strategic approach to land release, through the development plan process, and also through supplementary planning guidance documents which can lead to much improved housing development.

A+Ds welcomes the Scottish Government's strategic consideration of housing and reinforces the good quality housing, forming attractive places to live and work in, is vital for creating sustainable communities. A high quality build environment is an essential ingredient in creating a smarter, fairer, wealthier, safer, stronger and greener Scotland.

 The full response can be found here.

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