Local Living and 20-Minute Neighbourhoods – Planning Guidance Consultation
|

Local Living and 20-Minute Neighbourhoods – Planning Guidance Consultation

Following the adoption of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) in February 2023, new development has required to consider how it promotes Local Living, and specifically the 20-Minute Neighbourhood concept, by Policy 15 of the NPF4. Given Scotland’s diverse urban form, community structure, and patterns of living and working, it has not initially been clear…

Who will create Scotland’s new ‘multi-functional’ town centres?

Who will create Scotland’s new ‘multi-functional’ town centres?

Who will drive the evolution of the Scottish town centre? Graham + Sibbald Partner, Keith Watters, highlights the key players.   When you look across Scotland it is clear that the future of the town centre is up for grabs. The challenge of online shopping and the pandemic means that retail is no longer the…

Making Scotland’s town centres places where people want to live and work again

Making Scotland’s town centres places where people want to live and work again

How do you get the life back into Scotland’s high streets? Graham + Sibbald Associate, Peter Fleming, talks revitilisation.    It’s a sad truth that for the last 20 years the Scottish high street has been in decline as a place to live, shop and work. This has happened in tandem with the development of…

Planning and the future of the Scottish town centre
|

Planning and the future of the Scottish town centre

What role will planning have in driving the recovery of Scottish town centres? Kerri McGuire, Head of Planning at Graham + Sibbald, looks at the crucial role that planners will play in the process.   Planning could help unlock a vibrant and sustainable future for Scottish town centres, if a flexible planning policy approach is…

Rural and island town centres face unique challenges

Rural and island town centres face unique challenges

Can ‘thinking local’ help save Scotland’s rural and island town centres? Graham + Sibbald’s Senior Surveyor, Kenny McKenzie, thinks it might.    Although it is difficult to put a definitive figure on it, the Coronavirus pandemic has had a significant effect across the Highlands and Islands. The government has tried its best to provide support,…

A new architectural vision needed for Scotland’s town centre

What shape will Scotland’s town centres take in the future? Head of Architectural Services, Andrew Daly looks in his crystal ball.   The current challenge facing the Scottish town centre provides a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into some of the country’s most forgotten but historically important spaces. This is a chance to rebalance…

Getting the balance right on town-centre rates

Getting the balance right on town-centre rates

Are high rates killing the Scottish town centres? Rating Consultant, Tim Bunker argues for a balanced approach.   There is a lot of talk about how excessive business rates are causing the ‘death’ of Scotland’s town and city centres. However this ignores the fact that rates are only one of a number of challenges that…