Scottish Planning Policy SPP 20 Role of Architecture and Design ScotlandSUMMARYScottish Ministers want Scotland to be one of the best small countries in the world, valued as an outstanding place to visit, work and live. In turning this aspiration into reality a key task is to maintain and enhance the quality of our natural and built heritage. It is equally important that any development, whether new build or refurbished, contributes positively to the quality of our cities, towns and rural areas.The desire to achieve good architecture and quality environments are at the forefront of the planning and development process. Through better design, a well built environment can be created which future generations will enjoy and appreciate - it can improve the quality of life for everyone.The Scottish Executive attaches great importance to design and the value of creating quality places for everyone. This has been promoted through a variety of means, most importantly through policy statements such as A Policy for Architecture and Designing Places.To support and reinforce the drive for quality, the new body Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) will champion excellence in architecture and the built environment. As well as providing general advice, its responsibilities will encompass: support through design review enabling and advocacy research and communicationIn carrying out these responsibilities, A&DS will develop strong links with stakeholders, including local communities, who have an interest in the built environment.INTRODUCTION1. In 2000, the then Planning Minister asked Where are the conservation areas of the future? This question was based on the recognition that although some fine individual buildings have been built in recent years, capable of becoming the listed buildings of tomorrow, few new neighbourhoods of quality were being created. The Executive has promoted a strong and positive design agenda for the built environment to address this concern.2. The purpose of this Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) is two fold. First, it draws together and reinforces the Executives published design policy commitments. Second, it sets out the role of Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS). A&DS has been set up to deliver the Scottish Ministers design and architecture policies. In April 2005, A&DS will take responsibility for design review and become a non-statutory consultee in place of the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland (RFACS).3. This SPP replaces the Scottish Office Development Department Circular No.30/1996 on Consultation with the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland. It will take effect on 1st April 2005.QUALITIES OF GOOD DESIGN4. Poor design leads to impoverishment of the built environment. It has an adverse effect on the quality of life for residents with the erosion of a sense of place, loss of identity and the fragmentation of communities. The long term consequences of poorly designed development are inherently unsustainable. In contrast, good design represents an investment in Scotlands people and places, and adds value to the built environment.5. The most successful places are those that flourish socially, environmentally and economically. They also have the following qualities in common: Distinctiveness - they have a distinct character and identity Safe and pleasant - their public spaces are well looked after Easy to get to and move around - they are easy to reach, especially on foot Welcoming - their occupants and visitors feel at ease Adaptable - they have the capacity to cope with change Resource efficient - they promote the sustainable use of resources6. These six qualities are integral to the Executives design related policy documents. Achieving better quality design in the built environment, and in public open spaces, requires design to be given greater importance in the consideration of planning applications. Ultimately, the success of the planning system will be measured by the quality of development on the ground (whether new build or refurbishment) in terms of what it looks like, how it relates to the existing built environment, how well it functions and how long it lasts.POLICY CONTEXT7. The current range of design based policy and advice documents, together with work being carried out to address skills, are summarised below:POLICY A Policy on Architecture (2001)8. In A Policy on Architecture for Scotland, the Executive recognises that the planning system is one of the most important ways of procuring good architecture. The policy also acknowledges that design is a specialist skill but it is not an exclusive activity and depends on a meaningful and sustained dialogue between designers and clients, users and communities. This has an important bearing on the way in which the planning system should work to deliver good design. In addition, the policy emphasises the importance of collaborative working to ensure that appropriate professional skills are availabl