7.1 The Council is committed to securing the highest possible quality of environment and to encouraging imaginative and innovative design that respects its context, local character and identity and enhances the City. Urban design is concerned with both the quality and form of the environment, including the complex inter-relationship between buildings, spaces, landscape and activities that, when successfully combined, can create memorable places of distinctive character that respect the human scale. Good urban design can: help balance competing development demands to deliver a sustainable vibrant City of the highest design quality; enhance and promote Glasgow’s image; and contribute to its economic regeneration.

Public Realm

7.2 Having a high quality environment plays an important role in promoting the City and attracting inward investment. Public awareness of design issues has increased and projects in Glasgow and elsewhere have raised expectations for quality in all aspects of the built environment, from major new developments to street furniture.

7.3 The European Commission’s Green Paper on the Urban Environment, published in 1990, advocated urban densification to create the socially and environmentally sustainable compact city. It also advocated high-density, mixed-use cities, and emphasised public transport use and increased energy efficiency. It is widely recognised that the diversity and concentration of development and activity in city centres maintains their vitality and encourages economic, social, cultural and physical regeneration.

Improving Glasgow's Image - Homes for the Future

7.4 National Planning Policy Guideline 1: The Planning System (NPPG 1), recognises the role of planning in improving environmental quality by promoting good urban design, building design and safeguarding the character and setting of towns. It states, for the first time, that the relationship of a development to its surroundings and its appearance are material considerations to be taken into account when determining planning applications and appeals.

7.5 The Council’s Urban Design Strategy sets out a framework and principles for the City aimed at guiding and securing high quality development that enhances Glasgow’s image and assists economic regeneration. The Strategy complements the Council’s Built Heritage and Landscape Strategies and supports the Plan’s Design Policies by explaining and illustrating examples of best practice.