Changes Coming with Edinburgh City Council Planning Guidance Update - comment before April 3rd!
- crewarchitects
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Last week we attended the Non statutory guidance workshop session organised by @edinburgh_council to discuss the new versions of the Planning Guidance documents due to be released later this year.
Included within these documents is the Guidance for Householders in which our Trinity project has been on the cover since the 2021 version. https://www.crewarchitects.com/trinity
The session provided valuable information and offered an excellent opportunity for face-to-face discussions with various planning departments.
Document consultation online is open until 3rd April 2025 for those wishing to provide feedback. As architects, it is crucial that we all participate in the discussion to enhance these documents when possible, as they will be utilised for many years.
More detail -
With updates reflecting the National Planning Framework 4, City Plan 2030, and the City Mobility Plan, significant changes are coming. If you’re wondering how these changes might affect you—especially as a homeowner—read on to engage in the consultation process!
The City Council has unveiled essential documents to steer future developments in Edinburgh. Here's a summary of the area proposals:
1. Edinburgh Design Guidance
The Edinburgh Design Guidance emphasises design and placemaking for new developments. This framework ensures our neighbourhoods thrive as functional, aesthetic, and welcoming spaces. Research shows that well-designed public areas can increase community satisfaction by up to 60% and significantly improve property values.
2. Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Guidance
The Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Guidance aims to protect the architectural heritage of our city. This document stresses the importance of preserving historic sites, ensuring any modifications are carried out thoughtfully.
For homeowners in a conservation areas and/or listed buildings, familiarising yourself with these regulations or seeking professional advice is crucial. For example, if you plan to repaint your house or change windows, or even chop down a tree in your garden knowing the guidelines can help you avoid costly fines or required restorations. Forgetting to adhere to these regulations can lead to financial penalties and lengthy appeals process.
A very useful change is bringing both the conservation area and listed building guidance into once.
3. Guidance for Householders
The Guidance for Householders offers vital information for individuals planning development projects at home. Whether it’s a new extension, a garden shed, or changes to your property’s external appearance, understanding this guidance ensures your plans comply with council regulations and neighbourhood aesthetics.
One significant change includes- Neighbourhood Character and Appearance (pg 2) which states; 'Development must be compatible with the existing building and surrounding neighbourhood character. The design of a development should be informed by the existing building’s character and appearance, and that of the surrounding area.'
We are concerned that designs should be influenced by the surrounding area. We believe this can unnecessarily limit design solutions that respond to context and force us to adhere to low-quality architectural solutions simply because they are common in the area. Planning officers claim they evaluate each proposal based on its own merits, which is appropriate, but with this addition to the guidance, we feel it encourages more uniform responses at the expense of positive, individualistic responses that enhance our built environment.
—Below is an except from the new handbook showing, examples of characteristic areas in Edinburgh.
Can you guess which one we don't view as positively characteristic?
Take Action to Shape Our Future-
The City of Edinburgh Council’s planning guidance update will bring significant changes affecting residents for years to come. Whether you care about preserving the historical integrity of our buildings, improving the design of new developments, or making alterations to your own home, now is the time to get involved!
The consultation is currently open online until April 3, 2025. Here’s how you can get involved:
Review the Guidance Documents: Read through the proposed changes to empower yourself with knowledge. This context will help you provide informed feedback.
Submit Your Feedback: Use the provided online forms to share your comments and suggestions. Every opinion is valuable, and your input can drive meaningful changes.
final time writing the link-
Your opinion truly matters—don’t miss this chance to shape our city's future!
