A review led by Edinburgh-based consultancy Ryden into the effectiveness and challenges of delivering infrastructure in Scotland has won the Planning Consultancy Award at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Research Excellence.
The report’s contains 35 recommendations, including more joined up working across public and private sectors, and calls for planners to be recognised as ‘place providers’ who show leadership in identifying, costing and delivering infrastructure as an integral part of the future development of an area.
Dr Michael Harris, RTPI’s head of research and adviser to the judging panel said, “Planning for Infrastructure Research is a comprehensive examination of infrastructure planning and delivery in Scotland. Drawing from a wide-ranging research process which captures the expertise of planners and other stakeholders, the authors propose practical recommendations which will enable the Scottish Government to better navigate the complexity of infrastructure planning and coordinate delivery of major projects.”
Planning for Infrastructure was commissioned by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland. Research was led by Ryden, supported by professional services firms Brodies and WSP. It has to date informed draft planning delivery advice and the independent review of the Scottish planning system.
