Dundee Civic Trust welcomes the City Council’s review of the 2019 Local Development Plan. The previous plan had some strengths, but it no longer reflects current national policy or the city’s needs. We argue that the next plan should be more ambitious, coherent and adaptable, with flexible planning frameworks rather than rigid masterplans. Dundee’s tightly drawn boundaries significantly limit the city’s potential and should be expanded outwards to strengthen the city’s role as a regional hub.
Dundee’s UNESCO City of Design status should play a far greater role in shaping development, supported by clearer design policies, stronger guidance and a new multidisciplinary review panel. Higher‑density living, reuse of vacant buildings and better housing data are highlighted as essential, along with improved design standards and more mixed‑use neighbourhoods.
For the city centre, the Trust emphasises the importance of increasing the residential population to support activity throughout the day and evening, alongside improvements to major sites, public transport and mixed‑use development. We also call for a shift toward regenerative design, expanded biodiversity, better flood planning and a more resilient energy strategy. On transport, we stress the need for better bus services, improved rail connections, a relocated bus station and safer, more practical cycling routes.
Read a summary of our response to the Call for Ideas Stage here and our full report here.