First stage of Local Place Plans complete for three Glasgow neighbourhoods: Springburn, Queen's Park, and Mount Florida
Local Place Plans (LPPs) are a key part of the new Scottish Planning landscape and we are pleased to report the conclusion of Stage 1 engagement for each of the Springburn, Queen's Park Neighbourhoods and Mount Florida Local Place Plans.
Local Place Plans strengthen communities’ voices in planning, ensuring that plans reflect the needs, values and aspirations of the people who live, work and use each area. We have had amazing engagement from all three communities, with contributions from a wide variety of residents, business and organisation stakeholders, school children and visitors. The ideas, suggestions and aspirations gathered through Stage 1 are an important foundation for what comes next.
Though each plan’s emerging focus varies in relation to local context, some similar ideas and concerns have emerged across all three LPPs: good quality green space; accessible & vibrant public realm; availability of community facilities for flexible use; improving the balance between vehicular traffic & active travel; and long-term maintenance & cleanliness of neighbourhoods. In all three areas, there is also a distinct pride in place and community.
In Springburn, the LPP builds on a substantial existing body of work from the Our Springburn 2019 Charrette. Many of the key ideas and themes are still relevant, although priorities and third sector delivery have evolved in the period spanning the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. While the focus is on a strong town centre, strong links throughout the area and to surrounding neighbourhoods are also important, while restoring and caring for key local assets such as Springburn Park are seen as vital in creating a more liveable place.
In the Queen’s Park Neighbourhoods, the focus is on the key streets and areas linking to Queen’s Park, with consideration of how public spaces can be improved. There are a number of high-profile local assets - such as Langside Halls and the Queen’s Park Glasshouses - which are seen to be important in both the preservation of local character and in providing community spaces and activities.
In Mount Florida, there is a strong local high street with an independent and distinct character which is valued by local people. There are questions around how the balance between people and vehicles can be improved, and about how limited access to good quality green space might be addressed. There is also a desire to ensure that Hampden - which is viewed as a national asset - can work well for local people.
Each neighbourhood has now moved into Stage 2 of their LPP process, developing a vision, identifying key themes, and outlining projects. As these plans take shape, they will be guided by the initial feedback provided, ensuring that future planning is community-driven and responsive to local priorities.
We are excited to continue working with the Springburn, Mount Florida and Queen's Park Neighbourhoods, as these projects evolve in shape. The ideas and involvement are crucial to creating places that reflect and celebrate the uniqueness of each neighbourhood.
Thank you to everyone who has participated so far, and we’re excited to see how these plans and projects evolve with your continued input! To learn more about each Local Place Plan and upcoming events, please visit the project microsites below.