Sessions overview

1) Planning context and policy in Scotland (Plenary Session)

This opening session will set the scene by exploring the spatial and policy context for housing in Scotland. It will look at housing needs across the country, from urban centres to island and rural communities, and how a range of solutions, including the re-use and regeneration of existing housing stock, can meet those needs. Speakers will consider how National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and wider Scottish Government policy are guiding housing development to achieve a just transition to net zero and more equitable outcomes across the country.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand current Scottish planning policy and its implications for housing delivery.
• Explore the role of planning reform in addressing Scotland’s housing emergency.
• Achieve the Landscape CPD Framework core competency of planning, legal, policy and regulatory compliance.

2) Landscape-led housing development (Plenary Session)

This session will demonstrate how a Landscape-led approach results in better design and development outcomes when landscape professionals are involved from the outset. Drawing on both historic and contemporary Scottish examples, from Edinburgh’s New Town to recent regeneration projects such as Sighthill in Glasgow, speakers will show how integrating landscape design early in the process creates thriving, distinctive and resilient neighbourhoods. The discussion will also consider how improved procurement and commissioning processes can help deliver long-term value and smart investment. 

Learning outcomes:

• Gain an understanding of the value of early landscape involvement in housing projects.
• Support achievement of the Landscape CPD Framework competencies of healthy place and inclusive environments.
• Explore how procurement and design processes can embed Landscape-led outcomes.

3) Transition to net zero neighbourhoods (First set of breakouts)

This session will explore the challenges and opportunities in reducing embodied carbon and increasing carbon sequestration in the places where people live. Speakers will consider how housing and landscape design can work together to achieve climate goals at both site and neighbourhood scales, moving from a building-focused approach to a whole-place perspective.

Learning outcomes:

• Develop understanding of carbon reduction and sequestration across housing and landscape systems.
• Contribute to the Landscape CPD Framework competencies of climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for Landscape-led design to accelerate the just transition to net zero.

4) How housing can help address the biodiversity crisis (First set of breakouts)

This session will explore how housing and regeneration projects can play a positive role in restoring biodiversity and strengthening ecological networks. Speakers will discuss current Scottish policy on biodiversity enhancement and the development of new metrics for measuring impact. Case studies will show how designing with nature delivers environmental, social and economic benefits for people and wildlife. 

Learning outcomes

• Understand the role of landscape-led design in tackling the biodiversity crisis.
• Achieve the Landscape CPD Framework competencies of habitats and species, and masterplanning.
• Learn from Scottish case studies that demonstrate how housing and biodiversity objectives can align.

5) Creating healthy and equitable places to live (Second set of breakouts)

This session will highlight how access to nature, green and blue spaces, and well-designed public realm contributes to health and wellbeing. It will explore the evidence linking landscape quality to physical and mental health outcomes, and the role of placemaking principles and children’s play strategies in promoting inclusion and fairness. The session will also consider issues of equity, such as disparities in tree canopy cover between communities, and how design can help to address these inequalities. 

Learning outcomes:

• Achieve the Landscape CPD Framework competencies of healthy place and inclusive environments.
• Understand how landscape design supports wellbeing and social equity.
• Gain insight into best practice in designing inclusive and accessible neighbourhoods.

6) Living with water in better ways (Second set of breakouts)

This session will look at how we can design places that manage water more effectively and positively, supporting resilience, amenity and biodiversity. Speakers will examine Scotland’s approach to flood risk management, surface water planning and SuDS, and how landscape design can enhance water quality, public space and ecological value. 

Learning outcomes:

• Understand how integrated design can reduce flood risk and improve water management.
• Contribute to the Landscape CPD Framework competency of water management.
• Learn how blue-green infrastructure can support climate resilience and quality of life. 

Closing discussion and networking reception

The day will conclude with a panel discussion reflecting on how collaboration between government, the housing sector and the landscape profession can deliver on Scotland’s housing and regeneration ambitions. A drinks reception will follow, providing the opportunity to continue the discussion and build new connections.