P5.1: Appreciating Project Complexity

All large development projects will be different, and therefore the key issues that will need to be evaluated and analysed will vary on a case by case basis. Having said this, the promotion of sustainable development and complexity of planning on a large scale is likely to involve a range of common issues needing detailed assessment. This will include specific issues relating to land-use topics such as housing, employment, the provision of social infrastructure, open space, retail and leisure facilities. It will also need to consider influential topics such as design quality, transport access & movement, ecology & biodiversity, heritage, as well as over-arching considerations such as project viability, deliverability and environmental impact.

The range of issues are illustrated in Figure P5.1, and as part of the evolution of this Guide, a separate Topic Zone has been created which provides more detailed guidance in relation to the scope of and approach to addressing a range of topic based issues.

Figure P5.1: Large Scale Development Projects: Scope of Key Issues