Dundee City Council is proposing a refresh of its Streets Ahead Design Guide, first published in 2005, to reflect significant changes in national design standards over the past two decades.

The City Growth and Infrastructure Committee will be asked to approve the new guidance, which sets requirements for high-quality development and innovative street design, supporting both planning approval and Road Construction Consent.

The updated document aligns with current best practice in placemaking and the council's wider ambitions on climate action and sustainable development, while ensuring consistency with National Planning Framework 4.

Committee convener Cllr Steven Rome said: "Since the last guide was published over twenty years ago, there have been many changes to national guidance.

"Active travel, sustainability and accessibility are vital considerations in our ongoing efforts to make Dundee a better place to live for everyone.

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"Looking forward, the need to be aware of climate implications for every development will become increasingly important.

"We want to encourage developers to engage with us from an early stage to ensure that they can meet required standards and help keep our communities connected with well-designed projects that benefit the city."

The revised guide aims to promote high-quality design through early and collaborative engagement; establish a street design framework based on safety, equity, accessibility, sustainability and climate resilience; support the SCOTS National Roads Development Guide while defining Dundee-specific variations such as parking standards and road specifications; and provide clear advice on securing Road Construction Consent and Planning Consent for new infrastructure.

Key updates include enhanced cycling infrastructure in line with Cycling by Design, alongside improved pedestrian accessibility.

Consultation with key stakeholders — including accessibility groups, developers and their design teams — has informed the revisions, with further engagement planned before the document is finalised and published on the council's website.

Catherine Wykes, chair of the Dundee Cycling Forum, said: "Dundee Cycling Forum welcomes the news that the Dundee Streets Ahead Guide has been updated in line with current best practice. Well designed streets aren't just about getting from a to b. They connect local communities, and make it a natural choice to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys. This much needed update will make sure our streets are safe, welcoming spaces for everyone."

The City Growth and Infrastructure Committee meets on Monday February 16.