The design codes set out a vision for the Clydebank site, detailing buildings and streets which reference the area’s rich history, but also demonstrate an aspirational future.   

The codes are expected to encourage design innovation and promote high quality future development which will  build upon existing progress on site.

The decision to introduce the codes at a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee last week follows extensive consultation, which sought views from developers, land owners and other interested parties.

The design codes state that key historic connection routes and viewpoints are to be maintained and protected and that building heights are decided upon in line with their proximity to the site’s key features of the river, the Titan Crane and the new energy centre.

In addition, pedestrian and cycle access to the Riverside Walkway is encouraged and high quality materials are promoted to reflect the site’s heritage and location.  

The design codes build upon the approved masterplan for site and its vision to transform the area.

Councillors at the meeting agreed to adopt the new design codes for the assessment of all planning applications to the site going forward.

Councillor Jim Finn, chair of the committee, said: “Queen’s Quay is the biggest and most important project for Clydebank in recent years and so I am pleased to see that we now have a framework to ensure that the look and feel of the area is everything we expect it to be.

“We have a very proud history in Clydebank and we want to ensure that these developments can draw on this and highlight it.

“The feedback from our partners, developers and landowners was extremely valuable and I would like to thank all those who participated for taking the time to share their views.”

Councillor Diane Docherty, vice chair, added: “This guidance will ensure that we can make the very most of the space we have at the former shipyard and that we do not spoil the site, which a number of our residents hold dear to their heart.

“We want the residents and businesses at Queens Quay to enjoy our river again, and also have better links to the town centre, and I am all for anything which helps us achieve that.”

Members of the committee also approved a consultation to include a sustainability annex in the design codes, with the intention that all future housing is connected to the site’s innovative district heating system to ensure carbon emissions from the site, as well as occupant energy costs, are kept low.

The draft sustainability annex will be published for consultation for a period of six weeks and consultation responses will be reported back to a future planning committee, along with finalised document.