Master Planning

What is Master Planning?

Master planning is a long range plan that should be completed at the outset of a large project/development in order to define and align the vision for an area or space. The outcome of master planning is to create a framework, which defines massing, heights, the relationship between buildings, circulation spaces, streets, street furniture etc. in order to enable developers and designers to provide a response. The master planning framework should provide sufficient flexibility for this purpose.

Once complete master planning plans are incorporated into a regulatory planning toolkit. Master planning can provide more rigid and/or defined guidance on the design including what views need to maintained, shapes of architecture and other specific requirements. In other circumstances master planning can just provide basic parameters. Master planning may also include commentary on other items such as phasing, funding, scheduling etc.

The services which planning consultants can provide in relation to master planning are as follows:

Site development and master planning;
Urban and landscape design;
Planning policy and land use;
Economic and social development;
Strategic urban regeneration;
Transport planning;

Communication, consultation and consensus;
Market analysis;
Environmental impact assessment;
Sustainability;
Tourism and leisure;
Civil Engineering.

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What is included in Master Planning?

Master planning includes recommendation and analysis on a number of issues including the economy of a site, residential units, transport to and from the site, community buildings and facilities, landscaping, land use, the population of the site etc. The formulation of master planning takes into consideration public involvement, various surveys, planning strategy and initiatives, existing developments, social and economic issues and conditions and physical characteristics.

As part of a master planning exercise the following items should be considered:

Heritage and local character;
Topography and landscape;
Views and key buildings;
Choice of materials;
Ecology issues, flood risk, preservation of biodiversity;
Shape, style and scale of buildings;
Use and occupiers;
Use of neighbouring buildings.

A master planning plan will also have a Memorandum of Agreement. This is a signed document which confirms that the various stakeholders commit/adhere to, and participate in the implementation of the master planning recommendations. A Memorandum of Agreement should include:

Description of why master planning was put in place;
A scope of works for the scheme;
A map/plan of the development;
Key milestones;
A strategy to implement the plan;
Confirmation of the project manager to delivery the master planning.

Master planning can include the following roles:

An implementation and phasing schedule with priorities for action;
Act as a guide for regeneration and a tool to attract investment;
The visual aspects of how to shape the urban environment;
Define the relevant amenities whether these are public or private;
Engagement with the local community.

What are the benefits of master planning?

The benefit of master planning is that it provides a clear strategy for decisions that relate to a future development. This assists with ensuring land usage is correctly managed and assists with budgeting. Master planning also provides guidance and regulation to promote growth and future development of towns and cities.