Creation of a liveability index for Dundee adopting Your Housing Group (YHG) methodology to analyse Dundee’s Local Development Plan (2019)

Abstract

With predicted economic and population growth the council need to determine the housing situation in Dundee. Since they plan to attract young skilled workers and families, they need to identify areas where development is needed. For this reason, an index following the Your Housing Group (YHG) liveability index was created. The index identifies areas where average income families will find it easiest to live.

The results from the index showed several liveable areas in the north of the city while there were a cluster of unliveable areas to the south/southwest of the city. This spatial distribution of least liveable areas most likely relates to the industrial past of the city and the late development of the Westend. As the Waterfront regeneration continues to go on, it could be a good idea if the council work on making Westend more residential. Additionally, some proposed developments are in the west. An example of this is the Western Gateway development (Western Edge). The Western Edge has low liveability so this could be a great location to develop. Additionally, there are developments planned in Lochee which is another ideal location to develop due to low liveability. Lochee is also a network centre (important community) for Dundee so it would greatly benefit the city.

All in all, Dundee is working to make itself an economic hub for Scotland. The council do need to analyse their development locations and make sure new developments will impact the area positively.