The Kirkwall Urban Design Development Framework provides comprehensive strategic guidance on the development of Kirkwall over the next 10 to 20 years. It develops urban development strategies based on an holistic understanding of the city’s history, landscape, townscape, access, greenspace patterns and economy. The intention is that the framework will allow proactive planning which can prevent inappropriate developments, and insensitive peri-urban sprawl. It will also inform initiatives for pedestrian access network development and greenspace protection/ management. A central aim is to reinforce the distinctiveness of Orkney’s capital and use a city space framework to guide the planning process to these ends.