The application of environmental issues in designing urban structures – a framework for comprehensive local planning policies

The implementation of environmental issues in planning and designing urban structures is becoming a novel approach and a common practice consistent with the paradigm of sustainable development. Maintaining environmental quality in urban areas, managing natural resources and understanding the complexity of urban systems is becoming increasingly challenging. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies for the integration of environmental quality research into urban planning policies and for the development of alternative spatial solutions for the existing urban structure which are aimed at improving environmental quality in urban areas. The aim of the article is to review contemporary theoretical and practical approaches towards the implementation of environmental issues within the process of urban planning in order to present a framework for local planning policies. Described is the research into spatial and design solutions which can efficiently reduce noise levels, mitigate atmospheric pollution and odour nuisance or prevent the negative effects of local microclimate effect. The possibility of application of design guidelines aimed at achieving environmental objectives in local planning documents is also assessed.