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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Economic planning consultation

11/01/2002

A consultation exercise on new draft guidance on land use planning for economic development was announced today.

Welcoming the draft guidance, Social Justice Minister Iain Gray said:

"The planning system has an important role in providing for new economic development and contributing to economic prosperity, in a way which is socially and environmentally sustainable. In fulfilling this role it must respond to market forces, providing sites of the right type, in the right place, at the right time so that new and existing enterprise can compete effectively in the global market place.

"This draft guidance recognises the fundamental changes that have taken place in the economic market since the publication of the previous guidelines in the early 1990s. In particular, it tackles the planning policy implications of a move towards a more knowledge-based economy.

"I would encourage all those with an interest in this important issue to contribute to this consultation exercise."

The revised guideline focuses on four key planning objectives -

  • providing a range of development opportunities,
  • ensuring that development takes place in sustainable locations,
  • protecting the environment, and
  • promoting better dialogue between local authorities and business.

National Planning policy Guidelines are statements of Scottish Executive policy on nationally important land use and planning matters.

The revised draft of National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 2: Economic Development has been issued for an extended period of public consultation. Responses have been requested by 10 May 2002.

The draft has been prepared following discussions with a wide range of interested bodies - in line with the Executive's promise to prepare such guidelines in a more open, inclusive and transparent fashion.

Following the end of the consultation period, finalised guidance will be prepared and issued in Summer 2002.

Page updated: Thursday, July 22, 2004