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

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Fife Structure Plan

03/07/2002

Following extensive consultation with local people and interested parties, Scottish Ministers have approved the Fife Structure Plan with modifications.

The Plan, submitted by Fife Council, was drawn up under the current arrangements for strategic planning. It will provide the long-term planning vision for development and the environment within the Fife area up to 2011.

The Plan estimates the area's requirements for new housing land, shopping, economic and transport developments and the use of natural resources. It sets out in general terms a development strategy for how and where this should take place in conjunction with maintaining and enhancing the environment.

The Plan's strategy has five main themes:

  • Maintaining communities
  • Economic developments
  • Transport improvements
  • Maintaining the environment
  • A more sustainable future

Some of the key modifications include:

  • More recognition of existing development potential in West Fife
  • Clarification over future in-migration and guiding more development to Central Fife
  • Clarification of housing land supply issues
  • Consolidation of new Green Belt proposals for St Andrews and Dunfermline.
  • Changes to reflect National Planning Guidance

Deputy Social Justice Minister Hugh Henry said:

"The Council's Plan as now approved, provides an important strategic framework to take full advantage of existing development opportunities in West Fife while also providing for more regeneration in Central Fife and maintaining the whole area's distinct and valuable environment.

"This Structure Plan will also make an important contribution to the realisation of key Scottish Executive objectives, including the promotion of social justice and economic competitiveness, the protection and enhancement of the environment and the integration of land use and transport."

The new Fife Structure Plan for 2001-2011 replaces the Plan approved in 1994 and a Housing Land Alteration approved in 1999.

The Structure Plan is a key component of the development planning system laid down in the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. A Structure Plan sets out a planning authority's strategic land use policies and proposals. Detailed policies and site specific proposals are matters for local plans.

Arrangements have been made to advertise the decision. Copies of the decision have been sent to the Council and to all those who have made representations to Scottish Ministers.

Certified copies of the Plan with the decision letter including the proposed modifications, are deposited for public inspection at Fife Council Planning and Building Control Service Offices: and at public libraries throughout the Council area. They may also be seen at the Executive's Saughton House Library, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh.

Page updated: Thursday, July 22, 2004