This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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West Edinburgh Planning Framework
14/03/2003
Planning guidance for one of Scotland's fastest growing
development areas was published today by the Executive, in
partnership with Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise,
Edinburgh and Lothian.
The West Edinburgh Planning Framework will help all public
and private stakeholders with an interest in the area to
develop long-term co-ordinated plans that meet the economic,
transport and environmental needs of the area, while
recognising the its national importance.
The Framework's recommendations include:
- nurturing of the potential of the area of high-quality
economic development
- introducing tram networks into and through the area for
rapid transit within and between Edinburgh and the Lothians
and local distribution
- introducing rail links to Edinburgh Airport to improve
accessibility and reduce journey times from other parts of
Scotland and the UK
- integrating of transport modes through the construction
of a high quality transport interchange at Edinburgh
Airport and park and ride facilities
- continuing the commitment to the strategic role of
Edinburgh's Green Belt
Margaret Curran, Minister for Social Justice, said:
"West Edinburgh plays a key part in Scotland's economy and
its development will continue to attract new business and
thousands of new jobs to the area. Its potential as an
international gateway linking Edinburgh Airport to the city,
and indeed other parts of Scotland, is of national
significance.
"It is vital that a well-informed and carefully managed
planning framework is in place to inform transport and economic
developments while also recognising and managing any
environmental and quality of life issues that might arise.
"Earlier this week we announced the go-ahead for a new rail
link to Edinburgh airport connecting to the rest of the
Scottish network and the North of England and we recently
announced 375 million pounds funding in principle to City of
Edinburgh Council for its integrated transport initiative which
will secure at least the completion of the first tram line for
Edinburgh by 2009.
"These announcements are important for the continuing
development of West Edinburgh and the Executive is committed to
working with its partners and the other stakeholders to ensure
the West Edinburgh Planning Framework is implemented with
action on the ground. The publication of the Framework
underlines the Executive's recognition of West Edinburgh as a
unique opportunity in Scotland for an international businesss
location"
Councillor Robert Cairns, planning convener of Edinburgh
Council, said:
"This has been an outstanding example of partnership between
the Council and the Executive, and recognises the strategic
significance of the area around Edinburgh airport to the
national economy. The Framework will ensure the proper
co-ordination of land use and transport investment and will be
a valuable input to the new structure plan for Edinburgh and
the Lothians. Taken together with recent announcements on
transport infrastructure for Edinburgh, this goes a long way
towards creating a long term vision for our dynamic capital
city."
David Crichton, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise
Edinburgh and Lothian, said:
"West Edinburgh is an internationally competitive business
location of strategic importance to both the regional and the
national economy. It is important that the area's potential for
future economic growth is not restricted by a poor transport
infrastructure.
"The long term strategic policy framework that is now in
place recognises the area as a national asset and the need to
integrate current and future development with investment in
transport.
"I welcome the recent announcement of £375 million to build
a tram route to serve the north and west of the city, and the
go ahead for a new rail link to Edinburgh airport. SE Edinburgh
and Lothian looks forward to continued close working with the
Executive and City Council to exploit the economic potential of
the Western approaches to the city."
Th West Edinburgh framework is the first area-specific
Scottish planning policy. The review of strategic planning
which was published in June 2001 suggested that there may be a
limited number of areas where, in the national interest, a
co-ordinated approach to planning was essential. West Edinburgh
is one such area.
The framework includes the Sighthill and South Gyle
employment areas, Edinburgh Park and the Gyle Centre, and the
A8 corridor to Newbridge, including the Royal Highland
Showground and the Airport. It is effectively concerned with
the A8 transport corridor.
The Executive consulted on the draft West Edinburgh Planning
Framework from August to November 2002. Overall the majority of
the 73 responses were in favour of the strategic aims of the
Planning Framework.
The £375 million funding Edinburgh Council's integrated
transport initiative will secure at least the completion of the
North Edinburgh loop, the first tram line for the city, by
2009. It will provide a circular service linking the city with
Leith and Newhaven as well as passing through the Waterfront
development area.
The new Edinburgh rail route will have the potential for ten
trains per hour stopping at the airport. There will be links to
Aberdeen, Glasgow, Stirling, Fife and south to Newcastle.
Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction could begin in
2006 with completion possible in 2010.