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A vision for Scotland's development
12/12/2008
Major infrastructure projects with the potential to support Scotland's economy, including a new Forth Crossing and port developments, have been identified in the Scottish Government's proposed second National Planning Framework (NPF).
The document outlines a vision for Scotland's development to 2030.
Infrastructure Minister Stewart Stevenson said:
"The National Planning Framework identifies priorities for the development of our national infrastructure, including transport and renewable energy.
"We have carefully considered responses to our consultation and I believe we have a development strategy supported by a set of National Developments that will help create opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish.
"Progressing the NPF builds on our efforts to ensure Scotland has a joined-up planning and development regime which helps, not hinders, efforts to increase sustainable economic growth. A key part of our economic recovery programme is to ensure all government activity, including planning, supports economic development. This will help position Scotland's economy for a faster and stronger recovery."
The proposed NPF outlines 12 National Developments:
- New Forth Crossing
- West of Scotland strategic rail enhancements
- Airport access enhancements
- Grangemouth Freight Hub
- Expanded port facilities at Rosyth
- Port Developments on Loch Ryan
- Scapa Flow Container Transhipment Facility
- New Power Station and Transhipment Hub at Hunterston
- New non-nuclear baseload capacity at other existing power station sites
- Electricity grid reinforcements
- Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Scheme
- 2014 Commonwealth Games facilities
Inclusion as a national development in the NPF establishes the need for these projects in the national interest. Planning (and other permissions as necessary) will still be required. Any subsequent examination on national developments would focus on matters such as siting, design and the mitigation of environmental impacts rather than re-opening the question of need.
Parliament now has 60 days to consider the proposed Framework and respond to Scottish Ministers. It is anticipated that the final NPF will be approved by Scottish Ministers and published in Spring 2009.
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2006 requires Scottish Ministers to prepare or review the National Planning Framework (NPF) within five years. When finalised, planning authorities will have to take account of the final NPF when preparing development plans and making planning decisions.
The NPF maps out the key policies, strategies and developments that Scotland needs. It identifies the critical elements of our national infrastructure: transport, energy, waste, water and drainage, flood protection and communications technology. It addresses spatial issues of national importance for all parts of Scotland, providing a robust context for development planning and enabling each part of Scotland to play to its strengths.
Projects which may be identified as National Developments are those which: make a significant contribution to Scotland's sustainable economic development; strengthen Scotland's links with the rest of the world; deliver strategic improvements in internal connectivity; make a significant contribution to the achievement of climate change, renewable energy or waste management targets; are essential elements of a programme of investment in national infrastructure; or raise strategic issues of more than regional importance.