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REVIEW OF SPP 2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: OVERVIEW OF CONSULTATION RESPONSES

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INTRODUCTION

Background

1. On 11 January 2002, the Scottish Executive issued a consultation draft revision of the then National Planning Policy Guideline 2 (NPPG) Business and Industry. The revised draft, renamed Economic Development, set out the Scottish Executive's proposed new planning guidance on how land use planning can assist economic development whilst taking account of social and environmental agendas. It covers covered the following four themes:

• to provide a range of development opportunities,
• to ensure that development takes place in sustainable locations,
• to safeguard and enhance the environment, and
• to promote better dialogue between local authorities and businesses.

2. This report provides an overview of the findings from the consultation responses. No Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared, as it was considered that the proposals contained in the consultation draft would not increase the regulatory burden on businesses or the voluntary sector.

Responses

3 Approximately 1,200 copies of the consultation paper were distributed to all local authorities in Scotland, a wide range of public bodies, non governmental organisations (NGOs), industry and business interests. The document was also made available on the planning page of the Scottish Executive website. The consultation period closed on 10 May 2002, but a number of responses were received after the closing date. These were all taken into account.

4. In total, there were 69 responses from a wide range of interests which can be broken down into the following categories:

5. A full list of respondents can be found in Annex A. No one requested that their response be kept confidential and copies of all the responses are available for public inspection at the Scottish Executive Library, Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD. For an appointment, please contact Mr Alan Gold (0131 - 244 4552). Additionally, a fuller digest of the comments relating to each paragraph is available on the Scottish Executive Planning Homepage http://www.scotland.gov.uk/planning/.

ISSUES EMERGING FROM RESPONSES

General comments

6. The Executive has analysed the comments and, where appropriate, made amendments to the policy guidance. There was a clear message of support for the revised Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) from most respondents including business groups, such as the CBI and SCDI. Many also welcomed the change in title from 'Business and Industry' to 'Economic Development' reflecting the significant contribution made to the economy by non-manufacturing sectors. Whilst most comments on the consultation draft were positive, some thought that the guidance was too general, and did not provide adequate information on prioritisation. It was also considered by some that the document was attempting to accomplish more than the planning system is currently capable of delivering.

7. One issue in particular, which was considered by many, not to have been given adequate attention in the consultation draft was the provision of a clear spatial framework. The Executive has therefore improved the planning context for economic development. The intention is that forthcoming national planning framework will give further consideration to the spatial priorities.

8. Many respondents requested definitions for terms such as 'marketable land'. Decisions have to be made at a local level taking account of all factors relevant to the development. Providing definitions could in some instances provide clarity, but in other circumstances it could act as a constraint, allowing no flexibility for local factors. The Executive has sought to clarify on this point without necessarily providing a precise universal definition.

Key issues

9. Many comments received in the form of drafting suggestions or factual points have been given full consideration. Those issues which are currently outwith the scope of this particular guidance, and have not been addressed include, the role of infrastructure, developer contributions, amendments to the guidance on Simplified Planning Zones (SPZs) and the review of the Use Classes Order. Suggestions were made for future PANs to cover new areas, such as land supply audits and home working. These suggestions will be considered in due course alongside other Executive priorities.

10. Most of the comments relate to the following categories:

• Scope of the guidance
• Providing a range of development opportunities
• Encouraging development in sustainable locations
• Implementation

11. Each is discussed below in more detail, along with an indication of how they have been addressed. Where consultation responses relate to a particular section, the paragraph number referred to in this report is that of the draft guideline issued in January 2002.

Scope of the guidance

Aim of the SPP

12. There was concern from a number of respondents over the real influence that planning, and consequently the SPP, can have in providing for economic development. The Executive

recognises that the planning system has a limited role in influencing economic development, and that it is just one of many factors which have an impact. For this reason the SPP states that its focus has been to look at four key areas where planning can contribute to economic development.

Central belt focus

13. Some respondents considered the guidance had too much of a central belt focus. Many also felt that it failed to recognise the importance that medium and smaller sites have for regional economies.

Sustainability

14. There was a strong feeling from some respondents that references to sustainability throughout the guidance had been downgraded.

Providing a range of development opportunities

15. This section prompted a number of comments and questions. As a consequence, this section (paragraphs 9 to 28) have been amended.

Structure

16. There were many comments which related to the structure of this section.

Key sites

17. There were a number of comments on the list of key sites adjacent to paragraph 15, including the selection of the particular sites. Some respondents provided further suggestions for inclusion, but they were often of a much smaller scale.

Large industrial and business sites

18. Some respondents questioned why Hunterston had been singled out for special treatment in the form of an Annex. There appeared to be little benefit to treating it separately.

Large petrochemical sites

19. Some respondents identified omissions in the section on large petrochemical sites, and requested greater recognition of the importance of this type of industry.

Headquarters

20. The paragraph on headquarters resulted in a large number of responses from a wide range of parties. In particular, there were concerns about the apparent emphasis on greenfield sites, and suggestions that other locations be mentioned.

Encouraging development in sustainable locations

21. Respondents indicated that the key areas of concern related to the ordering of the paragraphs from 29 to 34.

Brownfield development

22. There was some concern that the consultation draft did not give sufficient support to brownfield development.

ICT and home working

23. Consultees welcomed the acknowledgement of the contribution of ICT and home-working, but sought more guidance.

Implementation

24. Consultees sought additional guidance on the mechanisms available to ensure deliverability. The view was that the planning system needed to be more proactive. With regard to the section on development plans, there was a request to clarify the bullet points at paragraph 57. For development control, there were differences of opinion. The criticism that the planning system was causing delays was not accepted by local authorities, but this was not shared by the business community.

Scottish Executive, November 2002

Annex A : List of Respondents