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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report assesses the extent to which local plans in Scotland provide a positive planning policy framework to help support delivery of the infrastructure requirements of Scotland's Area Waste Plans. It takes the objectives of the National Waste Plan and Area Waste Plans into account to record the extent to which local plans can support a move towards sustainable waste management as required by both national and European guidance and legislation.
The report is based on correspondence between the Scottish Executive and planning authorities exchanged during 2003 and subsequent updating of statements provided by the authorities.
The report concludes that around half of Scotland's planning authorities have incorporated waste management policies into their development plans which, to varying degrees, could be used to help support development that accords with the principles of sustainable waste management. Although there is a general lack of clear directional guidance and positive promotion for waste infrastructure, emerging local plans are beginning to address these shortcomings. Furthermore, some local authorities have developed policies to help deliver Area Waste Plan objectives, highlighting the link to economic opportunities. There are also examples of good practice throughout Scotland in both policy making and the production of supplementary guidance.
However, there are particular waste strategy areas of Scotland where waste management planning policy needs to be developed to provide the level of positive support and direction to facilitate implementation of the Area Waste Plans and the move to sustainable waste management. These areas are Glasgow & Clyde Valley, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway and Lothian & Borders.
Each Authority was given the opportunity to check the accuracy of the report and record any recent policy developments.
The report concludes that there is a need to assist local authorities in developing effective waste management policies. To address those conclusions the report makes 10 recommendations for improved practice. These are:-
- Production of Model Waste Management Planning Policies
- Follow-up correspondence with local authorities and dissemination of best practice
- Action to prepare effective Local Plans
- Promotion of link between employment opportunities and waste infrastructure
- Follow-up study of effectiveness of current planning policies, in order to identify barriers to delivery of waste infrastructure
- Improved recording systems
- Notification procedures
- Important role of Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit in planning application and local plan inquiries
- Consideration of non-municipal waste issues
- Encouragement of joint working with waste managers
This report focuses on its remit to assess local plans. However it acknowledges efforts being made jointly by the local authorities,
SEPA and the Scottish Executive through strategic reviews (options appraisals) across Scotland to plan for and deliver infrastructure.
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