« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
INTRODUCTION
As part of the preparation of the revised SPP3, The Scottish Government is carrying out a Strategic Environmental Assessment ( SEA). SEA is a systematic method for considering the likely environmental effects of certain plans, programmes and strategies ( PPS). SEA is required by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. SEA aims to:
- integrate environmental factors into PPS preparation and decision-making;
- improve PPS and enhance environmental protection;
- increase public participation in decision making; and
- facilitate openness and transparency of decision-making.
Purpose of this Environmental Report and Key Facts
The purpose of this Environmental Report is to:
- provide information on SPP3;
- identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant effects of the PPS and its reasonable alternatives;
- provide an early and effective opportunity for the Consultation Authorities and the public to offer views on any aspect of this Environmental Report.
The key facts relating to SPP3 are set out in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Key facts relating to SPP3
Name of Responsible Authority | The Scottish Government |
Title of PPS | Scottish Planning Policy ( SPP) 3 - Land for Housing |
What prompted the PPS | SPP3 is being reviewed because of concerns that the objectives of the existing policy have not been achieved since its publication in February 2003, partly because development plans are not providing sufficient housing land to meet development needs. Following a period of consideration, and in consultation with the Affordable Housing Working Group, the then Minister for Communities announced the early review of the policy in November 2006. In addition, the revision of the SPP is required to reflect the new Planning (Scotland) etc. Act 2006 and emerging guidance on housing needs assessment and best practice on the qualitative aspects of housing developments. A parallel review of policy on Houses in Multiple Occupation ( HMO) will also form part of the review of the SPP. |
Subject | Planning for housing |
Period covered by PPS | Not specified |
Frequency of updates | There are no standard review timescales for SPPs. However, regular engagement with stakeholders will identify any perceived shortcomings or gaps in the revised SPP3. |
Area covered by PPS | Scotland |
Purpose and/or objectives of PPS | SPP3 provides a national overview of planning policy relating to housing. The revised SPP will strengthen the policy direction given to local authorities on how they should ensure an adequate supply of land is made available for future housing developments, create quality, sustainable residential environments, and guide development to the right places. |
Contact point | SPP3 Consultation
Planning Directorate The Scottish Government
2H, Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ spp3@scotland.gsi.gov.uk |
SEA activities to date
Table 2 summarises the SEA activities to date in relation to SPP3:
Table 2. SEA activities to date
SEA Action/Activity | When carried out | Notes |
screening to determine whether the PPS is likely to have significant environmental effects | Sept - Oct 2007 | Undertaken in parallel to reflect limited policy preparation timescale |
scoping the consultation periods and the level of detail to be included in the Environmental Report | Sept - Oct 2007 |
outline and objectives of SPP3 | Sep - Nov 2007 | Undertaken during scoping and updated as drafting progressed |
relationship with other PPS and environmental objectives | Sep- Nov 2007 | Commenced during scoping and updated later in the assessment |
environmental baseline established | | |
environmental problems identified | | |
assessment of future of area without SPP3 | Nov 2007 | |
environmental assessment methods established | Oct - Nov 2007 | Reviewed on basis of scoping responses from Consultation Authorities |
selection of PPS alternatives to be included in the environmental assessment | Oct - Nov 2007 | Reviewed on basis of scoping responses from Consultation Authorities |
alternatives considered | Oct -Nov 2007 | Undertaken as policy content emerged and evolved |
Interim informal discussion of emerging SEA findings with SPP3 stakeholder group | Nov 2007 | |
identification of environmental problems that may persist after implementation and measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and offset any significant adverse effects | Nov 2007 | |
monitoring methods proposed | Nov 2007 | |
Environmental Report published for consultation alongside Consultative Draft SPP | January 2008 | |
« Previous | Contents | Next »