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CHAPTER FOUR DOCUMENT REVIEW

Introduction

4.1 A review of relevant local, regional and national policy documents forms a key part of this commission. It is crucial to examine the evidence of implementation of SPP17, including both good and bad practice, within policy documents written since the publication of SPP17. The documents reviewed include local, regional and national transport strategies, local plans, supplementary planning guidance and other local planning documents to ensure that as wide a range of policy documents as possible are considered.

4.2 To make this task manageable within the resource and time limitations of this study, a representative range of documents and authorities were selected in agreement with the advisory group, encompassing rural, sub-urban and major urban authority areas.

4.3 In order to ensure a consistent approach to reviewing each document, a pro forma approach was used, based on our findings of key issues from an initial review of SPP17 itself, and from the Scoping Workshops. The pro forma focussed on the following key areas:

• Overall policy integration with SPP17;
• Mechanisms for application of SPP17;
• Specific measures for application of SPP17;
• Examples of best practice in implementation of SPP17; and
• Key issues for this commission.

4.4 The following sections present succinct reviews of each of the documents on the above basis.

The National Transport Strategy¹

Overall Policy Integration

4.5 The NTS encompasses a number of policy themes which are identified as important in SPP17; particularly land use planning, economic development and environmental issues. The vision of the NTS promotes policy integration across these themes, which underpins the strategy from the outset. The vision is shared with that of the 2004 White Paper, Scotland's Transport Future, as follows:

"An accessible Scotland with safe, integrated and reliable transport that supports economic growth, provides opportunities for all and is easy to use; a transport system that meets everyone's needs, respects our environment and contributes to health; services recognised internationally for quality, technology and innovation, and for effective and well-maintained networks; a culture where fewer short journeys are made by car, where we favour public transport, walking and cycling because they are safe and sustainable, where transport providers and planners respond to the changing needs of businesses, communities and users, and where one ticket will get you anywhere."

4.6 In line with the message of SPP17, the NTS also states the specific aim of:

"promoting better synergies between transport and land use planning to minimise the environmental impacts of transport networks and to contribute to health improvement."

Mechanisms for Application of SPP17

4.7 The NTS tackles parking policy in synergy with the approach detailed in SPP17. The NTS commits to:

• Encouraging regional transport partnerships to create a network of innovative parking and park and choose facilities at suitable sites near our towns and cities and at key interchange hubs catering for all forms of transport and ensuring they introduce bus priority measures on key corridors;
• Encouraging local authorities to take forward decriminalised parking enforcement and to enhance their parking policies to manage demand;
• Encouraging regional transport partnerships and local authorities to provide safer cycle facilities as part of the urban realm, at key transport interchanges, as part of new developments and at key public buildings; and
• The "Reducing Emissions" chapter is clear in its guidance on transport for new developments and provides a good policy fit with SPP17. For instance, access on foot, by bicycle, by public transport is prioritised over the car when assessing planning applications, in order to encourage sustainable modes of transport. The NTS also states that consideration should be given to sustainable modes of transport at the design stage for new housing developments, supermarkets and businesses, to make attractive alternatives to travel by car.

4.8 The NTS promotes the adoption of maximum parking standards which is in synergy with SPP17.

4.9 Limited references have been made in the document to transport assessments, transport appraisal and transport modelling.

Specific Measures for Application of SPP17

4.10 A number of specific measures are highlighted:

• SMART measures such as travel plans, and high quality travel.
• Information to encourage more sustainable travel is actively promoted in the NTS.
• The then Scottish Executive also expresses a desire in the NTS to work with the regional transport partnerships and local authorities to consider the potential of using parking policy to encourage cleaner vehicles.
• The NTS makes the commitment to explore sustainable transport for all new developments.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.11 The maximum parking standards are assumed by the NTS, and the document makes clear the link between constraining car trips at destinations and improved health through walking and cycling activity.

Key Issues for this Commission

4.12 The NTS shapes the future of transport in Scotland, and many policies and decisions will be made on the basis of this strategy. Therefore it is vital that the NTS makes an intrinsic link between land use planning and transport planning, as outlined in SPP17.

Summary

4.13 The NTS is in synergy with SPP17 by weaving land use planning issues into the fabric of planning for transport. The NTS considers new development at length, addressing the requirement for transport matters to be considered from the outset of the planning process. Key themes such as economy and the environment have also been addressed, integrating this document into the wider policy context in Scotland.

Glasgow & Clyde Valley Structure Plan (2006 Alteration)²

Overall Policy Integration

4.14 The Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan 2006 Written Statement and a Supplementary Written Statement were published in April 2006 and are now subject of an Examination in Public. These documents are very aspirational and have a strong focus on seeking to locate development on sites accessible to public transport.

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.15 Schedules of locational preferences for new development and strategic policies to manage development are both in the spirit of SPP17.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.16 A number of specific measures are highlighted:

• A requirement for parking policies across the Structure Plan area to set maximum standards (Strategic Policy 3).
• Guidance for locational preferences for development proposals (Schedule 3 (a) (i) and (ii) ).
• Specific criteria to assess whether development proposals meet minimisation and management of additional traffic generation (Strategic Policy 9C (ii) ).
• Reference to SPP17 in relation to the provision of new motorway service areas.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.17 The supporting text in the Plan (paras. 9.7 - 9.9) setting out aims of selecting sustainable locations for development reinforced by specific criteria, including a hierarchy of accessibility and locational preference criteria related to access by sustainable modes of transport.

Key issues for this commission

4.18 The plan provides an excellent, clear discussion of aims regarding sustainable development, a good discussion of locational preferences and clear criteria for proposals in development management policy.

Summary

4.19 This is an up to date development plan that has embraced the spirit of SPP17 and translates the aims of national policy guidance into clear policy criteria for development management.

Falkirk Council Structure Plan³

Overall Policy Integration

4.20 A good level of integration with SPP17 is found. The plan recognises the likely increase in car ownership over the plan period, due to the relatively low, but growing, levels at present. It is therefore to be applauded for recognising the resultant need to focus on better integration of land use and transport (ref 2.11) to minimise the need to travel.

4.21 The document specifically references SPP17 within the 'Sustainable Transport' section (6.12). However, this section also refers to PAN57 (within the paragraphs on transport assessments for developments), which is now superseded by PAN75. The plan focuses major strategic economic developments at public transport nodes, and has a good emphasis on self-containment and reducing the need to travel ( e.g. Figure 1). The plan seeks to locate new development in locations which minimise the number and length of car trips (2.35).

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.22 The plan makes specific mention of SPP17 with regard to transport modelling outputs informing land use allocations (ref 3.9 and 4.4), and major developments to be focussed at public transport nodes. Housing land site selection should give priority to:

"sites which enjoy a high level of accessibility by public transport, walking and cycling to recreational and other community facilities."

New development should be located to:

"Ensure that wherever possible new development is located so as to reduce the need to travel and be accessible by people walking, cycling or using public transport." (6.2)

In terms of parking, any new parking provision for Falkirk Town Centre should be P&R based. No commitment or reference to parking standards is made however.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.23 The Plan supports procurement of developer contributions for transport infrastructure, including public transport facilities and services and pedestrian/cycling facilities (Schedule COM.5). Creation of a local paths network, protected from development proposals, for use by walkers, cyclists and the less able, focussed on trip purposes is proposed. (6.4). The document identifies the locations of potential new rail station sites, some of which are linked to new development (6.7). Travel plans are supported as part of transport assessments (6.11). However, there is no commitment to maximum parking standards.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.24 The anticipation of a growth in car ownership and therefore demand for car travel is met with recognition that this will require a focus on reducing the need to travel, in preference to simply providing for increased car based trips.

Key issues for this commission

4.25 Recognition of greater need for integration of land use and transportation to counteract increasing car ownership (2.11).

Summary

4.26 The plan has a relatively high degree of synergy with SPP17, and the need to better integrate land use and transportation is a consistent theme throughout the document. The plan could be stronger on specifically linking to SPP17 in terms of the mechanism for delivery, in particular transport assessment methodology (focus on sustainable modes) and parking standards.

Edinburgh City Local Plan⁴

Overall Policy Integration

4.27 Integration at the highest level is strong, with one of the four listed purposes of the plan being to 'provide support for wider strategies of the Council, particularly the Local Transport Strategy…' However, no specific reference is made to SPP17, or the National or Regional Transport Strategy in the policy guidance section within the introduction

4.28 A specific section of the Local Plan is dedicated to 'Transport and other Network Services'. Links to the Local Transport Plan, and to Transport Assessments, Travel Plans for new developments etc are strong within this chapter. The chapter lists four objectives, each of which are very clearly linked to SPP17:

• To minimise the distances people need to travel
• To maximise the accessibility of communities to jobs and essential services
• To minimise the detrimental effects of traffic and parking on communities and the environment
• To support the provision of necessary network infrastructure

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.29 The proposed tram network is seen as a major driver of the Local Plan, and major regeneration, employment growth and neighbourhood renewal is therefore focussed on areas to be served tram - for example Leith, South Gyle and Granton.

4.30 A number of policies within the document are specifically aimed at improving provision for sustainable modes of transport through the development planning process. For example, Policy Des 7 states that the Council will seek the provision of a range of pedestrian improvements through planning applications for major new developments in the Central Area.

4.31 Many land-use specific policies make the link to provision of transport services and infrastructure. For instance, Policy Hou 4 links housing development density to public transport provision, and Policy Com 3 states that school developments should be 'easily and safely accessible on foot, by cycle and public transport.

4.32 The Transport Assessment is supported as a means of achieving 'maximum feasible sustainable transport access to a development'.

4.33 It is noted, however, that no mention is made of the role of transport modelling and appraisal outcomes informing development planning decisions.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.34 Each chapter contains a 'Development Proposals' section, in which specific sites are considered and any developer requirements listed. Many of these site-specific elements of the Local Plan include references to a variety of transport improvements and contributions.

4.35 Chapter 9 provides strong links to planning conditions and agreements as part of major developments, including implementation and monitoring of travel plans, new/improved pedestrian and cycle facilities and public transport access. It also refers to maximum parking standards set out in supplementary planning guidance, and lists a set of circumstances in which consideration to lower levels of parking provision should be given. This section also refers to minimum cycle parking standards contained within the supplementary planning guidance.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.36 Links to investment in and improvement of the sustainable transport network are a constant theme throughout the document. The focus of major regeneration, employment and neighbourhood renewal on areas to be served by the tram is a classic example of integrated transport and land use planning. However, with the recent doubts cast over the tram proposals following the change of political control in the Scottish Parliament, the question needs to be asked: is there a plan B?

Key issues for this commission

4.37 Integration of major land use and transportation projects is a key example of good practice. Furthermore, that integration of land use and transportation planning is an iterative process, as exemplified by the recent election results and potential subsequent changes to transport investment within Edinburgh. If transport plans change, it is often necessary to review land use plans in tandem with this.

Summary

4.38 The Edinburgh City Local Plan represents a well-integrated local plan, which has particularly good links to the local transport strategy, and the wider transportation context of the plan area. Whilst the Edinburgh City Local Plan does not specifically refer to SPP17, the principles of that document run clearly through many of the policies presented.

Inverclyde Local Plan⁵

Overall Policy Integration

4.39 This Local Plan was adopted on 31st January 2006. There is a good overall policy integration within the Plan aimed at "delivering sustainable development". However, the text refers to NPPG 17 which has been superseded by SPP17.

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.40 There are references to NPPG 17 at several places and the mechanisms are policies.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.41 There are two relevant policies within chapter 5 of the plan dealing with Transportation and Accessibility;

• Policy TA2: Accessibility of Major Developments. This policy states that developers may be required to submit Transportation Assessments and Green Travel Plans as part of submissions for major developments.
• Policy TA15: Parking Standards. This policy translates the recommendation in SPP17 for Local Authorities to devise maximum parking standards to replace minimum parking standards.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.42 The plan includes a section setting out a Special Development Area Policy for the Inverkip Power Station and requirements for the developer to serve the site with public transport. The developer also has to carry out a Transport Assessment to support any application for development of the site.

Key issues for this commission

4.43 The overall approach to integrating planning and transportation in this Local Plan is good but the references to NPPG 17 need to be revised.

Summary

4.44 This Local Plan effectively addresses planning and transportation integration and sustainable development. There are specific policies which refer to measures to implement sustainable transportation. However, out of date references to NPPG17 indicate a lack of direct linkages with SPP17.

Scottish Borders Finalised Local Plan⁶

Overall Policy Integration

4.45 This Local plan is committed to 'sustainable growth' and the rationale for how sites for development have been selected have been set out in the Plan. There is no reference to SPP17 in the opening sections of the plan.

4.46 The principle of sustainability is set out clearly (page 21) and there are 12 principles that the Council will expect to be followed when determining planning applications, including the encouragement of walking, cycling and public transport in preference to the private car.

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.47 The Plan contains a list of sustainability principles. There are also specific policies regarding transport development and developments that generate significant travel demand.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.48 Several specific measures identified:

• Policy Inf 10, Transport Development, encourages improvements to the transport network that will achieve sustainable travel patterns.
• Policy Inf 11, Developments that generate travel demand, seeks to guide development to sustainable locations and sets out requirements for Transport Assessments and Travel Plans in appropriate cases.
• SPP17 is referred to in the 'Justification' for both of these draft policies.
• Policy Inf 4, Parking Standards, does not refer to maximum parking standards or the spirit of SPP17.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.49 Specific references to SPP17 in the justification of a number of relevant policies.

Key issues for this commission

4.50 Whether there should be policy variation or flexibility in relation to the question of maximum parking standards under SPP17 for rural areas with poor public transport provision.

Summary

4.51 This is a draft Local Plan that recognises most of the principal messages of SPP17 but does not appear to embrace the concept of maximum parking standards.

Dundee Planning Brief⁷

Overall Policy Integration

4.52 This document is a Site Planning Brief for St Leonard's House/ St Leonard Terrace produced by Dundee City Council in December 2006. The site has an area of 0.9 ha and the proposed use for the site is residential.

4.53 There is no reference to wider policy aims in terms of integration with the sustainable transport network.

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.54 There is no reference to SPP17 in the Brief. The only reference to transport is the assertion that the site has "excellent transportation connections". It is assumed that this means proximity of the site to the surrounding road network. There is also a section in the Brief on "parking" which sets out parking standards and criteria for garage provision.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.55 There are none in this document.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.56 There are none in this document

Key issues for this commission

4.57 Particular issues:

• There is no reference to submission of a Travel Plan in the Brief.
• The brief does not limit the number of parking spaces to encourage use of public transport in the vicinity of the site.
• There is no focus on access by sustainable modes of transport for the site.

Summary

4.58 This Brief sets out guidance that a developer should take into account for residential development of a 0.9 ha site in Dundee. However, the Brief does not refer to SPP17 or attempt to discourage private car use.

Stirling Council Development Advisory Note⁸

Overall Policy Integration

4.59 There is a good policy fit between this Development Advisory Note and the wider transport and planning policy context. Whilst not being part of the statutory Development Plan the document also sits well within the local planning framework and includes references to the Local Transport Strategy, City Transport Strategy, Local Plan and the Structure Plan. The need to minimise the impact of development on the transport network is at the core of the document, which is in synergy with SPP17.

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.60 The DAN promotes developer contributions as a mechanism for mitigating the impact of development on the transport network. This rate has been derived from Paramics modelling work, which is in keeping with the recommendations of SPP17 that transport appraisal and modelling should be used to inform the decision making process.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.61 Travel plan measures for proposed developments should include walking, cycling and public transport.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.62 The DAN states that £381 per trip for the Stirling area will be required through developer contributions.

Key issues for this commission

4.63 This note focuses on transport mitigation and appropriate developer contributions for development in Stirling, and whilst it covers travel plans and transport assessment, little attention has been given to maximum parking standards.

Summary

4.64 Whilst this short advisory note is not a statutory document, it encapsulates the essence of SPP17 through attention to the impact of development on the transport network.

SEStran Regional Transport Strategy⁹

Overall Policy Integration

4.65 The successful integration of land use planning and transport planning is at the heart of the Regional Transport Strategy ( RTS) and is therefore in synergy with SPP17. It integrates well with the themes of the national planning framework and there is a good fit between the RTS and NTS. The objectives integrate with SPP17 and the wider national policy framework such as economy, health and the environment.

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.66 Parking policy is aligned to SPP17; the RTS commits to a consistent framework for parking standards across the region. Policies 8, 9 and 10 in the RTS are parking focused. Other particular policies of note include policy 6 which advocates investment in new infrastructure will generally be accompanied by softer measures such as travel planning. Policy 21 focuses on reducing the need to travel through effective land use planning. Policy 20 seeks to ensure that major trip generation sites are located where walking, cycling and public transport are available. The promotion of cycle parking to contribute to the overall parking strategy also is in synergy with approach of SPP17.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.67 Region wide measures, topic 10: outlines a consistently developed framework for maximum parking standards in relation to new developments. SEStran has developed a rural transport provision matrix by type of area and destination, for the RTS. This innovative approach to solving rural transport problems will allow SEStran to consider the case for further developing a framework of rural transport provision.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.68 Maximum parking standards to reflect rural accessibility. The linkage between health and transport is strong in the RTS both in terms of access to healthcare, and particularly akin to SPP17 is improving health through active and sustainable travel. The RTS also advocates a region wide framework for design standards for sustainable settlements and other city streetscape schemes.

Key issues for this commission

4.69 There is no focus on transport assessments but consideration has been given to virtually all other SPP17 topics; particularly rural, health and economy issues.

Summary

4.70 This is a comprehensive strategy which embraces the essence of SPP17.

Hi TRANS Regional Transport Strategy¹⁰

Overall Policy Integration

4.71 The overarching vision for the strategy is to enhance the region's viability. This is to be achieved by reducing transport costs, improving journey times and improving the public transport system. Whilst these aims are not directly linked to the themes of SPP17, the document has been structured in accordance with STAG, and there are numerous references to SPP17.

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.72 Policy H30e states that maximum parking standards will be applied and this will be achieved by working with local authorities within HITRANS, as part of a wider policy to manage parking in urban centres.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.73 Policy H27a states that clearer development control policies will be implemented, requiring walking and cycling infrastructure and promoting Travel Plans through conditions. Scottish Planning Policy 17 sets out the order of priority for personal travel as follows:

• Walking
• Cycling
• Public transport
• Other motorised transport

4.74 HITRANS has adopted this framework for sustainable land use and transport planning. The RTS mentions specifically that decisions on the location and design of new developments should pay particular attention to the ability to deliver subsequent connectivity in keeping with this hierarchy of access. Additionally, Active Travel audits of initiatives to be taken forward within the RTS should highlight improvements or amendments to initiatives to promote walking and cycling.

4.75 Demand management options have been developed through the consideration of Scottish Planning Policy 17 by focussing on the walking, cycling and public transport hierarchy. The RTS states that they may include promotion of these alternatives through information / marketing, together with measures to help individuals, business and organisations to plan travel using these alternatives to the car.

Key issues for this commission

4.76 The HITRANS area faces very different issues from other areas of Scotland, and arguably other issues such as economic vitality may take precedence over land use planning and integration.

Summary

4.77 This document has embraced the principles of SPP17 throughout, with focus given to travel plans and parking issues. There is also a good fit between this RTS and the wider policy framework in Scotland.

Aberdeen City Council Consultative Draft Local Transport Strategy 2007-2011 ¹¹

Overall Policy Integration

4.78 The local transport strategy ( LTS) is currently in draft and has been reviewed on this basis. A good policy context section is included at the start of the LTS which integrates well with the principles of SPP17 (through integration with the relevant Structure Plan and Local Plan), though does not specifically reference it. Overall, relatively little reference is made to integration between Land Use and transport planning within the document. The LTS uses the five categories identified by the National Transport Strategy for setting LTS objectives:

• Economic
• Safety and Security
• Accessibility
• Environmental
• Integration

4.79 The objectives listed under 'Integration' state that land use development should be facilitated adjacent to sustainable transport corridors, and also makes the link to the health agenda. Links to the health agenda are relatively strong elsewhere in the document, including the application of a Health and Social Impact Assessment to a number of policy options. There are no specific references to SPP17 in the document.

Mechanisms and specific measures for application of SPP17

4.80 Since this strategy is currently only at the consultation draft stage, three different intervention options are produced. It is not possible to fully assess the mechanisms and specific measures proposed since they are not decided yet. However, the three options, and their relative levels of integration with SPP17, are shown below:

• Option 1: This is a 'do minimum' scenario and is clearly not considered as a serious option. It has no integration with SPP17.
• Option 2: This has some integration with SPP17, notably regarding workplace travel plans. However, few measures are proposed aimed at integrating transport and land use or reducing the need to travel. A parking strategy which discourages car commuting to the city is proposed, but no mention is made of maximum parking standards.
• Option 3: This option has by far the greatest level of synergy with SPP17. It has a strong focus on investment in sustainable modes, and proposes the 'strict use of maximum parking standards for new developments'. It does not, however, mention any intention to obtain contributions for this investment from developers, as is clearly advocated in SPP17.

4.81 Overall, it is noted that the LTS supports the requirements for Transport Assessments and Green Travel Plans through the Local Plan. Furthermore, one of the performance indicators proposed to monitoring the success of the LTS is the percentage of gross floor area of new development within 400m of public transport corridors.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.82 Health and Social Impact Appraisal on policy options.

Key issues for this commission

4.83 The Health and Social Impact Appraisal appears a significant positive step in the links to the health agenda, which links to SPP17.

Summary

4.84 Links to SPP17 are limited in this document, although some integration is achieved despite this, through the broad sustainable travel principles embraced through option 3.

Clackmannanshire Local Transport Strategy¹²

Overall Policy Integration

4.85 The LTS is currently in draft and has been reviewed on this basis. One of the overarching aims of the strategy is to integrate land use planning with transport planning which is in synergy with SPP17.

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.86 The draft LTS states that the council parking standards have been revised to reflect SPP17 but these are not presented in the draft LTS. The Local Plan refers to maximum parking standards but, again these are not mentioned in the draft LTS. It is however expected that these will form part of the finalised LTS.

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.87 The council intends to produce guidelines on transport assessments and travel plans for development control purposes. Existing larger developments are required to prepare travel plans.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.88 A model of Clackmannanshire has been developed which will be used to inform future transport and development decisions, which reflects SPP17. The transport model will provide a visual representation of present and future traffic movements in Clackmannanshire.

Key issues for this commission

4.89 Clackmannanshire is a smaller authority and has less likelihood of attracting some of the larger developments which other authorities may be introducing.

Summary

4.90 A comprehensive strategy which embraces the essence of SPP17.

Argyll and Bute Local Transport Strategy: Moving Forward 2007-2010¹³

Overall Policy Integration

4.91 The document has good linkage with other transport planning strategies but less so with land use planning. Economy is a key focus for the LTS but the document states the aim of "ensuring all new development meets current transport policy," which is the main reference to the wider policy framework.

Mechanisms for application of SPP17

4.92 Parking standards are contained within the appendices but were not available at the time of review. No reference has been made to transport assessments. The aim of working with developers and transport operators to implement transport policies is highlighted, and the LTS states SPP17 will also be implemented by influencing local developers (p36, LTS).

Specific Measures for application of SPP17

4.93 Objectives have been appraised against stag and the approach to the development of the strategy has been akin to STAG. No reference to travel plans for new developments has been made but there is a commitment to developing an accessibility planning model, and the encouragement of community stakeholders through community planning partnerships, both of which are in synergy with SPP17.

Examples of Best Practice in Implementation of SPP17

4.94 Improving accessibility is a key objective, especially for rural areas. Scenario testing for each objective for conflicts and support of other policies was presented in the LTS, again conforming to what has been outlined in SPP17.

Key issues for this commission

4.95 There is little focus on new development in Argyll and Bute's LTS and therefore it is difficult to assess whether SPP17 has been fully embraced in terms of the linkage between land use planning and transport planning. The economy is at the heart of the strategy and this has been predominantly addressed through journey times and maintenance of the road network.

Summary

4.96 Whilst there is some linkage with SPP17 some key themes such as travel plans and parking standards are lacking.

Summary of review

4.97 The matrix presented in the foldout overleaf (see page 51) summarises the findings from the document review. Cells are colour coded as per the key at the bottom of the page.

4.98 Overall, the matrix presents an encouraging picture of the level of integration with SPP17 within policy documents issued since the publication of SPP17. Particular issues to highlight are:

• Good overall levels of integration with SPP17, though specific references to SPP17 are still in the minority. It recognised that is not necessary to specifically reference SPP17 in order to espouse its general principles. Those documents which are most closely integrated with the aims of SPP17, however, do generally give a direct reference to it.
• Regional and national level policies generally show higher levels of integration with SPP17 than local policies
• Land use planning documents (those towards the top of the matrix) generally show greater synergy with SPP17 than do transport plans (those towards the bottom of the matrix). Particularly, the Local Plans reviewed tended to refer more closely to the relevant Local Transport Strategies, than vice versa. It is noted that the SESTRAN Regional Transport Strategy was the only transport document reviewed to rank at the highest level of integration with SPP17 for any category.
• The lack of consideration of transport issues in the detailed local planning brief considered is a concern. The lack of attention paid to sustainable access issues at this early stage in the development planning process is a serious concern, since it is likely (and certainly the intention) that such a brief should set the tone for the subsequent development of the site.
• References to NPPG17 within the Inverclyde Local Plan perhaps still point to a lack of a full awareness of SPP17 at the local level.
• Perhaps not surprisingly, the National Transport Strategy emerges as the document most closely integrated with SPP17 overall. The Edinburgh City Local Plan represents the best integrated document produced by a local authority. Its constant links to investment in the local transport network, and clear rationale for allocating major development areas in areas of existing high accessibility, or close to future transport proposals to improve accessibility, are an example to be commended.

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