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West Edinburgh - A National Asset
4. The Discussion Draft of National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 ( NPF2) was published in January 2008, and following consultation and consideration by the Scottish Parliament, a final version will be published by the end of 2008. Within the context of the key aims of the Scottish Government, draft NPF2 continues to support the potential of West Edinburgh as an internationally competitive business location. Draft NPF2 proposes a number of designated national developments of which Edinburgh Airport enhancement, incorporating all the elements of the West Edinburgh Planning Framework, is one.
5. Increasing sustainable economic growth is the overarching objective of the Scottish Government. A strong economy is key to Scotland's future prosperity and a pre-requisite for a wealthier and fairer Scotland. West Edinburgh is one of the most important gateways to Scotland and a key economic asset. There are a number of factors that combine to give West Edinburgh a competitive advantage over other UK and European investment locations and make it one of the most important economic development zones in Scotland:
- Scotland and Edinburgh's reputation as a growing and internationally competitive centre of excellence for financial services, life sciences and tourism;
- proximity to a rapidly growing international airport and improving global connections;
- Edinburgh's international reputation as an attractive Capital City and the quality of life experienced in the area;
- a strategic location within the Central Belt with major road links and firm proposals for enhanced rail links and connections to the Edinburgh tram network; and
- proximity to major centres of population and within commuting distance of a large and talented workforce.
6. The existing jobs, significant investment opportunities and current transport constraints in the area mean that safeguarding and nurturing the area's competitive advantage over the long term will require careful integration of transport and land use. Sustainable economic development will be supported by committed Scottish Government investment in a more efficient, effective and sustainable transport system, together with area-wide strategies for integrating walking, cycling and public transport networks to enable the setting of robust targets for mode share at all new developments.
7. The environmental quality of the gateway to Scotland's capital city also needs to be protected and enhanced. To match rapidly rising international standards and maximise the area's potential as a high quality gateway location, developments in West Edinburgh must incorporate the most sustainable and high quality principles and practices. A strategic design framework is being drawn up for the A8 Corridor to help facilitate this.
8. A key objective should be to improve the general level of amenity for the communities within West Edinburgh while providing them with the benefits of enhanced public transport and access to high quality employment in the new developments.
9. To realise the area's full potential as a driver of the Scottish economy and high quality gateway to the world, it is important that as the Airport grows, and new development comes onstream, the sustainable transport infrastructure is in place, including walking, cycling and public transport networks, together with management of road traffic and parking facilities, to mitigate congestion on the road network, and reduce environmental impacts.
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