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West Edinburgh Planning Framework - Progres
1. The West Edinburgh Planning Framework was published jointly by the Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise and the City of Edinburgh Council in 2003. It set out a long-term strategic vision for an area considered to be nationally important in terms of economic development, global connectivity, transport and the environment. The vision involves West Edinburgh becoming more accessible and developing as an internationally competitive business location and quality gateway to Edinburgh and Scotland.
2. The West Edinburgh Planning Framework has the status of a Scottish Planning Policy ( SPP) and the policies it contains serve as an important input to the Development Plan for the area and are also a material consideration in development management decisions. The West Edinburgh Planning Framework was based on a number of technical papers, covering economic, transport and environmental aspects.
3. Since publication of the West Edinburgh Planning Framework, progress has been made both in development and in transport investment.
4. Edinburgh Airport's rapid growth is forecast to continue to around 13 million passengers per annum by 2013 and beyond 20 million by 2030. The Airport has completed new runway taxiways and a multi-storey car park, the new control tower is operational, and the new south-east terminal extension was opened in September 2006. Passenger throughput has grown to 9.0 million annually, the Airport now serves over 100 destinations worldwide, and new destinations and services are regularly added.
5. The Royal Bank of Scotland development at Gogarburn opened for business in 2005. The Royal Bank of Scotland operates a service of all-day dedicated shuttle buses to and from the city centre, Edinburgh Park and South Gyle rail stations and Edinburgh Airport. South Gyle rail station serves trains to and from Fife. As a result car commuting has been reported by the Royal Bank of Scotland at a conference to be as low as 45% person trips.
6. The Ingliston Park and Ride site opened in September 2005 served by a dedicated fleet of buses to the city centre and is currently 80% full on weekdays. Work is underway to increase its size from 500 spaces to 1080 spaces.
7. Trams for Edinburgh have been approved by Parliament and granted Royal Assent. Following a Parliamentary debate in May 2007, Phase 1A, from Newhaven to the Airport, will take over the guided busway elements as part of its dedicated route on its planned opening in 2010.
8. The Edinburgh Airport Rail Link was approved by Parliament and granted Royal Assent. Parliamentary powers last for 10 years but following a Parliamentary debate in September 2007 the scheme was dropped in favour of a new station in the vicinity of Gogar linking to the Airport by tram, and a proposed Dalmeny chord to enable Glasgow and Dunblane trains to call at Gogar. This latter will require further Parliamentary approval.
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