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ANNEX: NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS - STATEMENTS OF NEED

The legislation requires that if the National Planning Framework designates a development as a national development it must contain a statement by Scottish Ministers of their reasons for considering that there is a need for that development. The Framework may also contain statements as regards other matters pertaining to any designation of a national development.

The developments which Ministers propose to designate as national developments are considered to be essential to the delivery of the spatial strategy set out in the second National Planning Framework. They will contribute to the Government's objective of building a Scotland that is wealthier and fairer; greener; safer and stronger; smarter and healthier.

The environmental effects of the 9 developments initially proposed as national developments were set out in the Environmental Report which accompanied the Discussion Draft of the NPF. The environmental effects of the additional developments, which were proposed as national developments by consultees in their responses to the Discussion Draft, were detailed in a Supplementary Environmental Report on which the Government consulted in October. An assessment is also being made of potential effects on sites designated under the EC Wild Birds and Habitats Directives. These strategic level assessments do not remove the requirement for further environmental impact assessment at the project level.

Developments designated as national developments will still require to secure planning permission and other relevant consents, but Ministers may intervene at any stage of the process to ensure that decisions are made expeditiously. Designation in the National Planning Framework is the mechanism for establishing the need for these developments. Any subsequent examination of the detailed planning implications, whether by a session of a public inquiry or a hearing, will therefore be concerned with matters such as siting, design and the mitigation of environmental impacts, not the principle of the development.

The Action Programme for the second National Planning Framework identifies the actions needed to deliver the strategy, how these contribute to the realisation of the strategy, key milestones in taking them forward, the bodies responsible for delivery, and lead partners. The Monitoring Report for the second National Planning Framework will report on progress in delivering national developments.

1. Replacement Forth Crossing

Description of development
Replacement crossing for the existing Forth Road Bridge.

Location
The crossing is likely be sited west of the existing bridge.

The Forth is an environmentally sensitive area and the Strategic Environmental Assessment ( SEA) of the draft Forth Replacement Crossing Strategy has included consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The Environmental Report which presents the findings of the SEA has been published on the Transport Scotland website.

Elements covered by the designation

• the principle of a new four-lane road crossing;
• improved provision for public transport;
• associated environmental works.

Need for the development

The Forth Road Bridge has been an essential part of the national road infrastructure for over 40 years. It is vital to the economy of Fife, an essential link for the East Coast Corridor and crucial to the connectivity of Perth and the Highlands and Islands. The main suspension cables of the bridge are showing significant signs of deterioration as a result of corrosion. While a programme of works has been identified to dry out the cables and thus prolong the life of the bridge, there is a considerable risk that this work will not be successful. If that proves to be the case, restrictions to heavy goods vehicles may be needed. Complete loss of the road crossing would have very significant adverse economic impacts, both nationally and regionally.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought include:

Design, alignment, visual and noise impacts; construction methods; effects on communities; measures to minimise traffic impacts; carbon impact; effects on the natural environment, including the Firth of Forth SPA, the Forth Islands SPA, the Firth of Forth Ramsar Site, the River Teith SAC and St. Margaret's Marsh SSSI; effects on the historic environment and cultural heritage; and any appropriate environmental mitigation measures.

The crossing has been subject to strategic environmental assessment. The development will also require an environmental impact assessment. With regard to appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive, the combined effects of the replacement crossing and developments at Rosyth and Grangemouth will need to be considered.

2. West of Scotland Strategic Rail Enhancements

Description of development

New and upgraded infrastructure to improve national rail capacity in the West of Scotland.

Locations

Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Ayrshire.

Elements covered by the designation

• measures to increase terminal capacity in Glasgow;
• new and upgraded rail infrastructure in Glasgow and the Clyde Valley and Ayrshire.

Need for the development

The development will address significant capacity constraints and deficiencies on the rail network, delivering substantial improvements in national rail capacity and connectivity and reductions in rail journey times. It will provide platform and track capacity to accommodate an increase in service frequency to Ayr, Inverclyde and Kilmarnock; accommodate the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements Programme; improve rail connectivity through and across Glasgow; and ensure adequate capacity to accommodate freight traffic. It will help to reduce reliance on road-based transport and the private car. More particularly, it will improve access to Glasgow, Prestwick and Edinburgh Airports by public transport and offer potential for connecting rail services between them.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought include:

Siting, design, layout and alignment of new buildings and infrastructure, visual and noise impacts; construction methods; effects on communities; carbon impact; effects on the historic environment and cultural heritage; effects on the natural environment; and any appropriate environmental mitigation measures. Development proposals will require environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, economic appraisal and transport assessment.

3. Strategic Airport Enhancements

Description of development

Improvements in surface transport access and the enhancement of other infrastructure and facilities at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Prestwick and Aberdeen airports.

Locations

Edinburgh Airport at Turnhouse, including land north and south of the A8.

Glasgow Airport at Abbotsinch and land between Paisley St. James Station and the airport.

Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire.

Aberdeen Airport at Dyce.

Elements covered by the designation

Edinburgh Airport: A new surface rail link, including a new airport station at Gogar and the construction of the Dalmeny chord; other access improvements as specified in the West Edinburgh Planning Framework; improvements to terminal facilities and changes in operational area; new and reconfigured taxiways, additional aircraft stands and maintenance hangers; relocation of the Royal Highland Showground; the creation of an International Business Gateway; and resolution of Gogar Burn flooding issues.

Glasgow Airport: The Glasgow Airport Rail Link ( GARL); improvements to terminal facilities and changes in operational area; additional maintenance hangers, and aircraft stands and taxiing facilities.

Prestwick Airport: Improvements to rail and bus interchange arrangements; improvements to terminal facilities and changes in operational area; additional freight and aircraft maintenance facilities; additional aircraft stands and taxiing facilities; and new car parking provision.

Aberdeen Airport: Improvements in access by public transport; improvements to terminal facilities; and new parking arrangements.

Need for development

The airports are essential elements of national infrastructure. Given Scotland's geographical position, good air links are vital for international connectivity and competitiveness. The Air Transport White Paper, The Future of Air Transport, supports growth at Scotland's airports, including the development of new direct routes which reduce the need to connect through the congested airports in South East England.

Edinburgh Airport is of key economic importance as an international gateway, helping to make Scotland an attractive location for business and tourism and providing access to global markets. Improved public transport access will accommodate the projected growth in airport traffic and provide more sustainable means of accessing the airport and associated facilities. The creation of an International Business Gateway immediately to the south of the airport will help to realise the unique attributes of this location, providing high quality accommodation for companies which require good access to international markets and helping to build investor confidence in West Edinburgh as a strategic location of national importance.

Glasgow Airport is of key economic importance as an international gateway, helping to make Scotland an attractive location for business and tourism and providing access to global markets. Provision for access to the airport by public transport will be significantly improved with the completion of Glasgow Airport Rail Link ( GARL). Enhancement of the airport can also assist the regeneration of the North of Paisley and Paisley town centre.

Prestwick Airport was recognised by the Aviation White Paper as the West of Scotland's "second runway" and is an important economic driver for Ayrshire and the South West. The expansion of the services offered by airlines operating out of Prestwick has contributed significantly to the improvement in Scotland's international connectivity. Prestwick Airport has a lead role in air freight and is an important centre for the repair and maintenance of aircraft and air traffic control. Improvements in the capacity of surface transport infrastructure will be needed to accommodate projected passenger traffic volumes. Improved connectivity through Glasgow would significantly improve the accessibility of the airport by rail.

Aberdeen Airport offers international and domestic services vital to the North-East economy and the future of the region as an energy hub. It is Europe's busiest commercial heliport, serving offshore installations. Improvements in access by public transport and airport facilities are needed to accommodate projected passenger and freight traffic volumes.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought include:

Edinburgh Airport: the alignment and design of improved surface access arrangements; the design, siting and layout of improved airport facilities; parking provision; carbon impact; effects on the Firth of Forth SPA; effects on biodiversity and soils; effects on landscape character and cultural heritage; noise impacts; the technical details and environmental effects of measures to reduce the risk of flooding; and any appropriate environmental mitigation measures. Environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment and appropriate assessment (under the Habitats Directive) of the development will be required. The design, layout and landscaping of new developments and infrastructure will require to conform to a Strategic Design Framework being prepared by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Glasgow Airport: the design, siting and layout of improved airport facilities; the alignment and design of any further improvements in surface access; parking provision; carbon impact; effects on the Black Cart SPA and whooper swans; other effects on biodiversity and soils; effects on landscape character and cultural heritage; noise impacts; and environmental mitigation measures. Environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and appropriate assessment (under the Habitats Directive) of the development will all be required.

Prestwick Airport: the alignment and design of rail and road access arrangements; the design, siting and layout of improved airport facilities; parking provision; carbon impact; landscape and visual impacts; effects on natural heritage, biodiversity and soils; effects on landscape and cultural heritage; noise impacts; and measures to mitigate environmental effects. Development proposals will require environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, economic appraisal and transport assessment.

Aberdeen Airport: the alignment and design of rail and road access arrangements; the design, siting and layout of improved airport facilities; provision for improved access by public transport; the alignment and design of any necessary improvements in the local road network; parking provision; the alignment and design of rail and road access arrangements; carbon impact; landscape and visual impacts; effects on natural heritage, biodiversity and soils; effects on landscape and cultural heritage; noise impacts; and measures to mitigate environmental effects. Development proposals will require environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, economic appraisal and transport assessment.

4. Grangemouth Freight Hub

Description of the development

Improvements in port, road and rail infrastructure to support Grangemouth's role as Scotland's largest container port and main freight distribution centre.

Location

Port of Grangemouth and surrounding area.

Elements covered by the designation

• creation of a river berth outside the port lock;
• expanded freight storage and handling facilities;
• improved railhead access within the port and electrification of the rail link through Falkirk Grahamston;
• better connections to the M9 motorway;
• a better link to the M8 and the south via an improved A801;
• improvements to the local road network, including separation of community and dock traffic;
• any measures necessary to protect the area from coastal flooding.

Need for the development

Designation as a national development reflects the national significance of the intermodal freight hub at Grangemouth and recognises the importance to it of improved road and rail infrastructure and any additional flood protection measures.

Grangemouth is Scotland's busiest container port, handling around 10% of Scotland's total cargo. It is also home to most of Scotland's petrochemical industry. There is the potential for Grangemouth's port facilities to deal with substantial increases in freight movements. Improvements to strategic road and rail infrastructure are needed to allow the area to function to its full potential as an intermodal freight hub.

It is estimated that improved rail facilities could reduce by half the projected 10% annual growth in lorry movements around the port. Moving more freight by rail could help to improve the reliability of logistics chains by reducing exposure to the risk of delays caused by road congestion.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought include:

Siting and design of developments within the port area; landside road and rail infrastructure improvements, their impacts and mitigation measures; carbon impact; community impacts and opportunities to improve access by public transport, walking and cycling; any measures necessary to protect the area from coastal flooding, their environmental effects and mitigation measures; and any potential damage to marine or coastal habitats or disturbance of protected species.

The development will require environmental assessment, and environmental impact assessment. With regard to appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive, the combined effects of this development, the replacement Forth crossing and the creation of a new container terminal at Rosyth will need to be to be considered.

5. Rosyth International Container Terminal

Description of development

International container terminal at Port Babcock, Rosyth.

Location

Port of Rosyth, Fife.

Elements covered by the designation

• creation of a multimodal container terminal with deep water access;
• improved road and rail access arrangements.

Need for the development

Development will help to meet the demand for increased container capacity and strengthen Scotland's links to the rest of the world. Volumes of containerised freight traffic are growing and there is significant demand for increased container capacity. Rosyth is well located in relation to markets and North Sea shipping routes and well served by road and rail. It offers the opportunity to create a new logistics and distribution hub in the East of Scotland, and contribute to the achievement of climate change targets by encouraging more containerised freight to be moved to and from Scotland by sea. The development can also play a part in realising Scotland's potential as a land bridge between Ireland and Europe.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought include:

Design of facilities and road and rail access arrangements; Ministry of Defence interest; carbon impact; effects on natural heritage and biodiversity, including the Firth of Forth SPA and St. Margaret's Marsh SSSI; any dredging required to maintain the deep water channel and the disposal of dredged material; environmental mitigation measures.

Development proposals will require environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment. With regard to appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive, the combined effects of this development, the replacement Forth crossing and measures to support the development of the Grangemouth freight hub will need to be to be considered.

6. Port Developments on Loch Ryan

Description of development

Port developments on Loch Ryan and improvements to road and rail infrastructure to support the Loch Ryan ferry ports as Scotland's main roll-on/roll-off gateway from Ireland.

Location

Old House Point and Cairnryan ferry ports on Loch Ryan, Galloway.

Elements covered by the designation

• new passenger and freight transport facilities on Loch Ryan;
• improvements to the road network (including the A77 and A75 trunk routes) to improve access to the Loch Ryan ports.

Need for the development

The developments are necessary improvements to an essential element of national infrastructure. Current port facilities impose restrictions on the size of vessels which can operate out of Loch Ryan. The developments will provide additional port capacity and allow the introduction of larger vessels. They will provide a modern international gateway between Scotland and Ireland, contributing to the realisation of Scotland's potential as a land bridge between Ireland and Europe. They will deliver increased freight capacity, reduced journey times and increased potential for tourism and help to secure the continued competitiveness of the Loch Ryan to Northern Ireland ferry links.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought include:

The siting, design and layout of port development; landside transport infrastructure improvements, their impacts and mitigation measures; carbon impact; any measures necessary to protect the area from coastal flooding, their environmental effects and mitigation measures; and any potential damage to marine coastal habitats or disturbance of protected species.

Any port development will require environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment.

7. Scapa Flow Container Transhipment Facility

Description of development

International container transhipment facility utilising the sheltered deep water of Scapa Flow.

Location

Scapa Flow, Orkney.

Elements covered by designation

• land-based development and offshore operations to provide an international container transhipment facility;
• supporting landside infrastructure;
• associated environmental works.

Need for the development

The development can play a key role in meeting the demand for accessible deep water transhipment facilities in Scotland and in Europe.

Orkney provides one of Scotland's 11 major ports, which together are of strategic importance to Scotland's long-term economic development. The sheltered deep water at Scapa Flow represents a major opportunity to meet the needs of the international shipping industry, offering the potential for Scotland to become a significant global player in container cargo handling and transhipment to the benefit of the national and local economy. The increasing size of container ships combined with capacity constraints at existing ports is giving rise to a need for accessible deep water transhipment facilities. The ability of Scapa Flow to accommodate the largest container ships and its location in relation to major shipping routes mean that it is well placed to provide a break-bulk transhipment facility serving European markets.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought include:

Siting, design and layout of facilities; carbon impact; possible secondary effects on nearby SPAs, the Loch of Stenness SAC, and a Site of Local Nature Conservation Interest; effects on the historic environment, including protected buildings and structures, wider historical associations and marine archaeology; effects on landscape, seascape and biodiversity; risk of contamination; the yard handling system; and measures to minimise and mitigate any other environmental impacts.

Environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and appropriate assessment (under the Habitats Directive) of the development will all be required.

8. New Power Station and Transhipment Hub at Hunterston

Description of development

Clean coal fired power station, container transhipment hub, maritime construction and decommissioning yard, and associated energy and industrial development.

Location

Adjoining the existing bulk handling terminal and marine construction yard at Hunterston, Ayrshire.

Elements covered by the designation

• carbon capture ready coal fired power station and fuel storage yard;
• biomass / gas fired power station;
• container transhipment hub;
• maritime construction and decommissioning yard;
• downstream industrial processes;
• associated environmental works.

Need for development

There is a need for new baseload electricity generating capacity to replace the power stations programmed for closure over the next 20 years. Land at Hunterston offers the opportunity to develop a clean coal fired power station, a biomass / gas fired power station and associated downstream industrial processes using the existing bulk handling terminal, jetty facilities and grid connection. The increasing size of container ships combined with capacity constraints at existing ports is giving rise to a need for accessible deep water transhipment facilities. There is a demonstrated capacity at Hunterston to accommodate the largest container ships. It is favourably located in relation to world shipping routes and able to offer onward transhipment by sea, rail or road. The site also offers the potential to undertake maritime construction and decommissioning work.

Matters to addressed when consent is sought include:

The siting, design and layout of power generating plant and freight handling and industrial facilities; road and rail access arrangements; grid connections; carbon impact, including carbon capture readiness; ash management; heat utilisation; landscape, seascape and visual impact; effects on cultural and natural heritage, including Portencross SSSI; effects on coastal processes; measures to mitigate environmental effects.

The development will require environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, an economic appraisal and a transport assessment.

9. New Non-Nuclear Baseload Capacity at Other Existing Power Station Sites

Description of development

New non-nuclear baseload electricity generating capacity and associated infrastructure.

Location

Longannet, Cockenzie and Boddam.

Elements covered by designation

• new and refurbished power and heat generating plant;
• carbon capture and other associated infrastructure;
• associated environmental works.

Need for development

There is a need for new baseload electricity generating capacity to replace that provided by the power stations programmed for closure over the next 20 years. Where operators have opted into the Large Combustion Plant Directive, major investment will be needed to ensure that plant can comply with the stricter environmental controls from 2015.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought include:

The siting, design and layout of power generating plant; road and rail access arrangements; grid connections; carbon impact, including carbon capture readiness; ash management; heat utilisation; landscape, seascape and visual impact; effects on cultural and natural heritage; effects on coastal processes; any flood risk management issues; and measures to mitigate environmental effects.

Developments will require environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, an economic appraisal and a transport assessment.

10. Electricity Grid Reinforcements

Description of development

• Overhead line and substation works to increase north-south transfer capacity in Central Scotland.
• a new 275kV South-West Scotland transmission line and associated infrastructure.
• strengthening the Scotland - England interconnectors to increase export capacity to 3.2 GW.
• upgrading the East Coast transmission route to 400kV.
• upgrading the existing Beauly - Dounreay overhead transmission line.
• reinforcement of the Beauly - Keith overhead transmission line.
• reinforcement of the sub-sea cable link between Orkney and the Scottish mainland.
• new sub-sea cable links for the Outer Hebrides and the Shetland Islands.

Location

Throughout Scotland, from the English Border to the Shetland Islands.

Elements covered by designation

Overhead transmission lines, underground and sub-sea cable routes and associated converter stations and substations.

Need for development

These strategic grid reinforcements are essential to providing the transmission capacity necessary to realise the potential of Scotland's renewable energy resources, maintain long-term security of electricity supply and support sustainable economic development.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought include:

The routes of any new overhead lines and underground or sub-sea cables; the locations of sub-sea cable landfalls; the siting and design of any new structures; carbon impact; landscape and visual impacts; effects on bird species, other aspects of biodiversity, soils, hydrology and hydrogeology, the coast and the marine environment; effects on the historic environment; as appropriate, measures to minimise and mitigate impacts on the environment and communities.

Strategic environmental assessment of the upgrade programme and environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and appropriate assessment (under the Habitats Directive) of its individual elements will be required. Some of the marine components of this programme of reinforcements have been identified and assessed in the Marine Renewables SEA.

Action Programme

The transmission system owners, the Great Britain System Operator and Ofgem will need to work together to deliver these reinforcements in consultation with planning authorities and key agencies.

11. Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Scheme

Description of development

Upgrading and replacement of drainage infrastructure, including new water treatment plants, and associated catchment management and flood risk reduction measures.

Location

Glasgow Conurbation.

Elements covered by designation

New and replacement trunk and local sewers; pumping stations; waste water treatment works; catchment management and flood risk reduction measures; and sustainable urban drainage ( SuDS) schemes.

Need for development

Substantial improvements in drainage infrastructure and water catchment management are required to reduce flood risk and support regeneration and economic development in the Glasgow Conurbation, especially on the east side of the city. This demands a strategic approach in which drainage and catchment management measures are co-ordinated with major transport infrastructure projects such as the M74 Extension and East End Regeneration Route; the regeneration of the Clyde Gateway; the development of the 2014 Commonwealth Games facilities at Dalmarnock; and the development of the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Green Network.

Matters to be addressed include:

Routeing and alignment of new and replacement sewers; siting and design of pumping stations and waste water treatment works; design of catchment management measures, flood risk reduction works and use of best practice in sustainable drainage schemes to deliver wider environmental benefits; co-ordination with improvements in transport infrastructure, regeneration activity, integration with the development of Commonwealth Games facilities and the green network; potential effects on biodiversity and soils; and measures to mitigate any adverse environmental effects.

Environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment of the development will be required.

12. Commonwealth Games Facilities and Infrastructure

Description of development

Sports facilities, athletes' accommodation and transport and environmental infrastructure directly related to the Games.

Location

Principal developments are in the Clyde Gateway (Dalmarnock), Clyde Waterfront Regeneration Area (new SECC Arena) and at other key locations including Hampden Park and Tollcross Park.

Elements covered by designation

Athletes' village; national indoor sports arena; velodrome; hockey centre; Hampden Park; 50m. pool at Tollcross Park; Scotstoun Stadium and Leisure Centre; Kelvin Hall; supporting transport and environmental infrastructure.

Need for development

Glasgow has won its bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. While 70% of the venues and infrastructure are in place and 20% are committed, the remaining elements need to be developed on time and according to schedule to ensure that everything is in place to make the 2014 Games an event which the city and Scotland can be proud of.

Delivery of the Games facilities and supporting infrastructure will make an important contribution to the regeneration of the Clyde Gateway. The project offers the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in the form of improved sports and cultural facilities, transport infrastructure and environmental quality.

Matters to be addressed when consent is sought

include:

Siting and design of Games facilities; access arrangements and supporting transport and environmental infrastructure; carbon impact; effects of temporary use or permanent redevelopment of some sites on locally important resources, including townscapes and archaeology, biodiversity, soils and water catchments; noise; measures to mitigate any adverse environmental effects.

Environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment will be required. An initial environmental assessment of the proposals contained in the bid for the Games has already been carried out.

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