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ANNEX 1 - Partial Equalities Impact Assessment
As part of its commitment to equal opportunities, the Scottish Government undertakes an Equalities Impact Assessment ( EqIA) of all new and proposed policies. Through the EqIA the potential impact of policies, both positive and negative, on different sectors of the population is considered. Although the SPP is not new or revised policy, the consolidation offers the opportunity to consider the impact of existing planning policies and to make any appropriate adjustments to reflect the findings. This partial EqIA reflects our understanding of the expected impact of the subject policies in the consolidated SPP on particular groups of people. Comments received on issues specifically affecting equalities groups will be taken into consideration, alongside all other comments, when preparing the final consolidated SPP. A full EqIA will be published at the same time as the final consolidated SPP.
What is the purpose of the proposed policy (or changes to be made to the policy)?
National planning policy sets out the Scottish Government's view on the purpose of and the core principles underlying the planning system in Scotland and is a statement of policy on nationally important land use and other planning matters. The Scottish Government is consolidating the existing SPP and NPPG series into a single policy document (Scottish Planning Policy). The first part of the consolidated SPP (published in October 2008) set out the overall context of the planning system and explains key components and procedures of the process. The final part sets out national planning policy across a range of key subject areas, combining and editing existing national planning policy. Its also includes sections on community engagement and outcomes. National planning policy informs the content of development plans and is a material consideration in decisions on planning applications.
Who is affected by the policy or who is intended to benefit from the proposed policy and how?
The consolidation of the SPP and NPPG series is not a review of national planning policy but will rationalise existing policy, expressing it in more concise terms as part of the commitment to proportionate and practical planning policies at both the national and local level. National planning policy primarily affects planning authorities and applicants for planning permission, but also others who interact with the planning system or are affected by decisions made through the system including the general public.
The consolidation and rationalisation of national planning policy should benefit all those involved in the planning system by providing clarity and greater certainty of intended outcomes. National planning policy will be easier to understand and the cumulative requirements will be clearer with duplication and minor inconsistencies eliminated. This will be beneficial to all those interested in national planning policy, and should influence the expression of policy in development plans.
How have you, or will you, put the policy into practice, and who is or will be responsible for delivering it?
Development plans are the key mechanism for implementing national planning policy. Therefore planning authorities have a significant responsibility for applying national planning policy when preparing their development plans. Planning authorities should also take national planning policy into account where relevant in deciding applications for planning permission. Applicants and potential developers should take national planning policy into account when forming their development proposals.
How does the policy fit into our wider or related policy initiatives?
Infrastructure and place is one of the five strategic priorities which are critical in the achievement of sustainable economic growth. The planning system is therefore an important contributor to sustainable economic growth, driving the delivery of better places in Scotland.
The SPP will be an influencing factor in the achievement of:
- A wealthier and fairer Scotland, particularly the outcome of a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe,
- A safer and stringer Scotland, particularly the outcome of well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need, and
- A greener Scotland, particularly the outcomes of protecting and enhancing our built and natural environment for future generations and reducing the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.
The commitment to more proportionate and practical planning policies was made as part of Delivering Planning Reform, a statement of shared objectives and joint actions on the reform of the planning system.
What do you already know about the diverse needs and/or experiences of your target audience?
Age | The planning system as a whole affects the lives of people of all ages and we are not aware of any evidence that age is a factor in seeking planning permission. The Planning and Community Involvement research indicated that generally the people likely to volunteer their views on a planning application come from a narrow age profile dominated by the middle aged and the elderly. Some individual policy areas may have different effects on different age groups, particularly relating to housing, transport and open space and physical activity. |
Disability | The then Disability Rights Commission ( DRC) in response to previous planning consultations wished to see consultation activity within the planning system accessible in a range of formats. Some individual policy areas may have different effects on disabled people, particularly relating to housing, transport and open space and physical activity. |
Gender | The Planning and Community Involvement research showed that women are slightly more likely than men to become involved in the planning process, but significantly more likely to oppose a planning application. The Gender Audit of Statistics suggested that, as citizens, men and women are equally active but their patterns of activity differ in some respects. Women in Decision Making sets out views of women on barriers to participation including lack of information on opportunities to participate and a concern with the use of jargon. Results from the Scottish Household Survey showed that broadly men and women are equally interested in the planning of their area and equally considered it was important that people should be involved in the planning of their area. |
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender | Currently no evidence |
Race | During the preparation of PAN 81 on Community Involvement a workshop with a group of Black and Minority Ethnic young adults was held and a workshop with a group of gypsy travellers in the Grampian area. These groups put forward views on encouraging participation in the planning process. There was a particular concern relating to access to information and a need to simplify language. General evidence indicates that the accessibility of information is a key issue. |
Religion and Belief | Currently no evidence |
Do we need more information to help us understand the diverse needs and/or experience of our target audience?
We recognise that there is scope to increase our knowledge as to whether and if so how national planning policy will affect particular sections of society. To assist this we have included a specific question seeking views on whether there are particular impacts on societal groups that we should be aware of.
Q28. How might the consolidated SPP impact positively or negatively on equalities groups?
Q29. Will any groups not identified already in the partial EqIA be affected by the consolidated SPP?
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