National Planning Framework for Scotland

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Published: 10 January 2008

National Planning Framework for Scotland

Nine infrastructure projects have been identified as potential national developments in the second National Planning Framework, just published for consultation by the Scottish Government, which outlines a vision for Scotland's development to 2030.

It is intended to:

· help to improve competitiveness

· contribute to tackling climate change

· protect the quality of natural & built environments and

· promote improved opportunities and a better quality of life

It builds on the Government Economic Strategy, setting clear priorities for the improvement of infrastructure to support sustainable economic growth.

The projects proposed as National Developments are:

· facilities and infrastructure to support the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games

· grid reinforcements to support renewable energy development

· a replacement Forth crossing

· enhancements to Edinburgh Airport

· enhancements to Glasgow Airport

· enhanced access to the Grangemouth Freight Hub

· the Rosyth International Container Terminal

· the Scapa Flow Container Transhipment Facility

· the Glasgow Strategic Drainage Scheme

Designation as National Developments in the National Planning Framework establishes the need for these projects in the national interest.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, Mr Swinney, said:

"The Government Economic Strategy requires a planning framework that supports sustainable economic growth across Scotland while protecting the quality of the natural and built environment.

That is why we have identified our strategic priorities for investment in transport, energy and environmental infrastructure in the draft National Planning Framework.

Enhancing our national infrastructure with National Developments will create a more successful country, increase sustainable economic growth and create opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish."

The National Planning Framework provides the opportunity for a national debate about Scotland's long-term spatial development and it is anticipated that the final National Planning Framework will be published in the winter of 2008.

The Planning Act 2006, which put the National Planning Framework on a statutory footing, makes provision for the designation of national developments.

Planning permission is still required, although designation as a national development in the National Planning Framework establishes the need for the National Development in the national interest (an issue which would not be re-examined at any subsequent inquiry).

A statement on the criteria for identifying national developments in Scotland's second National Planning Framework was made in Parliament on September 13, 2007 by Mr Swinney.

Projects which may be identified as national developments are those which:

· make a significant contribution to Scotland's sustainable economic development

· strengthen Scotland's links with the rest of the world; deliver strategic improvements in internal connectivity

· make a significant contribution to the achievement of climate change, renewable energy or waste management targets

· are essential elements of a programme of investment in national infrastructure, or

· raise strategic issues of more than regional importance

A consultation on the discussion draft National Planning Framework will run until 15 April 2008. Thereafter, it will be considered by Parliament.

Further Information

National Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Discussion Draft

Scottish Government Economic Strategy

ScotGov - Planning

Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006