National Planning Framework Seminars handout
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This seminar is designed to inform you of the direction the national planning framework (npf) is taking and seek views on the key things it should be saying for this part of Scotland.
The npf will be a non-statutory planning policy document prepared by the Executive to inform strategic investment decisions and development planning. It will look at Scotland from a spatial perspective and set out a vision to 2025 for ensuring different areas can develop their potential.
In September initial stakeholder seminars took place in Stirling, Newton St Boswells, Inverness, Inverurie and Ayr. A Seminar for local authority elected members was held in Edinburgh in October 2002. Meetings with public agencies and non-government bodies are ongoing. A presentation was made to the Scottish Parliament's Transport and Environment Committee in March.
The broad consensus from the first round of stakeholder consultations was that the framework should focus on a limited number of key spatial issues of genuine national importance. The issues that emerged most strongly were economic development, transport, energy and water and telecommunication infrastructure. Key issues for each region of Scotland are shown overleaf.
Emerging themes are: - Cities as key drivers of the economy - city regions and their associated economic development zones.
- Spreading the benefits of economic activity - the importance of quality and connectivity in successful places.
- The economic potential of Scotland's environmental resources and the capacity of parts of rural Scotland to absorb more development without damaging the environment.
- Strengthening external links:
- More direct air links to Europe;
- Developing Scotland's gateways, e.g. Rosyth, Aberdeen and Inverness, South West Ports;
- Promoting the potential of deep water facilities at Scapa Flow and Hunterston;
- Improving internal connectivity:
- Linking areas to the South and West of Glasgow more closely to major urban centres in the Central Belt;
- Reducing journey times between the cities and their associated development zones;
- Improving connections to the three Central Scottish Airports;
- Tying the Borders more closely to the Edinburgh City region;
- Reducing travel times between the north and the central belt
- Promoting a more sustainable pattern of transport and land use.
- Renewing Scotland's water and drainage infrastructure - priorities and choices.
- Realising the potential of Scotland's renewable energy resources.
- Providing the facilities to meet waste recycling targets.
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NATIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK
From the previous round of seminars emerged strong support for the framework and a desire for vision supported by action. The inclusive approach was welcomed. The following key points in 5 regional areas emerged:
Please do not hesitate to contact the project team if you have any thoughts or questions about the national planning framework:
Dr Graeme Purves: 0131 244 7533
Emma Richardson: 0131 244 7296
Web site: www.scotland.gov.uk/about/planning/framework.aspx
e-mail: npf@scotland.gsi.gov.uk