Scottish Government

ANNEX: NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS - STATEMENTS OF NEED

The legislation requires that if the National Planning Framework designates a project 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 Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth set out the criteria Ministers would take into account in designating national developments in a statement to Parliament on 13 September 2007. 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 to 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.

The projects 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 projects are addressed in the accompanying draft Environmental Report. An environmental assessment of the NPF is being undertaken, and this will focus particularly on those projects which might affect a site designated under the EC Wild Birds and Habitats Directives.

Projects designated as national developments will still require to secure planning permission, but Ministers may intervene at any stage of the process to ensure that decision are made expeditiously. Designation in the National Planning Framework is the mechanism for establishing the need for these projects. 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 (unless material considerations indicate otherwise) the principle of the development.

The action programme for the second National Planning Framework will specify how, when and by whom national developments will be taken forward. 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 four-lane road crossing, with provision to accommodate public transport.

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 as early as 2013, with the bridge closing to all traffic by 2019. Complete loss of the road crossing would have very significant adverse economic impacts, both nationally and regionally.

Need for the designation

The development is an essential element of national infrastructure.

Matters to be addressed at consent stage

Design, alignment, visual impact; construction methods; effects on communities; 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 strategic environmental assessment on the crossing is being prepared. 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.

Action Programme

2. Edinburgh Airport Enhancement

Description of development

Enhanced facilities at Edinburgh Airport and supporting improvements in surface transport and other infrastructure.

Location

Edinburgh Airport at Turnhouse, and is likely to include land north and south of the A8.

Elements covered by the designation

Expanded terminal and operational area; new and reconfigured taxiways, additional plane stands and maintenance hangers; 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 revised West Edinburgh Planning Framework; relocation of the Royal Highland Showground; the creation of an International Business Gateway; and resolution of Gogar Burn flooding issues.

Need for the development

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 likely to experience a particularly large growth in traffic over the next 25 years. BAA's Edinburgh Airport Masterplan estimates that it could be dealing with an additional 4 million passengers by 2013. The West Edinburgh Planning Framework highlights the economic importance of the airport as an international gateway, helping to make Scotland an attractive location for business and tourism and providing access to global markets.

Improved surface transport infrastructure will accommodate the projected growth in airport traffic and provide more sustainable means of accessing the airport and associated facilities. Improvements to the A8 corridor will enhance its role as a gateway to the capital. 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.

Need for designation

This development is an essential element of national infrastructure. It will also help to build investor confidence in West Edinburgh as a strategic location of national importance.

Matters to be addressed at consent stage

The design and layout of improved airport facilities; the alignment and design of improved surface access arrangements; parking provision; effects on biodiversity and soils; effects on landscape character and cultural heritage; 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 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.

Action Programme

3. Glasgow Airport Enhancement

Description of the development

Enhanced facilities at Glasgow Airport and supporting improvements in surface transport and other infrastructure.

Location

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

Elements covered by the designation

Expanded terminal facilities and operational area; additional maintenance hangers, plane stands and taxiing facilities; and the Glasgow Airport Rail Link ( GARL).

Need for the development

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. 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. Passenger numbers are expected to grow by over 4 million by 2011 and more than double by 2030. BAA's Glasgow Airport Masterplan provides for further growth to serve business and holiday markets.

Provision for access to the airport by public transport will be significantly improved with the completion of Glasgow Airport Rail Link ( GARL). Improvements will be needed to Junction 28 of the M8 before 2015 to accommodate projected increases in road traffic.

Need for designation

The development is an essential element of national infrastructure.

Matters to be addressed at consent stage

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

Action Programme

4. Grangemouth Freight Hub

Description of the development

Improvements in 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

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

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.

Need for designation

Designation as a national development signals 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.

Matters to be addressed at consent stage

Siting and design of developments within the port area; landside road and rail infrastructure improvements, their impacts and mitigation measures; any measures to protect the area from coastal flooding, their environmental effects and mitigation measures; and any potential disturbance or pollution of marine and coastal habitats and 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.

Action Programme

5. Rosyth International Container Terminal

Description of development

International Container Terminal at Port Babcock, Rosyth.

Elements covered by the designation

Creation of a multimodal container terminal with deep water access and improved road and rail access arrangements.

Location

West of the Babcock dock at the Port of Rosyth.

Need for the development

Volumes of containerised freight traffic are growing and there is significant demand for increased container capacity in Scotland and more widely in Europe. It has been estimated that Scotland's existing container port capacity could be exceeded by 2015. The Rosyth site is considered to offer the best opportunity to increase Scotland's container capacity, being well located in relation to markets and North Sea shipping routes and well served by road and rail. The creation of a new intermodal container terminal at Rosyth will strengthen Scotland's links to the rest of the world, provide 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 could also play a part in realising Scotland's potential as a land bridge between Ireland and Europe.

Need for designation

The development is key to meeting the demand for increased container capacity in Scotland and to strengthening Scotland's links to the rest of the world.

Matters to be addressed at consent stage

Design of facilities and road and rail access arrangements; 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.

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 measures to support the development of the Grangemouth freight hub will need to be to be considered.

Action Programme

6. 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 at Scapa Flow. Supporting landside infrastructure. Associated environmental works.

Need for development

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.

Need for designation

The development is key to meeting the demand for accessible deep water transhipment facilities in Scotland and in Europe.

Matters to be addressed at consent stage

Siting and layout, possible secondary effects on nearby SPAs, 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.

Action Programme

7. Grid Reinforcements to Support Renewable Energy Development

Description of development

Establishing a 275/132kV substation at Sloy.

Overhead line and substation works to increase north-south transfer capacity in Central Scotland.

A new 275kV South-West Scotland transmission line.

Strengthening the Scotland - England interconnectors to increase export capacity to 3.2GW.

Upgrading the East Coast transmission route to 400kV.

Upgrading the existing Beauly - Dounreay overhead transmission line.

Reinforcing 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

The capacity of parts of the electricity transmission system needs to be increased to facilitate the development of renewable energy resources.

Need for designation

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

Matters to be addressed at consent stage

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; 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.

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

8. 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.

Need for designation

The development is necessary to maintain and improve drainage infrastructure, reduce flood risk and support regeneration and development in the Glasgow conurbation.

Matters to be addressed

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.

Action Programme

9. Commonwealth Games Facilities and Infrastructure

Description of development

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

Location

Dalmarnock, Glasgow.

Elements covered by designation

Athletes' village; national indoor sports arena; velodrome; hockey centre; 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 of which the city and Scotland can be proud.

Delivery of the Games facilities and supporting infrastructure will make an important contribution to the regeneration of the Clyde Gateway.

Need for designation

The Games facilities and supporting infrastructure must be in place for 2014.

Matters to be addressed at consent stage

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

Action Programme