Q3 Do you support the approach to listing the key topics that need to be covered by policies at the strategic level and do you support the topics listed?
24. The approach of listing key topics that need to be covered by policies at the strategic level is supported by the majority of the respondents.
25. Those respondents who felt that the regulations were adequate felt that any additional matters to be included should be based on the identification of strategic issues related to the specific SDPA and not any pre determined formula. As Glasgow city Council stated "the proposals provide an adequate balance of prescription to set themes yet still provide the freedom to deal with the uniqueness of individual SDP areas".
26. Angus Council felt that "The concept of core policy topics is generally supported. This should lead to a more consistent approach throughout the 4 strategic development plan areas". However, they also added that "while there is symmetry between SDPAs there will be differences as a result of geographic location, economy performance etc and it is important that flexibility is there to introduce additional policy topics where relevant and justified. It should not be a case of one size fits all".
27. South Lanarkshire were in support of the proposed key topics stating "there is no real difference between this and the work already carried out by Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Team".
28. A number of other respondents who supported the inclusion of key topics felt that additional topics needed to be included. Below is a list of those topics:
- Housing market areas
- Travel to work areas
- Conformity with NPF
- Sustainability
- Transport
- Waste
- Minerals
- Environment
- Energy
- Climate Change
- Telecommunications
- Utilities
- Economy
29. SEPA would like the regulations broadened out to require SDPs to include policies on location, design, layout and mitigation of environmental effects of those certain matters at a strategic level. They would also like to see the inclusion of a strategic flood risk assessment to promote further efficiencies in the development plan process.
30. Argyll & Bute Council felt that "it should be made clear that these key topics may be expanded on at the discretion of the SDP planning authority given our rapidly changing society and new issues may arise".
31. A small number of respondents provided no comments on the list of key topics. These were mainly Local Authorities that were not included in an SDPA.