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NPF2
As a statement of the Scottish Executive's strategic development priorities, the National Planning Framework is a key element in the reform package for the planning system. It provides the opportunity for a national debate about Scotland's long-term development and Scottish Ministers are committed to extensive participation in its preparation. Details of the programme for public engagement are contained in the National Planning Framework Participation Statement.
The second National Planning Framework ( NPF2) will set out a spatial strategy for the period to 2030 and identify developments of national importance to the delivery of that strategy. The following have been identified as key themes for the development of NPF2:
- Economy
- Sustainability
- Communities
- Connectivity
If you have views on the relative importance of these themes and how NPF2 should address them, or any other ideas about how Scotland should develop over the next 25 to 30 years, please send them by post to FREEPOST RRHE-GBSA-BJLR National Planning Framework Team, Scottish Executive Development Department, Area 2-H Victoria Quay, EDINBURGH EH6 6QQ, or by e-mail to NPFTeam@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. Further information on the National Planning Framework and the programme for preparing it, are available at www.scotland.gov.uk/planning/topics/planning/national-planning
ECONOMY
A modern, successful economy is essential if we are to meet the challenges of the future. Scotland's recent economic performance has been stronger than the average performance across 25 EU member states. However, the differences between the fastest and slowest growing economies are marked and Scotland's performance does not yet match that of the most successful small European economies. The rate of economic growth also varies significantly across the country. The Scottish economy has clear strengths in tourism, financial services, electronics, whisky, oil and gas. New centres of expertise have been developed in areas such as biotechnology, but knowledge economy jobs remain heavily concentrated in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The Scottish labour market remains strong in an international context and the proportion of people in work is now above the UK average. While the number of people in employment has been increasing, there are marked differences across the country. Activity rates in Glasgow remain significantly below the national average.
Future economic growth will rely upon improved productivity performance, where there is a persistent gap with many of the advanced economies of the world. The Framework for Economic Development in Scotland identifies five drivers of productivity: basic education and skills, generation of knowledge, entrepreneurial drive and competitiveness, effective management of public resources and - of particular relevance for the National Planning Framework - physical infrastructure.
How can the National Planning Framework contribute to sustainable economic growth? Should it be seeking to change the existing pattern of economic activity in Scotland?
SUSTAINABILITY
The challenges of climate change and the sustainable management of the Earth's resources have profound implications for the global economy, the future of transport and energy use. The Scottish strategy for sustainable development, Choosing Our Future, highlights the need to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to climate change and adapt to the changes which are already occurring. Scotland's climate change programme, Changing Our Ways, sets a target of exceeding Scotland's proportionate contribution to the achievement of UK climate change targets by 1 million tonnes of carbon in 2010.
The Scottish Executive has published a forest strategy and new policy statements on biodiversity and the sustainable management of the marine environment. We have legislated to protect our scenic heritage and are considering proposals for a Marine and Coastal National Park. The Executive and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( SEPA) have published a National Waste Plan. Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH) has published a Species Action programme which should play a key role in enhancing the rich variety of wildlife in Scotland. Scottish Ministers have set a target of generating 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and are committed to establishing Scotland as a leading location for the development of renewable energy technology.
What should the National Planning Framework say about sustainable development, environmental conservation and climate change?
BE PART OF SCOTLAND'S BIG PLANS!
COMMUNITIES
Scotland has a diverse range of communities. While the cities are key drivers of the economy, a significant part of the population lives in rural areas or small to medium-sized towns.
Our cities are generally buoyant, although significant areas of disadvantage remain. The fortunes of large parts of rural Scotland have improved dramatically, though some of our remotest communities continue to experience decline. While some of our towns have prospered, consolidating their position as regional and local service centres, a narrow activity base has left some of our urban communities vulnerable to economic change.
The Scottish Executive is committed to equality of opportunity and social and environmental justice. Priorities for community regeneration have been identified in its regeneration policy statement, People and Place.
What can the National Planning Framework do to help ensure that all of Scotland's communities enjoy access to economic opportunity and high quality environments?
CONNECTIVITY
Good external links are of critical importance to a small country located on the north western seaboard of Europe. Good internal connectivity is equally important. Scotland is one of Europe's leaders in broadband availability, placing it in a strong position to take advantage of the global opportunities offered by modern communications technologies.
The expansion of direct air links has dramatically improved Scotland's international connectivity. However, air travel contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. A key issue will be how to maintain and enhance Scotland's external connectivity, with the economic and other benefits that brings, while tackling the challenge of climate change.
The National Transport Strategy recognises the need to enhance connections with the rest of the United Kingdom and global markets and improve Scotland's strategic transport networks. The Executive's Strategic Transport Projects Review will identify priorities for investment in transport infrastructure, including road and rail networks.
How can the National Planning Framework help to maintain and enhance Scotland's external and internal connectivity in a sustainable way?
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