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PLANNING Bulletin Issue No 21

WEST EDINBURGH PLANNING FRAMEWORK

The consultation document on the Review of Strategic Planning proposed the preparation of a national planning framework that might identify locations where, in the national interest, a co-ordinated approach to planning was required.

West Edinburgh is nationally significant in economic, transport and environmental terms. Unprecedented development pressure and a number of big transport issues in West Edinburgh demand attention now. Edinburgh Airport is experiencing rapid growth. There are over 20,000 jobs located in the area. Development already with the benefit of planning permission but not yet built has land capacity for a further 20,000-30,000 jobs. The transport network, already at operating capacity, is poorly integrated. West Edinburgh is also the principal gateway to Scotland's capital city. Much of it plays an important part of the wider Edinburgh Green Belt.

The draft West Edinburgh Planning Framework sets out a long-term strategic vision for the area, taking into account opportunities for strategic transport improvements. The vision has been prepared in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian. As well as working together with the Council and the local enterprise company, special efforts have been made to engage the private sector and other stakeholders, such as neighbouring local authorities and the local community. All the stakeholders have engaged positively in the process, by clearly setting out their long-term interests and aspirations.

By formulating a vision for 2020 and beyond the Planning Framework takes a long-term view. The priority is to provide sustainable solutions to transport capacity problems being experienced now. Providing accessibility and the area's competitive advantage can be safeguarded and enhanced, Scottish Ministers regard West Edinburgh as a unique opportunity in Scotland to create an internationally competitive business location.

The Planning Framework is a novel and imaginative use of national planning policy. The initiative also demonstrates how the planning system can play a pivotal role in co-ordinating wider transport, economic and environmental policy agendas.

The consultation period on the draft closed on 15 November 2002 and work is underway to take into account the responses.

When finalised, the Planning Framework is intended to provide a clear basis for co-ordinating investment in transport and making planning decisions.

For further information on the West Edinburgh Planning Framework contact: David Leven on 0131 244 7530, e-mail: david.leven@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

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