National Planning Framework 4: explanatory report

Part 2 – National Developments

Summary of Representations on proposed National Developments

A number of issues were raised in relation to the implications of National Development status, including suggestions that it should carry a presumption in favour of planning consent. It was also suggested that guidance will be needed with respect to how to balance the competing priorities of different National Developments, and that it would be helpful to explain how National Developments might interact with Regional Spatial Strategies and the NPF4 action areas.

In relation to the selection of National Developments, it was suggested it would be helpful to set out the rationale for selecting those chosen and why some are conceptual, and others are existing proposals.

Overview of changes

We have reordered the National Developments to work with the three themes for the document as a whole (see Figure 3). The main document now includes a summary of each development, whilst the technical descriptions have been moved to Revised NPF4 Annex B. We have also made connections to the National Developments in each of the action areas. These structural changes also reflect Committee comments received. The preamble to the statements of need has been revised and included at Annex B with some elements taken into the Delivery Programme. An additional paragraph has been added to the preamble at Annex B to take account of impact assessment findings.

Each national development has been updated, with many of the changes being relatively minor. However, in response to both consultation views and the associated impact assessments, more substantive changes have been made to the Islands Hub for Net Zero, Dundee Waterfront, the Circular Economy Materials Management Facilities and Hunterston Strategic Asset. These changes are described in more detail below.

Some respondents also provided a range of national development suggestions in addition to those proposed in the draft. No further National Developments are proposed at this stage on the basis that the additional proposals have previously been considered following the earlier call for ideas; are more of a policy or strategy than development; are likely to be of sub-national impact in spatial planning terms; and/or already have consents in place or construction is advanced.

Figure 3: National Developments re-ordered under 3 Themes (Titles as per Draft NPF4)

Sustainable places	Liveable places	Productive Places
Urban mass/rapid transit	National walking, cycling and wheeling network	High Speed Rail
Islands hub for net zero	Digital Fibre Network	Industrial Green Transition Zones
Pumped hydro storage	Stranraer Gateway	Aberdeen Harbour
Urban sustainable blue and green drainage solutions	Central Scotland Green Network	Clyde Mission
Strategic renewable electricity generation and transmission infrastructure	Dundee Waterfront	Chapelcross power station redevelopment
Circular economy materials management facilities	Edinburgh Waterfront	Hunterston strategic asset

Combined comments relating to multiple National Developments and their classes

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request for further clarity on how the National Developments relate to the rest of the framework/each other.	National Developments more strongly linked to the Action Areas and overall aims of NPF4.	To respond to LGHP Committee and stakeholder views and provide further clarity. Actions to progress work with lead partners and national developments more broadly is set out in the Delivery Programme.
Request for clarity on the benefit of national development status.	Text now sets out the purpose of National Developments.	To respond to Committee (NZET) and stakeholder views.
Request for additional detail around process, handling, data, learning and delivery.	Text added to the Revised NPF4 'How to Use this Document' Annex A, including role of LDPs and decision makers.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Requests for 'presumption in favour' for certain elements of National Developments.	No change.	The need for the development is established and other policies also apply in determining applications for consent.
Concern that the 'Town and Country planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009 do not include classes specifically addressing particular National Developments.	No change.	National Developments are designated through the NPF rather than regulations. Some classes of the Regulations will directly apply and the regulations include an 'Other Development' class which can be applied to a variety of development proposals.
Boundaries for National Developments/include additional locations within National Developments/make location specific National Developments nation-wide.	Minor amendments.	To respond to stakeholder views. More definite boundaries/locations than those set out in the draft have not been provided given the high level nature of the National Developments. As delivery progresses and project level detail becomes clearer we will seek to provide more fixed boundaries in collaboration with project leads, where relevant. It was not considered appropriate to broaden location-specific developments nationally given the alignment of the National Developments with the broader spatial strategy.
Mapping	Removal of indicative maps within Statement of Need.	For clarity. Maps not considered to add any detail not provided in the overall National Development map. As delivery progresses and project level detail becomes clearer we will seek to provide more fixed boundaries in collaboration with project leads, where relevant.
Concern that relevant contributing development that does not meet the scale thresholds identified is not mentioned in the description are considered unimportant.	No change.	Scaling designed to ensure that National Developments are applied in a proportionate way. Broader policy and the spatial strategy also highlights the combined benefit of smaller scale developments in achieving strategic aims.
Concern energy related thresholds beyond the hierarchy of developments are too low or too high.	No change.	The 50 MW threshold for electricity generation reflects the Electricity Act thresholds for Ministerial level decision making and is considered a proportionate approach.
Expression of energy generation and transmission thresholds should align to the Electricity Act.	The expression of the thresholds has been better aligned to the Electricity Act.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Concern that scope of designation/classes is too broad/risk of catching unintended developments.	Amended the 'designation' text to reference the national development title.	National development titles are reflected in the 'designation' text to clearly link the classes to the intended development.
Suggestions that National Developments should protect certain features, habitats and species, including those that are designated and non-designated. Question whether there will be the right trade-off between development and protection. Habitat Regulations Appraisal should be taken into account.	Removed the class of development for quay and handling facilities for ultra large container ships in Scapa Flow, and of land reclamation for port expansion from Dundee Waterfront, as our emerging appropriate assessment identified (on the basis of information available at this stage in the planning process) that it was not possible to conclude that these projects could be progressed without adversely affecting several European sites. This conclusion must be considered again at future stages of the planning process, including at development plan and project level, when more detailed information should be available to inform assessment. Aspirations for relevant developments are however acknowledged in the spatial strategy.	To respond to Committee (NZET). National Developments focus on future development. They are supported by the wider NPF4 policy which sets out protections as necessary across a variety of topics. The National Developments have been informed by an Integrated Impact Assessment.
Request that National Developments include further detail on a range of matters/policy detail.	No change.	NZET Committee request. The 'How To…' section outlines the relationship between National Developments and policy.
Should be aligned to STPR2.	Text amended to reflect the consultation draft STPR2.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Should reference post draft emerging priorities/ initiatives including ScotWind, Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas Leasing and Green Freeports.	No change.	NPF4 reflects known priorities and commitments and has been designed to provide a long-term framework for further projects as they emerge.
Vacant and derelict land.	Changed reference from vacant and derelict land to 'brownfield land'.	Clarification. The change to brownfield land is consistent with NPF4 policy and includes but is not limited to sites identified on the vacant and derelict land register.
Minor points of detail/ project level detail.	Various amendments.	To respond to stakeholder views. Further more detailed project elements are for lead partners/applicants to take forward.
Some relevant infrastructure is permitted development or not controlled by the planning system.	No change.	National development status does not remove the need for other consents, nor create the requirement for a planning application where none exists at present.
Request to standardise classes relating to hydrogen production, transmission and storage.	Amended text.	To respond to stakeholder views. This provides clarification and has been aligned with hydrogen policy.
Request to not include any technologies that continue fossil fuel use.	No change.	Low carbon approaches are part of the transition to net-zero.
Requests to define terminology.	Amended text, where necessary. Terms have been defined in the Glossary where required. More descriptive terms have not been defined as appropriate.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emission Assessment should include the water requirements in calculation of carbon impacts of hydrogen production. Impact on local water supplies should be considered.	No change to text.	The greenhouse gas assessment considers emissions across the development lifecycle for both renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production technologies, including water consumption.
Request that National Developments be subject to assessment of their impact on physical activity/health, and that be equal to assessment on climate and nature.	No change.	HSCS Committee Request. The likely health effects of proposed National Developments have been considered and reported on as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment.
Request for mitigations from Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) be included.	No change.	Early IIA findings helped inform preparation of the NPF4 including the proposed National Developments.
Request to reflect on recommendations on predecessor committee.	No change.	LGHP Committee Request. The process for preparing, consulting on and scrutiny of NPF4 has evolved since the Scottish Parliament considered NPF3 as a result of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. National Developments were identified on the basis of an open call for evidence and published assessment criteria. They were included in the full Draft NPF4 which was subject to extensive consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny.

Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN)

Summary of representations

There was a view that NPF4 should more clearly set out how the CSGN's delivery will be aided through planning. Greater detail and more guidance on how LDPs and spatial strategies should be used to articulate and deliver National Developments was suggested. There were also calls for the CSGN network to be expanded to be a Scotland-wide National Development, or for the creation of a Scottish Nature Network.

Overview of changes

Minor changes to enhance inclusion of blue infrastructure. Amendment to class (a) to recognise that multi-functional green infrastructure may be about new areas for the infrastructure or enhancements of existing areas. Further points about implementation will guide future delivery. Significant changes to the locations of the National Developments were not considered necessary as the locations defined align with the spatial strategy.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Improve clarity and definition, include particular projects.	Minor change to text. CSGN will evolve over time, the high level approach allows for projects to be delivered within the identified classes.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Call for CSGN to be expanded to be a Scotland-wide national development, or for the creation of a Scottish Nature Network.	No change.	Committee request (NZET). This would be a different national development, see criteria for consideration of additional National Developments above.
Include adaptation as a function of the network.	No change.	Adaptation already referenced in the National Development.
Concern that local related supplementary guidance would be lost/reduced.	No change.	Whilst statutory Supplementary Guidance will no longer be part of the development plan, authorities can produce non-statutory guidance.
Class a. Clarify that not all works would be for new land for or extensions to green infrastructure.	Change incorporated.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Class a. Clarify that not all green spaces should be for multifunctional uses.	No change.	The description focuses on classes of development.
Class c. should move from creation of blue space to integration of blue within green infrastructure approaches.	National development text amended to better integrate blue space.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Class d. Include space for farmers markets.	No change.	Specific uses are included within the broader term of open space.
Class e. Should require incorporation of green infrastructure.	No change.	Green infrastructure is addressed by class a.

National Walking, Cycling and Wheeling Network (NWCWN)

Summary of representations

Inclusion of a National Walking, Cycling and Wheeling Network as a national development was welcomed, although it was also argued that it has limited applicability for reducing routine car journeys in rural Scotland. The importance of investment to deliver the network was highlighted, including a view that significant infrastructure investment, over and above existing budgets, will be required.

Overview of changes

These points do not necessitate a change.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Should be re-titled/adjusted to avoid confusion with National Cycle Network.	No change.	The title has been designed to reflect multi-users.
Routes should be defined, clarity on how routes trigger the classes.	No change.	All routes that meet the terms of the designation and class are included in the national development.
Request for detail on accessibility/design characteristics of the infrastructure.	No change.	Suitability for a range of users is included.

Urban Sustainable, Blue and Green Drainage Solutions

Summary of representations

While the Urban Sustainable, Blue and Green Drainage Solutions national development was welcomed, it was also argued that the principles apply beyond Glasgow and Edinburgh and should be extended to other cities and urban areas, or should be a Scotland-wide national development.

Overview of changes

Locational matters are addressed in the table of combined comments. A number of minor changes were made to clarify the role of the catchment areas and amend the approach to grey infrastructure to ensure sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) are not excluded as well as clarifying that released sewer capacity may not only be for new development. The title was amended for clarity.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request for less emphasis on drainage.	Title and text amended to shift focus to surface water management and surface solutions to align with nature based solutions approach.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Request for greater emphasis on water catchment area beyond location reference.	Amended text. Reinforces the approach is beyond the city boundaries.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Request that approach to engineered solutions be softened to allow for Sustainable urban Drainage Systems.	Text amended to be more accommodating of engineered solutions whilst retain emphasis on nature based solutions.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Class should mirror those of Central Scotland Green Network.	No change.	Class is suitable for the national development. Alignment between outcomes across National Developments is possible.
Unclear if this applies to all major development.	Punctuation added to class (a) to show the types of development included.	To respond to stakeholder views.

Urban Mass/Rapid Transit Networks

Summary of representations

Comments in relation to Urban Mass/Rapid Transit Networks included that this national development should be extended to be a Scotland-wide development. The need for stronger public transport connectivity in rural areas was highlighted and it was suggested that a joined-up strategy should take account of new active travel routes as part of a NWCWN.

Overview of changes

No changes were required to address these points, the national development is in addition to the NPF4 policy on transport. Relationship to the delivery programme and mutually supporting National Developments is addressed in the table of combined comments above. Significant changes to the locations of the National Developments were not considered necessary as the locations defined support the spatial strategy.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request for clarification through reference to specific projects.	No change.	The text is aligned to STPR2.
Calls for improvement included design with active travel synergy in mind, in particular cyclist safety, and protection for existing environments in any mass transit developments There were also calls to improve the walking environment and emphasis on the importance of buses.	No change.	NZET Committee request. National Developments work together with the wider planning policies in NPF4. Policies encourage modal shift and interconnectivity. Specific design will be taken forward at the project level, and will be required to respond to the planning policy context.

Digital Fibre Network

Summary of representations

Comments on the Digital Fibre network were largely limited to expressions of support. The importance of connectivity was highlighted in relation to remote access to services, Mobility as a Service, and reducing unnecessary travel.

Overview of changes

These points do not necessitate a change.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
New class. Add infrastructure climate resilience including through back-up systems.	No change.	The digital infrastructure is listed, back-up systems meeting the classes would be included. Detailed design is for the project level.

Circular Economy Materials Management Facilities

Summary of representations

Some respondents expressed support for the Circular Economy Materials Management Facilities national development, including a view that materials facilities could play a significant role in delivering greater sustainability in the construction and demolition industries.

There was also a call for clarity around how this national development will be delivered to avoid unintended outcomes.

Overview of changes

Points on delivery are included in the combined comments table.

Two classes have been removed: 'Repurposing facilities' and 'Reprocessing facilities' and definitions for the remaining two classes have been added to the Glossary. These two changes improve the clarity for the developments to be included in the national development.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Insufficient detail to inform decision making/clarify what isn't included, e.g. end of material life treatment.	Amended text - Number of classes reduced and definitions provided in the Glossary.	To respond to stakeholder views and improve clarity.
Call for clarity around delivery.	No change.	The Delivery Programme sets out actions to support the delivery of National Developments.
Request for support for/ policy on deconstruction.	No change.	NPF4 policy on zero waste includes minimising demolition and salvaging materials for re-use.

Strategic Renewable Electricity Generation and Transmission Infrastructure

Summary of representations

This proposed national development was the national development that attracted the highest level of comments. Although aspects of this national development were welcomed, some respondents called for clarity that, in the planning balance, there should be significant weight attached to development that contributes directly to achieving net zero. The requirement that renewable energy generation developments should exceed a threshold of 50MW capacity in order to qualify for national development status was questioned. An alternative view was that the threshold should be raised, since the benefit of large-scale projects can clearly be seen to be of national importance.

Overview of changes

The table on combined responses includes a points on requests for further policy detail, including on climate change, and requests for alterations to the thresholds at which national development status applies. Decisions on applications for National Developments also need to include relevant policy matters. Revised NPF4 Policy 1 deals with the Global Climate Emergency. The text was amended for clarity, including for on and off-shore infrastructure and in relation to the context.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request for presumption in favour of the development including repowering and life extensions.	No change.	National development status establishes the need for the development but other policy considerations still apply.
Request to include other electricity generating infrastructure.	No change.	It is intended that the electricity generation relates to renewable sources.
Request to focus on re-use of existing sites/infrastructure.	No change.	Re-use requiring consent would be included where the thresholds are met.
Request to include supporting role of ports/harbours.	No change.	Ports and harbours addressed in the wider spatial strategy.
Class b. Request to add reference to transmission.	Amended text.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Class b. Request to clarify 'replacement'.	Amended text. to 'upgraded'.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Class b. Request to clarify if high voltage electricity lines includes buried cables for offshore renewables/ infrastructure.	Amended text. Reference to cables included.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Request to include offshore elements.	Amended text. - Reference to offshore included in class a.	To respond to NZET Committee. To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Class c. Request to clarify if offshore infrastructure is included.	Amended text. - to clarify on and off shore infrastructure is included.	To respond to NZET Committee. To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Request to include new class, green hydrogen.	No change.	Addressed by other National Developments.
Request to include new class, repowering.	No change.	Repowering requiring consent would be included where the thresholds are met.

Islands Hub for Net Zero

Summary of representations

General comments on the Islands Hub for Net Zero included that it is not clear why net zero projects are National Developments only if they are proposed in the Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney Island groups, and that consideration should be given to their support more widely. It was also suggested that this national development has the potential for significant impacts on nature and that it will be essential that development can be assessed for impacts on nature, in particular the cumulative effects on Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and marine mammals.

Overview of changes

Changes to this national development were mainly structural to clarify the scope and extent of the national development through reference to particular projects (Arnish Renewables Base and Outer Energy Hub, Opportunity for Renewable Integration with Offshore Networks (ORION), Scapa Flow Future Fuels Hub and Orkney Harbours), although still working within the scope of previous classes and locations.

The title was amended for clarity. The reorganisation and expression of classes within each project reflects stakeholder information received. Class (a) addressing general employment related development has been removed as part of the restructure of the national development, enhancing the focus on the energy aspects.

We have removed class (g), development for quay and handling facilities for ultra large container ships in Scapa Flow, as our emerging appropriate assessment identified (on the basis of information available at this stage in the planning process) it was not possible to conclude that this could be progressed without adversely affecting several European sites. This conclusion will need to be re-examined at project level when a greater level of detail regarding the design and delivery of the scheme will be available. New revised NPF4 class (f) under the ORION project reflects aspirations for handling captured carbon beyond infrastructure identified in class (c).

NPF4 has been informed by relevant impact assessments and individual developments will be subject to further such assessment as necessary at subsequent consenting stages.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Potential for confusion with Islands Centre for Net Zero/ Islands Growth Deal.	Amended text. Title changed and text restructured to emphasise the purpose of the national development.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Should include specified developments/in island locations including in classes.	Text restructured and in-island locations clarified. Does not extend to aquaculture as a benefiting use as the national development focuses on the energy aspect.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Orkney research campus already developed.	Amended text - reference to the campus deleted.	To respond to stakeholder views. Correction.
Near-arctic logistics would benefit from definition.	Text moved into spatial strategy reflecting shift in focus of the national development from shipping to low and zero carbon energy production.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Impacts on nature, SPAs and marine mammals.	No change.	The National Developments have been informed by our Integrated Impact Assessment.
Should include scope for floating structures to support offshore wind.	No change.	The classes do not prevent proposals for floating structures from coming forward.

Industrial Green Transition Zones

Summary of representations

Industrial Green Transition Zones were welcomed, although it was also suggested that Aberdeen, Sullom Voe, Opportunity Cromarty Firth and industrial and service bases within the Inner Moray Firth should be added. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) was considered by some to have a crucial role in decarbonising industry. However, other respondents expressed opposition to the production of blue hydrogen, and it was argued that the use of CCS should not be supported.

Overview of changes

Changes made were to make it clear that this is not a Scotland-wide national development and to clarify the scope of the hydrogen related classes. Passenger facilities at Grangemouth were removed in response to a stakeholder request. Matters relating to location are addressed in the table of combined comments.

A point around enhanced oil recovery was removed. A reference to the forthcoming energy strategy was removed as this is not necessary for the finalised version. A reference to consideration, of upstream emissions and the role of thermal generation as part of finalisation of NPF4 were removed as they are unnecessary for the finalised version of NPF4. Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment has been undertaken for the National Developments. Thermal generation in the context as set out by the classes of development remains important.

The national development aligns with the Scottish Government's policy on hydrogen and approach to the Scottish Cluster, including CCS.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Mechanism for incompatibility with net zero transition ambition test needed.	No change.	The Planning (Scotland) 2019 Act provides for interim review of NPF if required. Regulations that set out procedures for such changes will be brought forward in due course.
Class d. Request to include offshore hydrogen production.	Amended text.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Class f. Request to include hydrogen storage.	Amended text. Hydrogen storage class amended to include non-geological storage.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Class g. Request to include off-shore hydrogen storage.	Amended text. Off shore included.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Class i. Request removal.	No change.	Thermal generation is already part of the Scottish cluster and CCS technology is needed as part of its decarbonisation.
Class j. Request to remove reference to bioenergy.	No change.	Scottish Government policy on bioenergy identifies its potential as part of the transition to net-zero.
Class o. Request to amend to include electricity infrastructure.	No change.	The class is not just about electricity infrastructure. Utilities and local energy network may include electricity infrastructure.
Class p. Request to remove passenger facilities.	Amended text.	Correction, to respond to stakeholder views.
New classes requested for port and freight infrastructure.	No change.	Classes already provide for port and freight handling facilities contributing to the delivery of the national development.

Pumped Hydro Storage

Summary of representations

Comments in relation to Pumped Hydro Storage included that it should not be described as 'all Scotland' in view of the specific requirements of topography and landform. There was a view that prioritising Cruachan pre-judges delivery timelines for other schemes and it was argued that all pumped hydro storage above 100 megawatts (MW) in capacity should be considered as a national development.

Overview of changes

This national development applies where the thresholds are triggered by proposed development and is not intended to be the outcome of a review of sites for pumped hydro storage.

Reference to Cruachan has been softened now it has entered its consenting phase. Other locational aspects are addressed in the table of combined comments.

Thresholds for when the national development applies are addressed in the table of combined comments.

Text in particular classes which made a reference back to the pumped hydro scheme has been removed and replaced with reference to the title in the designation text, as per the point in the table of combined comments on the scope of classes/designation text.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request to de-emphasise focus on Cruachan.	Location text amended. Reference to Cruachan elsewhere maintained as consents are outstanding but emphasis is now placed on the national development being nation-wide.	To respond to stakeholder views.

Hunterston Strategic Asset

Summary of representations

Regarding the Hunterston Strategic Asset national development, it was suggested it would be helpful to reflect the national scale of opportunity of a blue economy centred at Hunterston. The need for careful planning was highlighted in relation to potential negative effects on a number of nationally important natural assets.

Overview of changes

The changes mostly relate to reflecting the economic (blue economy) potential of the area, potential around nuclear decommissioning expertise, allowing greater flexibility in relation to the transport network and recognising that climate adaptation may be needed in the area around the site.

Locational aspects are addressed in the table of combined comments.

A new class has been added to incorporate electricity transmission infrastructure reflective of the potential uses at the site.

Protection of certain features is addressed in the table of combined comments.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Reflect scale of opportunity in the wider location.	Amended text.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Opportunity provided by nuclear decommissioning noted.	Amended text.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Access requirements including those linked to STPR2 should be included.	Amended text - approach to transport network capacity revised to be consistent with other National Developments.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity. The text is aligned with STPR2.
Access road at flood risk by 2080s.	Amended text - point on flood risk management solutions broadened geographically.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Class c amendments including marine construction, energy generation, fabrication, and decommissioning.	No change.	Aspects are already addressed in the classes.
Class d amendments including marine energy servicing including, renewable energy generation, testing, assembly, manufacture, servicing, maintenance, training, research and development.	No change.	Aspects already addressed in the classes without specific linkage to marine energy servicing.
Class h. Request to include new nuclear.	No change.	Not supported by current Energy Strategy.
Class h. Request to include electricity transmission infrastructure.	Amended text. New class added. Consistent with intended/existing assets.	To respond to stakeholder views.
New class: Aquaculture, research and development centre.	No change.	Research and development already included in classes.
New class: digital hub and associated infrastructure.	No change.	Digital addressed in a different national development.

Chapelcross Power Station Redevelopment

Summary of representations

Comments in relation to Chapelcross Power Station Redevelopment included that there should be a greater emphasis on renewable energy to take advantage of the transmission lines and national grid infrastructure.

Other points related to protection of the natural environment including that retaining and enhancing an extensive area of nature-rich unimproved grassland will provide benefits for the local community.

Overview of changes

Renewable energy is already addressed in the national development.

Aspects relating to protected and natural features are addressed in the table of combined comments.

Changes made are to clarify class (c) for hydrogen.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request for greater emphasis on renewables.	No change.	Renewable energy already included.
Request to include nuclear energy.	No change.	Not supported by current Energy Strategy.

High Speed Rail

Summary of representations

While High Speed Rail was supported, comments often related to areas of the country that will not benefit from current proposals with references to southern Scotland, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness. Other points raised included that the relationship with STPR2 recommendations should be set out, including the need for further work to determine the future of high-speed rail in Scotland.

Overview of changes

Locational aspects are addressed in the table of combined comments.

The position on High Speed Rail reflects agreements made with the UK Government. An update has been made to improve alignment with STPR2.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request to broaden classes to include associated infrastructure/ land take.	No change.	The focus is on the core infrastructure.

Clyde Mission

Summary of representations

National development status for Clyde Mission was welcomed, including as aligning with the Glasgow City Region Climate Adaptation Strategy. It was suggested that combining this national development with the Urban Sustainable Blue and Green Drainage Solutions national development would help the area adapt to the impacts of climate change. It was also argued a proportionate response to flood risk is required, recognising both the hazards posed by different types of flooding and that different approaches may be acceptable, depending on the nature of the risk.

Overview of changes

Synergies between National Developments are addressed in the table of combined comments.

Changes relating to flooding have been included in the flooding policy of NPF4 rather than the national development.

Other changes are to include reference to the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, to clarify the focus on previously developed land (brownfield land) and clarify that residential development is not a requirement of class (a).

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Concern about ability to develop the area given Future Functional Floodplain policy.	Text amended in the flooding policy to provide for on-site mitigation.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Include other named investment sites/areas.	Text amended to include Riverside Innovation District, supported by the planning authority and doesn't change the location identified.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Class a. Request to clarify whether residential use is necessary or optional.	Text amended	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.
Class b. Request to limit to development on previously used land.	Text amended.	To respond to stakeholder views and provide clarity.

Aberdeen Harbour

Summary of representations

Comments on Aberdeen Harbour included that the area to which the designation applies is unclear and that greenfield land near the south harbour should be explicitly excluded. There were also calls to reference delivery of the proposed Energy Transition Zone and to broaden the national development to reflect the Freeport zone being considered.

Overview of changes

Locational aspects are addressed in the table of combined comments and will form part of the onward delivery of National Developments.

The exclusion of greenfield land in this location could have a bearing on the LDP process in relation to the Energy Transition Zone, which does not form part of the national development. It is not for NPF4 to determine locations that will receive Freeport status, refer to the table of combined comments.

Changes made are about clarifying Class (e) for hydrogen, including carbon capture and to correct the reference to the North and South harbours.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request to change name to 'Aberdeen Waterfront'.	No change.	The national development focuses on the harbour locations.
Request to clarify application to both north and south harbours/ phrasing of referencing of harbours.	Amended text - Location descriptor clarified.	To respond to stakeholder views.
Mixed views on Energy Transition Zone/await for outcome of LDP process.	No change.	The LDP process is considering the Energy Transition Zone, NPF4 has no bearing on the timing of that, the report of examination of unresolved representations to the LDP has been published and is for consideration by the planning authority prior to the LDP being adopted. The national development does not prevent the re-use of existing industrial land.
Request to deal differently with greenspace impacts/ preserve green space.	No change.	The LDP process is considering the Energy Transition Zone. The national development focuses on the harbours. Other relevant policies apply. Enhancement of and access to green space are identified in the statement of need so form part of onward delivery.
Does not support off-setting as alternative provision of green space not possible.	No change.	Text identifies enhancement rather than alternative provision.
Request to have broader focus, including housing, given South harbour completion due in 2022.	No change.	The national development encompasses both harbours. Classes already refer to mixed uses for the North harbour.
City centre reinvigoration does not require harbour redevelopment.	No change.	Making use of brownfield land fits with the approach of NPF4.
Presentation of statutory assessment regimes.	Amended text to remove reference and text amended.	For consistency. This could apply to a range of National Developments and so is addressed in Revised NPF4 Annex B.
Request to not include low carbon hydrogen/support renewable hydrogen only.	Amended text. but not to restrict hydrogen types, class (e) updated to reflect more standardised wording, aligned to Scottish Government hydrogen policy, as identified in the table of combined comments.	Hydrogen has potential in the location and is supported by wider Scottish Government policy.
Request to include specified port/manufacturing/commercial uses.	No change.	Classes highlighted cover a range of port and commercial uses.
Class d. Request to clarify if it applies to both harbours and to renewables/low carbon technologies specifically.	No change.	The class is sufficiently broad to include renewables, which are highlighted elsewhere in the text. The location description includes both harbours.

Stranraer Gateway

Summary of representations

In relation to the Stranraer Gateway, it was suggested that there should be a greater focus on quality of life, wellbeing and sustainability, and that 20 minute neighbourhoods, blue-green infrastructure and active travel should be considered.

Overview of changes

Changes made relate to STPR2 references, and minor clarification within classes (d), (e) and (f). The national development is not intended to be a comprehensive approach to regeneration and focuses on infrastructure and land uses, which will contribute to quality of life and wellbeing outcomes.

As noted in the table of combined comments, other policies that apply in addition to the national development do not need to be addressed in detail in the national development description.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request for broader scope including quality of life/place and the asset of Loch Ryan.	No change.	Inequalities already included in statement of need. Wider policy applies to habitat protection/enhancement.
Request for reference to active/sustainable/ multimodal travel.	Amended text - punctuation added to class d to draw out sustainable travel.	To respond to stakeholder views. The class already refers to a number of modes.
Border Control post being considered for the area.	No change.	The national development does not affect the provision or otherwise of a Border Control Post.
Role of Stranraer rail station and connections to Cairnryan should be included.	No change.	The national development aligns with STPR2 and Cairnryan access is already included.

Dundee Waterfront

Summary of representations

Continued designation of Dundee Waterfront as a national development was welcomed. However, a shift in emphasis from economic revitalisation to include a more balanced place-based aspiration for Dundee Waterfront was suggested.

The opportunity to create an outstanding and strategically important vibrant green and blue space that could serve as a regional hub and catalyst for a Tayside green and active travel network was highlighted.

Overview of changes

Changes made are for clarification.

We have removed class (e) for land reclamation as identified in the table of combined comments, as our emerging appropriate assessment identified (on the basis of information available at this stage in the planning process) it was not possible to conclude that this could be progressed without adversely affecting European sites. This conclusion would need to be re-examined at project level when a much greater level of detail regarding the design and delivery of the scheme will be available.

Aspirations for port expansion are acknowledged in the spatial strategy and an improvement in facilities remains supported. Place based aspects are already reflected and onward aspects of delivery are for lead partners, as referred in the table of combined comments.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request to broaden scope beyond economic ambition.	No change.	Other purposes are included in the national development, including active travel, blue and green infrastructure.
Request re-wording of Class d to reflect integration of more than active travel infrastructure.	No change.	The class already includes sustainable travel.

Edinburgh Waterfront

Summary of representations

General comments on Edinburgh Waterfront included that there should be read across to the CSGN, NWCWN and Urban Sustainable, Blue and Green Drainage Solutions National Developments.

It was argued that a focus on Leith to Granton needs to be set in the context of the wider coastal environment and that the potential for negative effects on landscape and seascape need to be addressed.

Overview of changes

Changes made are limited, including clarifying the location, and adjusting the designation text as referred to in the table of combined comments. The relationship between National Developments is addressed in the table of combined comments.

NPF4 has been informed by relevant impact assessments, reported in the accompanying Integrated Impact Assessment, as noted in the table of combined comments.

Issues additional to those in the table of combined comments

Issue	Change	Reason/Comments
Request to include reference to Edinburgh Nature Network.	No change.	This is a point of project level detail that may form part of the green and blue infrastructure already included.
Request to include foreshore access.	No change.	This is a point of project level detail that may form part of active and sustainable travel routes already included.