Publication - Advice and guidance

National Planning Framework 4: revised draft

Published: 8 November 2022
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design
ISBN: 9781805250890

Revised Draft National Planning Framework 4 is our national spatial strategy for Scotland. It sets out our spatial principles, regional priorities, national developments and national planning policy.

Supporting documents

Part 3 – Annexes

Annex A – How to use this document

Purpose of Planning

The purpose of planning is to manage the development and use of land in the long-term public interest.

The decisions we make today will have implications for future generations. Scotland in 2045 will be different. We must embrace and deliver radical change so we can tackle and adapt to climate change, restore biodiversity loss, improve health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, build a wellbeing economy and create great places.

Role of the National Planning Framework

Scotland 2045: our Fourth National Planning Framework, commonly known as NPF4, is required by law to set out the Scottish Ministers’ policies and proposals for the development and use of land. It plays a key role in supporting the delivery of Scotland’s national outcomes and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

National Performance Framework

Our Purpose

To focus on creating a more successful country with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish through increased wellbeing, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth

Our Values

We are a society which treats all our people with kindness, dignity and compassion, respects the rule of law, and acts in an open and transparent way

National Outcomes

Children and Young People: We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential
Communities: We live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe
Culture: We are creative and our vibrant and diverse cultures are expressed and enjoyed widely
Economy: We have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy
Education: We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society
Environment: We value, enjoy, protect and enhance our environment
Fair Work and Business: We have thriving and innovative businesses, with quality jobs and fair work for everyone
Health: We are healthy and active
Human Rights: We respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination
International: We are open, connected and make a positive contribution internationally
Poverty: We tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth and power more equally

NPF4 includes a long-term spatial strategy to 2045. This reflects the spatial aspects of a range of Scottish Government policies, including the Infrastructure Investment Plan.

The Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) identified that NPF4 would include housing land requirements framed within a spatial strategy that aligns with the investment programme and principles, and highlighted that national planning policies would include an infrastructure first approach.

The NPF4 strategy, policies and national developments are aligned to the strategic themes of the IIP: enabling the transition to net zero emissions and environmental sustainability; driving inclusive economic growth; and building resilient and sustainable places. The policies and instruction for LDPs activate the IIP priorities within the themes to the degree that those priorities involve physical development, opportunities for people and improvements for place. Minimum All Tenure Housing Land Requirements are set out at Annex E. The investment hierarchy influences the approach to NPF4 overall and features specifically in instructions for LDPs in Policy 18 ‘Infrastructure First’.

NPF4 replaces National Planning Framework 3 (2014) and Scottish Planning Policy (2014). NPF4 should be read as a whole. It represents a package of planning policies to guide us to the place we want Scotland to be in 2045.

NPF4 is required by law to contribute to 6 outcomes:

Meeting the housing needs of people living in Scotland including, in particular, the housing needs for older people and disabled people,
Improving the health and wellbeing of people living in Scotland,
Increasing the population of rural areas of Scotland,
Improving equality and eliminating discrimination,
Meeting any targets relating to the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases, and
Securing positive effects for biodiversity.

Statements setting out further detail on the contribution of NPF4 to each outcome are set out in Part 1.

Plan-led Approach

A plan-led approach is central to supporting the delivery of Scotland’s national outcomes and broader sustainable development goals. It is a legislative requirement that planning decisions must be made in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

The statutory development plan for any given area of Scotland consists of the National Planning Framework and the relevant LDP(s). The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 prescribes four different plans, at different scales:

National Planning Framework (NPF)

The National Planning Framework sets out the Scottish Ministers’ policies and proposals for the development and use of land.

The NPF must have regard to any adopted regional spatial strategy.

NPF4 is part of the statutory development plan.

Regional spatial strategies (RSS)

The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced a new duty requiring the preparation of regional spatial strategies.

A planning authority, or authorities acting jointly will prepare these long-term spatial strategies for the strategic development of an area.

RSS are not part of the statutory development plan, but have an important role to play in informing future versions of the NPF and LDPs.

Local development plans (LDPs)

Planning authorities must prepare one or more LDPs for their area.

The LDP sets out a spatial strategy for the development of that area. It must take into account the National Planning Framework and any registered local place plan in the area it covers. It must have regard to the authority’s adopted regional spatial strategy. The LDP must also have regard to any local outcomes improvement plan for the area it covers.

LDPs are part of the statutory development plan.

Local place plans (LPPs)

Local place plans are community-led plans setting out proposals for the development and use of land. They must have regard to the NPF, any LDP which covers the same area, and also any locality plan which covers the same area.

LPPs are not part of the statutory development plan, but have an important role to play in informing LDPs.

Spatial Strategy

Part 1 sets out our spatial strategy for Scotland to 2045, identifying:

6 spatial principles which will influence all our plans and decisions:
- Just transition
- Conserving and recycling assets
- Local living
- Compact urban growth
- Rebalanced development
- Rural revitalisation
3 themes, linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Scottish Government National Performance Framework:
- Sustainable places where we reduce emissions, restore and better connect biodiversity
- Liveable places where we can all live better, healthier lives
- Productive places where we have a greener, fairer and more inclusive wellbeing economy

LDPs should take account of these principles and outcomes, and they should also be reflected within regional spatial strategies and local place plans.

National Developments

Eighteen national developments have been identified. These are significant developments of national importance that will help to deliver the spatial strategy. They are intentionally high level and focus on key elements, as the projects are at different stages.

National development status does not grant planning permission for the development and all relevant consents are required.

Their designation means that the principle of the development does not need to be agreed in later consenting processes, providing more certainty for communities, business and investors.

Their designation is not intended to describe in detail how the projects should be designed, matters to consider, or impact assessments and mitigation to be applied. In addition to the statement of need at Annex B, decision makers for applications for consent for national developments should take into account all relevant policies.

LDPs should take forward proposals for national developments where relevant and facilitate their delivery. This could be through supporting land allocations, policy intervention and LDP delivery programmes.

Regional Spatial Priorities

Regional spatial priorities set out how each part of the country can use their assets and opportunities to help deliver the overall strategy. The detail of these priorities should be further considered and consulted upon through the local development planning process, and where appropriate through regional spatial strategies and regional transport strategies.

The maps are indicative, and certain authorities may have a role to play in more than one regional area. The broad areas identified in NPF4 are intended to act as a flexible framework to guide the preparation of future Regional Spatial Strategies. It is open to planning authorities to decide for themselves, including by working in partnership with others, the most appropriate scale and extent of areas to be covered by Regional Spatial Strategies.

Statutory guidance will guide the preparation of Regional Spatial Strategies.

National Planning Policy

Part 2 sets out our policy framework by topic under the three themes.

Planning is complex and requires careful balancing of issues. The policy intent is provided to aid plan makers and decision makers to understand the intent of each policy and to help deliver policy aspirations.

The policy outcomes set out what we want to achieve and will help to influence future monitoring of the planning system.

The Local Development Plan section clarifies the expected role of LDPs for each topic. The focus for LDPs should be on land allocation through the spatial strategy and interpreting this national policy in a local context. There is no need for LDPs to replicate policies within NPF4, but authorities can add further detail including locally specific policies should they consider to be a need to do so, based on the area’s individual characteristics.

The policy sections are for use in the determination of planning applications. The policies should be read as a whole. Planning decisions must be made in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. It is for the decision maker to determine what weight to attach to policies on a case by case basis. Where a policy states that development will be supported, it is in principle, and it is for the decision maker to take into account all other relevant policies.

The policy impact section shows which spatial principles the policy will help to deliver.

The key policy connections help to show the key connections between policies, but are not intended to be comprehensive.

Annex B – National Developments Statements of Need

National developments are significant developments of national importance that will help to deliver our spatial strategy.

Eighteen national developments will support the delivery of our spatial strategy. These national developments range from single large scale projects or collections and networks of several smaller scale proposals. They are also intended to act as exemplars of the Place Principle and placemaking approaches.

The statements of need set out in this annex are a requirement of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and describe the development to be considered as a national development for consent handling purposes.

An assessment of the likely impact of each proposed national development’s lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions on achieving national greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets^[1] (with the meaning given in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009) has been undertaken. The assessment is based on the detail provided at the time of the assessment, and the conclusion may alter depending on the nature and detail of the projects taken forward.

The potential for national developments to affect European designated sites, depending on the precise design, location and construction of individual projects, has been identified by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) of NPF4. Any such development would need to be considered carefully at project level and all relevant statutory tests met.

1. Energy Innovation Development on the Islands

This national development supports proposed developments in the Outer Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney island groups, for renewable energy generation, renewable hydrogen production, infrastructure and shipping, and associated opportunities in the supply chain for fabrication, research and development.

Any strategy for deployment of these technologies must enable decarbonisation at pace and cannot be used to justify unsustainable levels of fossil fuel extraction or impede Scotland’s just transition to net zero.

This is aligned with low carbon energy projects within the Islands Growth Deal that have been developed with local partners such as the Islands Centre for Net Zero and encompasses other projects that can facilitate net zero aims.

The use of low and zero emission fuels will play a crucial role in decarbonising island and mainland energy use, shipping, strengthening energy security overall and creating a low carbon energy economy for the islands and islanders. The developments will add value where they link into national and international energy expertise, learning and research and development networks.

Location

Outer Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney and surrounding waters.

Need

These classes of development support the potential of the three island authorities to exemplify a transition to a net zero society. This will support delivery of our spatial strategy by helping to sustain communities in rural and island areas by stimulating employment and innovation.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Energy Innovation Development on the Islands’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

Outer Hebrides – Supporting the Arnish Renewables Base and Outer Hebrides Energy Hub

The classes below apply to development that is for delivery of the Arnish Renewables Base and Outer Hebrides Energy Hub:

a) New or updated on and/or off shore infrastructure for energy generation from renewables exceeding 50 megawatts capacity;

b) Electricity transmission cables and converter stations on and/or off shore of 132 kilovolts (kv) and above;

c) Infrastructure for the production, storage and transportation of low and zero-carbon fuels (that are not electricity or heat) including renewable hydrogen; and hydrogen production related chemicals including ammonia with appropriate carbon capture linked to transport and storage infrastructure;

d) Improved oil storage infrastructure for Stornoway, with appropriate emissions abatement; and

e) Quay to service renewable energy, energy transportation, energy decommissioning, fabrication or freight handling, including new or enhanced associated laydown or operational area at Arnish.

Shetland Islands – Supporting the Opportunity for Renewable Integration with Offshore Networks (ORION) Clean Energy Project

The classes below apply to development that is for delivery of renewable and low carbon aspects of the ORION project:

a) New or updated on and/or off shore infrastructure for energy generation from renewables exceeding 50 megawatts capacity;

b) Electricity transmission cables and converter stations on and/or off shore of/or exceeding 132kv;

d) Quay to service renewable energy, energy transportation, energy decommissioning, fabrication or freight handling, including new or enhanced associated laydown or operational area at Sullom Voe, Scatsta, Lerwick, and Dales Voe (Lerwick);

e) Oil terminal modifications at Sullom Voe to maintain asset use moving towards net zero emissions; and

f) New infrastructure, and/or upgraded buildings and facilities to support the transportation and storage of captured carbon.

Orkney Islands – Supporting Scapa Flow Future Fuels Hub and Orkney Harbours

The classes below apply to development that is for the delivery of the Future Fuels Hub, new quay in Scapa Flow, and the Orkney Logistics Base at Hatston, which support services for the renewable and marine energy and shipping sectors:

a) New or updated on and/or off shore infrastructure for energy generation from renewables exceeding 50 megawatts capacity;

b) Electricity transmission cables and converter stations on and/or off shore of 132kv and above;

e) Oil terminal modifications at Scapa Flow to maintain asset use moving towards net zero emissions.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Depending on the nature of the projects taken forward and considering both direct and indirect effects, the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment concludes this development will likely have an overall net positive impact on achieving national greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

Policy impact:

Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Rural revitalisation
Just transition

2. Pumped Hydro Storage

This national development will play a significant role in balancing and optimising electricity generation and maintaining the operability of the electricity system as part of our transition to net zero. This is necessary as we continue to move towards a decarbonised system with much more renewable generation, the output from which is defined by weather conditions.

This national development supports additional capacity at existing sites as well as at new sites. Cruachan in Argyll is a nationally important example of a pumped storage facility with significant potential for enhanced capacity that could create significant jobs in a rural location.

Location

All Scotland

Need

This national development supports pumped hydro storage capacity within the electricity network through significant new or expanded sites. This supports the transition to a net zero economy through the ability of pumped hydro storage schemes to optimise electricity generated from renewables by storing and releasing it when it is required.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Pumped Hydro Storage’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) New and/or expanded and/or upgraded water holding reservoir and dam;

b) New and/or upgraded electricity generating plant structures or buildings;

c) New and/or upgraded pump plant structures or buildings;

d) New and/or expanded and/or upgraded water inlet and outlet pipework;

e) New and/or upgraded substations and/or transformers; and

f) New and/or replacement transmission cables.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Rural revitalisation
Just transition

3. Strategic Renewable Electricity Generation and Transmission Infrastructure

This national development supports renewable electricity generation, repowering, and expansion of the electricity grid.

A large and rapid increase in electricity generation from renewable sources will be essential for Scotland to meet its net zero emissions targets. Certain types of renewable electricity generation will also be required, which will include energy storage technology and capacity, to provide the vital services, including flexible response, that a zero carbon network will require. Generation is for domestic consumption as well as for export to the UK and beyond, with new capacity helping to decarbonise heat, transport and industrial energy demand. This has the potential to support jobs and business investment, with wider economic benefits.

The electricity transmission grid will need substantial reinforcement including the addition of new infrastructure to connect and transmit the output from new on and offshore capacity to consumers in Scotland, the rest of the UK and beyond. Delivery of this national development will be informed by market, policy and regulatory developments and decisions.

Location

All Scotland.

Need

Additional electricity generation from renewables and electricity transmission capacity of scale is fundamental to achieving a net zero economy and supports improved network resilience in rural and island areas. Island transmission connections in particular can facilitate capturing the significant renewable energy potential in those areas as well as delivering significant social and economic benefits.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Strategic Renewable Electricity Generation and Transmission’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) On and off shore electricity generation, including electricity storage, from renewables exceeding 50 megawatts capacity;

b) New and/or replacement upgraded on and offshore high voltage electricity transmission lines, cables and interconnectors of 132kv or more; and

c) New and/or upgraded Infrastructure directly supporting on and offshore high voltage electricity lines, cables and interconnectors including converter stations, switching stations and substations.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Local Living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Just transition

4. Circular Economy Materials Management Facilities

This national development supports the development of facilities required to achieve a circular economy. This sector will provide a range of business, skills and employment opportunities as part of a just transition to a net zero economy.

The range and scale of facilities required to manage secondary materials and their circulation back into the economy is not yet clear. However, sites and facilities will be needed to retain the resource value of materials so that we can maximise the use of materials in the economy and minimise the use of virgin materials in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is particularly significant for the construction and demolition industries and decommissioning industry.

Careful assessment of specific proposals will be required to ensure they provide sustainable low carbon solutions, include appropriate controls, manage any emissions and mitigate localised impacts including on neighbouring communities and the wider environment.

Location

All Scotland.

Need

This national development helps maximise Scotland’s potential to retain the energy and emissions values within materials already in the economy.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Circular Economy Materials Management Facilities’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’ is designated a national development:

a) Facilities for managing secondary materials; and

b) Recycling facilities.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Local Living
Conserving and recycling assets
Just transition

5. Urban Sustainable, Blue and Green Surface Water Management Solutions

This national development aims to build on the benefits of the Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership, to continue investment and extend the approach to the Edinburgh city region.

Our biggest cities and their regions will require improved infrastructure to ensure they are more resilient to climate change. A strategic, catchment scale approach to adaptation through surface water and drainage infrastructure investment will reduce impacts and risks for our urban population and is an example of an infrastructure first approach. Catchment scale nature-based solutions which may include blue and green infrastructure should be prioritised. Grey infrastructure should be optimised and only used when necessary to augment blue-green infrastructure solutions. Delivery of multiple climate, wellbeing and economic benefits should form the basis of the approach. Whilst this national development focuses on Edinburgh and Glasgow other cities and towns may benefit from similar approaches.

Location

Glasgow and Edinburgh City Regions and their wider water catchment areas.

Need

A large proportion of our population lives in our largest cities. The management of surface water drainage at scale across these city regions will help us to adapt to extreme weather events that will become more frequent as a result of climate change. A nature-based approach to surface water management has the potential to deliver multiple health, wellbeing, economic and climate adaptation and emissions reduction benefits and it may free up sewer capacity.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Urban Sustainable, Blue and Green Surface Water Management Solutions’ in the location described, within the Class of Development described below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’ is designated a national development:

a) Spaces, infrastructure, works, structures, buildings, pipelines, and nature-based approaches, for surface water management and drainage systems.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Conserving and recycling assets
Rural revitalisation
Just transition

6. Urban Mass/Rapid Transit Networks

This national development supports low carbon mass/rapid transit projects for Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

To reduce transport emissions at scale, we will require low carbon transport solutions for these three major cities that can support transformational reduction in private car use.

Development of the Glasgow ‘Metro’ and Edinburgh Mass Transit in these cities and their associated regions plus the Aberdeen Rapid Transit system are recommendations from the Strategic Transport Projects Review 2.

This will support placemaking and deliver improved transport equity across the most densely populated parts of Scotland, improving access to employment and supporting sustainable investment in the longer term. It can function as part of a broader transport network that includes active travel, and this places importance on multi-modal hubs or transport interchange points.

The type of interventions will be determined through the on-going development of business cases and studies but could include the provision of new systems or extensions to existing sustainable and public transport networks.

Location

Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh City Regions.

Need

This national development will help reduce transport related emissions overall, improve air quality, reduce the demand for private vehicle use, support the roll out of 20 minute neighbourhoods and improve transport equity.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Urban Mass/Rapid Transit Networks’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’ is designated a national development. This relates to development supported by the Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 consisting of new or upgraded:

a) Track or road infrastructure;

b) Fuelling or power infrastructure;

c) Passenger facilities; and

d) Depots servicing the networks.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Conserving and recycling assets
Just transition

7. Central Scotland Green Network

This national development is one of Europe’s largest and most ambitious green infrastructure projects. It will play a key role in tackling the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss including by building and strengthening nature networks. A greener approach to development will improve placemaking, can contribute to the roll-out of 20 minute neighbourhoods and will benefit biodiversity connectivity. This has particular relevance in the more urban parts of Scotland where there is pressure for development as well as significant areas requiring regeneration to address past decline and disadvantage. Regeneration, repurposing and reuse of brownfield land should be a priority.

Priorities include enhancement to provide multi-functional green and blue infrastructure that provides greatest environmental, lifelong physical and mental health, social wellbeing and economic benefits. It focuses on those areas where greening and development can be mutually supportive, helping to improve equity of access to quality green and blue space, and supporting communities where improving wellbeing and resilience is most needed, including to help people adapt to future climate risks.

Nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation may include woodland expansion and peatland restoration as a priority. The connectivity of biodiversity rich areas may be enhanced through nature networks, including corridors and stepping stones to provide enhanced natural capital and improved ecosystem services.

Location

Central Scotland local authorities within a boundary identified by the Green Action Trust.

Need

This national development is needed to improve quality of place and create new opportunities for investment. This will support delivery of our spatial strategy which highlights the importance of accelerating urban greening in this most densely populated part of Scotland.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Central Scotland Green Network’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) Development to create and/or enhance multi-functional green infrastructure including for: emissions sequestration; adaptation to climate change; and biodiversity enhancement;

b) Reuse of vacant and derelict land and buildings for greening and nature-based solutions;

c) New and/or upgraded sustainable surface water management and drainage systems and the creation of blue space;

d) Use of land for allotments or community food growing; and

e) Routes for active travel and/or recreation.

Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Rural revitalisation
Just transition

8. National Walking, Cycling and Wheeling Network

This national development facilitates the shift from vehicles to walking, cycling and wheeling for everyday journeys contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport and is highly beneficial for health and wellbeing.

The upgrading and provision of additional active travel infrastructure will be fundamental to the development of a sustainable travel network providing access to settlements, key services and amenities, employment and multi-modal hubs. Infrastructure investment should be prioritised for locations where it will achieve our National Transport Strategy 2 priorities and outcomes, to reduce inequalities, take climate action, help deliver a wellbeing economy and to improve health and wellbeing. This will help to deliver great places to live and work, including through connecting neighbourhoods, villages and towns, active freeways and long distance routes.

Location

All Scotland.

Need

Reducing the need to travel unsustainably is the highest priority in the sustainable transport investment hierarchy. This national development will significantly support modal shift and deliver multiple outcomes including our commitment to a 20% reduction in car kilometres by 2030, associated emissions reduction, health and air quality improvement. This will support the delivery of our spatial strategy by creating a more sustainable distribution of access across Scotland as a whole.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘National Walking, Cycling and Wheeling Network’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’ is designated a national development:

a) New/and or upgraded routes suitable for a range of users for walking, cycling and wheeling that help create a national network that facilitates short and longer distance journeys and linkages to multi-modal hubs.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Rebalanced development
Just transition

9. Edinburgh Waterfront

This national development supports the regeneration of strategic sites along the Forth Waterfront in Edinburgh.

The waterfront is a strategic asset that contributes to the city’s character and sense of place and includes significant opportunities for a wide range of future developments.

Development will include high quality mixed use proposals that optimise the use of the strategic asset for residential, community, commercial and industrial purposes, including support for off-shore energy relating to port uses. Further cruise activity should take into account the need to manage impacts on transport infrastructure.

This will help maintain and grow Edinburgh’s position as a capital city and commercial centre with a high quality and accessible living environment. Development locations and design will need to address future resilience to the risks from climate change, impact on health inequalities, and the potential to incorporate green and blue infrastructure.

Location

Leith to Granton.

Need

Waterfronts in our largest urban areas are frequently under-utilised and contain significant areas of brownfield land as well as existing infrastructure assets. Their location may be particularly vulnerable to climate change and likely risks will require careful management. This will support delivery of our spatial strategy, which recognises the importance of our urban coastline in supporting our sense of place, economy and wellbeing.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Edinburgh Waterfront’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that would otherwise have been of a scale or type that is classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) New and/or upgraded buildings for mixed use and/or residential development;

b) New and/or upgraded buildings for commercial, industrial, business use;

c) New and/or upgraded utilities;

d) New and/or upgraded green and blue infrastructure;

e) New and/or upgraded active and sustainable travel routes; and

f) New and/or upgraded port facilities for vessel berthing and related landside activities including for lay-down, and marine sector services.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Just transition

10. Dundee Waterfront

This national development supports the redevelopment of the Dundee Waterfront Zones including: the Central Waterfront, Seabraes, City Quay, Dundee Port, Riverside Business Area and Nature Park, and the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc.

Continued delivery of the waterfront transformation is crucial to securing the role of the city as a location for investment in the net zero economy. Supporting population growth alongside economic opportunities, and skills and career development, is important in continuing to demonstrate the sustainability of urban living in Scotland and a just transition to the net zero economy.

Further projects associated with this include: the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc which will become an innovation hub for net zero emission mobility; the Eden Project; and an improvement of facilities at Dundee Port. This national development includes reusing land on and around the Dundee Waterfront to support the lifelong health and wellbeing of communities, deliver innovation and attract investment. As the development progresses it will be important to support sustainable and active transport options and to build in adaptation to future climate risks.

Location

Dundee Waterfront zones: Central Waterfront, Seabraes, City Quay, Dundee Port, Riverside Business Area and Riverside Nature Park; Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc.

Need

This national development supports the continued revitalisation of Dundee Waterfront, expanded to include Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc in support of the Tay Cities Region Economic Strategy and its continued use for economic purposes. Waterfront locations may be particularly vulnerable to climate change and so development requires to be carefully designed to manage likely risks.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Dundee Waterfront’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that would otherwise have been of a scale or type that is classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’ is designated a national development:

a) New and/or upgraded buildings for mixed use and/or residential development;

b) New and/or upgraded buildings for commercial, industrial, business, storage, distribution, research, educational, and/or tourism use;

c) New and/or upgraded utilities;

d) New and/or upgraded active and sustainable travel routes;

e) New and/or upgraded port facilities for vessel berthing and related landside activities including for lay-down, freight handling and marine sector services; and

f) New and/or upgraded green and blue infrastructure.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Just transition

11. Stranraer Gateway

This national development supports the regeneration of Stranraer.

Stranraer is a gateway town. It is located close to Cairnryan, a key port connecting Scotland to Northern Ireland, Ireland and beyond to wider markets.

High quality place-based regeneration will help address socio-economic inequalities in Stranraer and to support the wider population of south west Scotland by acting as a hub and providing a platform for future investment. This will be supported by any strategic transport interventions including road and rail that emerge from the second Strategic Transport Projects Review which embeds the National Transport Strategy’s sustainable travel and investment hierarchies.

Location

Stranraer and associated transport routes.

Need

Loch Ryan and Stranraer act as a gateway to Scotland. Reusing the assets in this location will support the wellbeing, economy and community in line with the regional growth deal. It will help to deliver our spatial strategy by driving forward regeneration of a key hub.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Stranraer Gateway’ in the location described within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that would otherwise have been of a scale or type that is classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) Development contributing to Stranraer Waterfront regeneration;

b) Marina expansion;

c) Redevelopment of Stranraer harbour east pier;

d) Sustainable, road, rail and freight infrastructure for access to Stranraer and/or Cairnryan;

e) New and/or upgraded infrastructure for the transportation and use of low carbon fuels; and

f) Reuse of vacant and derelict buildings and brownfield land, including regeneration of Blackparks industrial estate.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Rural revitalisation
Just transition

12. Digital Fibre Network

This national development supports the continued roll-out of world-class broadband across Scotland.

Our strategy requires enhanced digital connectivity to provide high speed broadband or equivalent mobile services, prioritising those areas with weaker networks as part of the Reaching 100% (R100) programme and Project Gigabit, including urban, island specific and rural enhancements. This is a significant utility including 4G and 5G mobile infrastructure facilitating home based working, renewable energy development, rural repopulation and access to services. The data transmission network can also support the availability and use of ‘big data.’ Digital capability is a feature of a number of City Region and Growth Deals.

Opportunities should be taken to deliver the infrastructure as part of other infrastructure upgrades or installation works such as energy transmission, transportation, and travel networks where appropriate.

Location

All Scotland.

Need

This is a fundamentally important utility, required to support development, community wellbeing, equal access to goods and services, and emissions reduction from reduced demand for travel. This will help to deliver our spatial strategy by complementing a new emphasis of living locally, and by helping to sustain and grow rural and island communities.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Digital Fibre Network’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) Installation of new and/or upgraded broadband cabling on land and sub-sea for fixed line and mobile networks; and

b) Green data centres.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Depending on the nature of the projects taken forward and considering both direct and indirect effects, the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment concludes this development will likely have an overall negligible impact on achieving national greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

Policy impact:

Local living
Rebalanced development
Rural revitalisation
Just transition

13. Clyde Mission

This national development is a national, place-based Mission to make the Clyde an engine of economic success for Glasgow, the city region and Scotland.

The Clyde Mission is focused on the River Clyde and the riverside from South Lanarkshire in the east to Inverclyde and Argyll and Bute in the west and focusing on an area up to around 500 metres from the river edge. This footprint includes the parts of the Clyde Gateway, River Clyde Waterfront, North Clyde River Bank and River Clyde Corridor frameworks, and Glasgow Riverside Innovation District.

Across this area significant land assets are under-utilised, and longstanding inequality, in relation to poor environment and health outcomes require to be tackled as a national priority. An ambitious redevelopment programme is being taken forward under Five Missions. It is a collective, cross-sector effort and partnership working will help bring forward assets and sites that are ready for redevelopment to sustain a range of uses. This will repurpose and reinvigorate brownfield and supporting local living as well as adapting the area to the impacts of climate change, where nature-based solutions would be particularly supported.

Location

The river and land immediately next to it (up to around 500 metres from the river) along its length.

Need

These classes of development revitalise a major waterfront asset which is currently under-utilised. This will support the delivery of our spatial strategy by attracting investment and reuse of brownfield land in west central Scotland where there is a particular need to improve quality of place, generate employment and support disadvantaged communities. It will also support adaptation to climate risks.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Clyde Mission’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that would otherwise have been of a scale or type that is classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) Mixed use, which may include residential, redevelopment of brownfield land;

b) New, reused and/or upgraded buildings and facilities for residential, commercial, business and industrial uses on brownfield land;

c) Upgrade of existing port and harbour assets for servicing marine functions including freight and cruise uses and associated landside commercial and/or industrial land for supporting services;

d) New and/or upgraded active and sustainable travel and recreation routes and infrastructure; and

e) New and/or upgraded infrastructure for climate adaptation, including nature-based, green and blue solutions.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Depending on the nature of the projects taken forward and considering both direct and indirect effects, the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment concludes this development will likely have an overall net negative impact on achieving national greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets

14. Aberdeen Harbour

This national development supports the continued relocation and repurposing of Aberdeen Harbour. The harbour is a strategically important asset supporting the economy of the north east of Scotland.

The south harbour can act as a cluster of port accessible offshore renewable energy research, manufacturing and support services. The facilities are also important for international connections.

At the south harbour the focus should be on regenerating existing industrial land and reorganising land use around the harbour in line with the spatial strategy of the LDP. By focusing future port activity here, parts of the existing harbour in the city centre will become available for mixed use development, opening up development land to help reinvigorate Aberdeen city centre.

This can help provide significant economic opportunities, in line with the objectives of the Aberdeen City Region Deal. Environmental benefits, for example to enhance access and improve the quality of green space and active travel options should be designed-in to help offset any potential impacts on the amenity of local communities with relevant projects addressing environmental sensitivities through careful planning, assessment and implementation.

The extent to which this should include additional business and industrial development outwith the existing north and south harbours is a matter to be determined in the relevant LDP, and is outwith the scope of this national development.

Location

Port of Aberdeen North and South Harbours.

This national development supports the optimisation of Aberdeen Harbour to support net zero and stimulate economic investment. It is also a significant opportunity to support better placemaking including city centre transformation, and regeneration of existing land by optimising the use of new and existing assets. This will deliver our spatial strategy by helping the north east of Scotland to achieve a just transition from a high carbon economy whilst improving quality of place.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Aberdeen Harbour’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that would otherwise have been of a scale or type that is classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’ is designated a national development:

a) Mixed use development reusing land at the existing (north) Aberdeen Harbour;

b) Upgraded port facilities at Aberdeen Harbour and completion of South Harbour;

c) New and/or upgraded green infrastructure;

d) Buildings and facilities for commercial, manufacturing and industrial uses;

e) Infrastructure for the production, storage and transportation of low carbon and renewable hydrogen and related chemicals including ammonia, with carbon capture as necessary; and

f) Transport infrastructure, including for sustainable and active travel, for the South Harbour as supported by the Aberdeen City Region Deal.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Local living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Just transition

15. Industrial Green Transition Zones

To secure a just transition to a net zero economy, the decarbonisation of nationally important industrial sites in a way that ensures continued jobs, investment and prosperity for these areas and the communities that depend on them is essential. Industrial Green Transition Zones (IGTZ) will support the generation of significant economic opportunities while minimising carbon emissions. Technologies that will help Scotland transition to net zero will be supported at these locations, with a particular focus on low carbon and zero emissions technologies including renewables and the generation, storage and distribution of low carbon hydrogen.

The deployment of hydrogen and CCUS at these locations must demonstrate decarbonisation at pace and cannot be used to justify unsustainable levels of fossil fuel extraction or impede Scotland’s just transition to net zero. Hydrogen and CCUS are emerging industries, both government and industry in Scotland wish to accelerate and maximise the deployment of green hydrogen. For projects that utilise carbon capture and storage, we want to ensure the highest possible carbon capture rates in the deployment of these technologies. While there are examples internationally where CCUS projects have been associated with offshore Enhanced Oil Recovery, we understand there to be no plans for offshore Enhanced Oil Recovery as part of the Scottish Cluster. However, if any IGTZ is found to be incompatible with Scotland’s transition to net zero, Scottish Government policy, along with designations of and classes of development, will change accordingly.

Industrial Green Transition Zones are:

The Scottish Cluster encompasses a carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects network and is a key strategic vehicle for industrial decarbonisation, energy generation, and the transportation and storage of captured carbon. The designation relates to projects that form a Scottish Cluster in the first instance specifically Peterhead, St Fergus and Grangemouth. Further industrial transition sites are expected to emerge in the longer term and benefit from the experience gained within the Scottish Cluster but do not form part of this national development. This national development will support the generation of significant economic opportunities for low carbon industry as well as minimising carbon emissions at scale, and will play a vital part in maintaining the security and operability of Scotland’s electricity supply and network. The creation of hydrogen and deployment of negative emissions technologies, utilising CCUS, at commercial scale will establish the opportunities to decarbonise industry, transport and heat, as well as other sectors, and pave the way for the transportation and storage infrastructure to support the growing hydrogen economy in Scotland.
Grangemouth investment zone currently hosts strategic and critical infrastructure, high value employment and manufacturing of materials that are currently vital for every-day life. This role will continue in the long-term but must seek to decarbonise given the significant contribution of the industrial activities to Scotland’s emissions. It is a key location in the Scottish Cluster for carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen deployment. The Grangemouth Investment Zone will be a focus for transitioning the petro-chemicals industry and associated activities into a leading exemplar of industrial decarbonisation, significantly helped through the coordination activities of the Scottish Government’s Grangemouth Future Industry Board. Decarbonisation could include opportunities for: renewable energy innovation; bioenergy; hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage; and repurposing of existing strategic and critical infrastructure such as pipelines.

Location

St Fergus, Peterhead, and Grangemouth.

Need

This national development is required to meet our targets for emissions reduction. It also supports a just transition by creating new jobs in emerging technologies and significant economic opportunities for lower carbon industry. It will help to decarbonise other sectors, sites and regions, paving the way for increasing demand

to be complemented by the production of further hydrogen in the future. This will also help to deliver our spatial strategy by supporting investment in the North East and the Central Belt where there has been a relatively high level of output from fossil fuel industries.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Industrial Green Transition Zones’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that would otherwise have been of a scale or type that is classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’ is designated a national development.

a) Carbon capture with high capture rates and negative emission technologies, transportation and storage of captured carbon forming part of or helping to create an expandable national network;

b) Pipeline for transportation and storage of captured carbon and/or hydrogen;

c) Onshore infrastructure including compression equipment, supporting pipeline transportation and shipping transportation of captured carbon and/or hydrogen;

d) Offshore storage of captured carbon;

e) New and/or upgraded buildings and facilities for the utilisation of captured carbon;

f) Infrastructure for the production of hydrogen on shore or off shore where co-located with off shore wind farms within 0-12 nautical miles;

g) Infrastructure for the storage of hydrogen on shore or off shore, including on or near-shore geological storage;

h) Port facilities for the transport and handling of hydrogen and carbon dioxide;

i) The application of carbon capture and storage technology to existing or replacement thermal power generation capacity;

j) Production, storage and transportation with appropriate emissions abatement of: bioenergy; hydrogen production related chemicals including ammonia;

k) New and/or upgraded buildings for industrial, manufacturing, business, and educational or research uses related to the industrial transition;

l) Town centre regeneration at Grangemouth;

m) Grangemouth flood protection scheme;

n) New and/or upgraded green and blue infrastructure;

o) New and/or upgraded utilities and/or local energy network; and

p) New and/or upgraded facilities at the port for inter-modal freight handling at Grangemouth.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Depending on the nature of the projects taken forward and considering both direct and indirect effects, the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment concludes this development will likely have an overall net positive effect on lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets.

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Rural revitalisation
Just transition

16. Hunterston Strategic Asset

This national development supports the repurposing of Hunterston port as well as the adjacent former nuclear power station sites and marketable business land of the Hunterston Estate. Hunterston has long been recognised as a strategic location for the port and energy sectors given its deepwater access and existing infrastructure. Hunterston is a key site, anchoring other opportunities around the Firth of Clyde.

The location and infrastructure offers potential for electricity generation from renewables, and a variety of commercial uses including port, research and development, aquaculture, the circular economy, and environmental and economic opportunities around nuclear decommissioning expertise.

New development will need to optimise the capacity of the transport network, include active travel links and be compatible with a location adjacent to sites with nuclear power uses. Designated biodiversity sites will require protection and enhancement where possible, and sustainable flood risk management solutions will be required for the area. Aligned with the Ayrshire Growth Deal, jointly funded by the Scottish and UK Governments, investment in this location will support a wellbeing economy by opening up opportunities for employment and training for local people. A community wealth building approach has been embedded within the Deal and Regional Economic Strategy within Ayrshire, and would be expected to form a part of future development proposals to ensure the economic benefits are retained locally as far as possible, strengthening local supply chains and supporting businesses and communities across Ayrshire.

Location

Hunterston Port, nuclear power station sites and marketable employment land at Hunterston Estate.

Need

These classes of development support the redevelopment and reuse of existing strategic assets and land contributing to a net zero economy. It also supports delivery of our spatial strategy by stimulating investment in the west of Scotland, potentially contributing to the wider aim of tackling inequalities.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Hunterston Strategic Asset’ in the location described within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that would otherwise have been of a scale or type that is classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) Infrastructure to support a multi-modal deep water harbour;

b) Land and buildings for bulk handling, storage, processing and distribution;

c) Facilities for marine energy generation technology fabrication and decommissioning;

d) Facilities for marine energy servicing;

e) Land and buildings for industrial, commercial, research and development, and training uses;

f) Infrastructure for the capture, transportation and long-term storage of greenhouse gas emissions, where transportation may be by pipe or vehicular means;

g) Infrastructure for the production, storage and transportation of low carbon and renewable hydrogen; and hydrogen production related chemicals including ammonia;

h) Infrastructure for the generation and storage of electricity from renewables exceeding 50 megawatts; and

i) Electricity transmission infrastructure of 132kv or more.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Local living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Rural revitalisation
Just transition

17. Chapelcross Power Station Redevelopment

This national development supports the redevelopment of Chapelcross, a former nuclear power station site of significant scale regionally and nationally, and our strategy supports the reuse of the site to help deliver on net zero and provide opportunities for communities in the South of Scotland.

Final uses for the site remain to be agreed, but the site has locational advantage to act as an energy hub with opportunities including: business development with a particular focus on energy and energy supply chain; energy generation from solar; electricity storage; generation of heat; production and storage of low carbon and renewable hydrogen. This could link to ambitions for low carbon heat and vehicle fuel at Stranraer.

The proposal aims to create new job opportunities, including high value employment. A community wealth building approach will ensure that benefits are retained locally as far as possible, and this in turn will help to sustain and grow the local population. We also support opportunities to reduce the fuel costs for local communities to tackle fuel poverty. Sustainable access to the site for workers and commercial vehicles will be required.

Location

Site of the former Chapelcross power station.

Need

This national development supports the reuse of a significant area of brownfield land in a rural area with economically fragile communities. It will also support the just transition to net zero.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘Chapelcross Power Station Redevelopment’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that would otherwise have been of a scale or type that is classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) Commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and office related development occurring on the Chapelcross development site;

b) Generation of electricity from renewables exceeding 50 megawatts capacity;

c) Infrastructure for the production, storage and transportation of low carbon and renewable hydrogen and related chemicals including ammonia, with carbon capture as necessary; and

d) Active and sustainable travel connection to the site.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Local living
Rebalanced development
Conserving and recycling assets
Rural revitalisation
Just transition

18. High Speed Rail

This national development supports the implementation of increased infrastructure to improve rail capacity and connectivity on the main cross-border routes, the east and west coast mainlines.

Rail connectivity that can effectively compete with air and road based transport between the major towns and cities in Scotland, England and onward to Europe is an essential part of reducing transport emissions, making best use of the rail network and providing greater connectivity opportunities. There can be significant emissions savings of approximately 75% to be made when freight is transported by rail instead of road.

Enhancement would be in addition to and in conjunction with High Speed 2 (HS2) and other enhancements identified by the UK Government.

Scottish Ministers have an agreement with the UK Government to develop infrastructure enhancements ‘North of HS2’ and Scottish Ministers continue to press the UK Government on the imperative that all nations and regions of Britain benefit from the prosperity that HS2 will deliver both in its construction and its implementation. The Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 is appraising through recommendation 45 and will provide the strategic case for investment in the rail network in Scotland, over and above the commitments within HS2.

Location

Central and southern Scotland to the border with England.

Need

This national development aims to ensure a low emissions air-competitive journey time to cities in the UK as well as connectivity with European cities and benefits to freight. This will support Scotland’s ability to attract and compete for investment.

Designation and classes of development

A development contributing to ‘High Speed Rail’ in the location described, within one or more of the Classes of Development described below and that is of a scale or type that would otherwise have been classified as ‘major’ by ‘The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009’, is designated a national development:

a) New and/or upgraded railway track and electrification solution (overhead cabling and pylons or on track);

b) New and/or upgraded multi-modal railway stations to service high-speed lines; and

c) Depot facilities for high speed trains and/or related to the construction and onward maintenance of the UK high-speed rail infrastructure.

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

Policy impact:

Compact urban growth
Conserving and recycling assets

Annex C – Spatial Planning Priorities

This information is intended to guide the preparation of Regional Spatial Strategies and LDPs to help deliver Scotland’s national spatial strategy.

North and West Coast and Islands

This area broadly comprises the island communities of Shetland, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides, and parts of Highland and Argyll and Bute, and the north and west coastline of the Scottish mainland.

To deliver sustainable places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans should m aximise the benefits of renewable energy whilst enhancing blue and green infrastructure, decarbonising transport and building resilient connections.

This area’s natural and cultural assets will require careful planning and management so that their special qualities can continue to form a strong foundation for future development and investment. There are opportunities for local projects across this area to come together and create an enhanced nature network which benefits quality of life and contributes to biodiversity recovery and restoration as well as carbon sequestration.

Resilience and a growing green economy will depend on delivery of improved grid connections, including high voltage grid cables connecting the three island groups to the mainland. This will be complemented by the innovation in low and zero carbon fuels and the roll out of locally distributed energy systems to reduce emissions from buildings, address significant fuel poverty and secure longer term resilience.

Significant peatland restoration and woodland creation and restoration, along with blue carbon opportunities will secure wider biodiversity benefits and be a focus for investment to offset carbon and secure existing natural carbon stores. The Lewis Peatlands and the Flow Country are internationally recognised as accounting for a significant proportion of the world’s blanket bog habitat, and there are opportunities to protect and expand Scotland’s temperate rainforest, including some of the best remaining rainforest sites in Europe. Access to the outdoors, as well as active travel, can benefit from continued investment in long distance walking and cycling routes with a range of projects emerging at a regional scale.

Communities in this area will need resilient transport connectivity to maintain accessibility and lifeline links, and further innovation will be required to help modernise connections and decarbonise transport systems. A net zero islands air network and decarbonisation of ferry services will help to secure the viability and service stability of island and remote coastal communities. Communities are keen to explore long-term ambitions for fixed links for example across the Sound of Harris and Sound of Barra, and potentially to connect the Outer Hebrides to mainland Scotland. An Islands Connectivity Plan will consider the role of ferries, fixed links and low carbon aviation in securing lifeline links and marine access for both leisure and freight. In addition to the investment potential of the area’s ports and harbours, the strategic location of the Northern Isles as a hub for future shipping using long distance trade routes has significant potential for investment and growth over the longer term. There is also potential to consider decarbonisation of fishing fleets and the aquaculture industry in the future.

Electric vehicle ownership is already high in some parts of the area and continued expansion of charging networks will support further decarbonisation. Key routes and hubs are emerging – examples include the aspiration for an electric spinal route that extends across the Outer Hebrides. This should be viewed as one part of a wider system response to net zero that also strengthens active travel across the area.

Improved digital connectivity is a priority to sustain current businesses and create ‘smart’ communities. We are committed to investment in ultrafast broadband to ensure every property is connected and to improve mobile coverage. This will unlock opportunities for rural businesses and remote working, and make future community growth more feasible. Full benefits will be realised by actively tackling the digital divide by building skills, literacy and learning and addressing the financial barriers to internet access. Key projects include the Outer Hebrides Giga Fibre Network and the North Isles Fibre Project.

To deliver liveable places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should s upport coastal and island communities to become carbon neutral, thus contributing to net-zero commitments and reducing fuel poverty.

Future-proofing local liveability will benefit people as well as the planet. Island and coastal communities can apply the concept of local living, including 20 minute neighbourhoods, in a flexible way and find local solutions to low carbon living, for example by identifying service hubs in key locations with good public transport links. The aim is to build long-term resilience and self-reliance by minimising the need to travel whilst sustaining dispersed communities and rural patterns of development. Communities in this area will continue to rely to an extent on the private car, and low carbon solutions to the provision of services will need to be practical and affordable. Innovation including electric vehicle charging and digital connectivity will play an important role.

Increased coastal flooding and erosion arising from future climate change will need to be considered along with impacts on associated infrastructure such as bridges and transport networks. The majority of island populations live in coastal locations and there is a need for a pro-active and innovative approach that works with local communities to address this issue.

Regionally and locally driven plans and strategies will identify areas for future development that reflect these principles – for example planned population growth on the Western Seaboard of Argyll and in a growth corridor from Tobermory to Oban and on to Dalmally. Community hubs, where people can easily access a variety of services, will need to evolve and grow to support communities and sustain a range of functions. Ports and harbours can be a focal point for electric vehicle charging as well as employment. Sustainable and fair access to affordable healthier food will support future resilience and broader objectives including reduced child poverty and improved health outcomes. Innovative and equitable service provision, including digital solutions, will be needed to support dispersed communities in a low carbon way.

Communities will need greater choice and more flexible and affordable homes to support varying needs. This can be achieved to an extent by refurbishing the existing building stock to reduce the release of embedded carbon, as well as by delivering more affordable, energy efficient homes. The additional costs of island homebuilding and development generally, as well as in delivering net zero, is a challenge that needs to be factored into a planned approach.

There is a clear need for affordable housing provision across the region to improve choice and access to homes, to support local economies, and in some areas to help offset the impact of second home ownership and short term lets on the market. Local solutions may include key worker housing, temporary homes for workers in remote areas, and self-provided homes including self-build and custom-build. Continued innovation of holistic place-based solutions, such as the Rural and Islands Housing Fund, will be required to create homes that meet diverse community needs, including homes for an ageing population and to help young people to stay in or return to their communities. Greater efforts to ensure young people have more influence in decisions that affect their future places could support this, as well as helping more people access land and crofts and the reuse of abandoned sites where appropriate.

To reverse past depopulation and support existing settlements, planning can help to sustain communities in more peripheral and fragile areas in a way that is compatible with our low carbon agenda and resilient to climate change impacts. Further action should be taken where appropriate to encourage economically active people to previously inhabited areas. This will also need to reflect climate commitments and wider aspirations to create sustainable places that incorporate principles of 20 minute neighbourhoods and active travel networks. Coasts will continue to evolve, and development will be needed to sustain and grow communities in a sustainable way. Collaboration and strong alignment of terrestrial and marine planning, at all levels, will also be needed.

To deliver productive places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should s eize the opportunities to grow the blue and green economy, recognising the world-class environmental assets that require careful management and the opportunities to develop skills and diversify employment.

This area has significant opportunities for investment that capitalise on its natural assets and further strengthen the synergies between people, land and sea. This will require strong collaboration and alignment of terrestrial and marine planning, especially as further development of related blue economy activities in the terrestrial environment may increase competition for marine space and resources offshore. To significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, more onshore and offshore renewable energy generation will be needed, bringing unprecedented opportunities to strengthen local economies, build community wealth and secure long-term sustainability. The island authorities have set targets for creating green jobs and for rolling out clean and efficient energy systems to build local resilience. We expect to see continued innovation to unlock the infrastructure and business opportunities arising from a blue and green prosperity agenda.

As a result of its natural advantages, the area is growing its research excellence, and driving low-carbon is a core theme of the Islands Growth Deal. This will support the emergence of the planned joint Islands Centre for Net Zero, alongside island-specific initiatives. Orkney has been home to the European Marine Energy Centre since 2003 and the Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC) in Stromness provides a focus for Orkney’s renewable and low carbon industries and research facilities. There are plans to grow the role of Orkney’s ports and harbours to support net zero. The Outer Hebrides Energy Hub plans to establish the initial infrastructure necessary to support the production of low carbon hydrogen from renewable energy and conduct a ‘large village’ trial for Stornoway, and there may also be co-benefits to be gained for aquaculture in the area. Shetland aims to grow its net zero contribution including through a planned ultra-deep water port development, which would support servicing the energy sector, oil and gas decommissioning and large-scale offshore renewables. In addition, Oban is developing as a university town, and the European Marine Science Park is a key opportunity to build the local economy and provide education locally.

Sea ports are a focus for investment in the blue economy and further diversification of activities could generate additional employment across the area. Potential for business development ranges from long distance freight to supporting the cruise and marine leisure sectors and decommissioning opportunities. There may also be opportunity for ports in the islands to establish themselves as near-Arctic marine transport and logistics hubs, including for transhipment operations.

There is an aspiration for the servicing of ultra large container ships with associated facilities within Scapa Flow. The potential for such development to adversely affect European site(s) has been identified through the HRA of NPF4. Therefore, this would need to be considered carefully at project level, including through the Habitats Regulations Appraisal process, to ascertain that there will be no adverse effects on the integrity of European sites, or if this is not the case, whether there are imperative reasons of over-riding public interest and relevant statutory tests can be met.

New infrastructure and repurposing of land will help to shift industrial activity towards supporting the offshore renewables sector. Key strategic sites for industrial investment and associated port infrastructure and facilities include plans for: Dales Voe and Scapa Flow as part of the Islands Growth Deal; Cullivoe; Arnish in Stornoway; Wick; Scrabster; Gills Bay; Kishorn; Oban; Port Askaig; and Hatston, Kirkwall. Other key nodes on the ferries network, including Ullapool, Uig and Mallaig, will continue to act as important hubs to support communities, investors and visitors.

Proposed space ports, which make use of the area’s relatively remote location and free airspace, could support our national ambitions to grow this sector. This includes plans for an Outer Hebrides Spaceport 1 in Scolpaig, North Uist and an emphasis on space research and skills development in Shetland as part of the Islands Growth Deal, a space port at Machrihanish and ancillary buildings at Benbecula. Planning permission has been granted for a space port at Melness in Sutherland, making use of its location away from populated areas to provide a vertical launch facility that could link with wider opportunities for manufacturing, research and development across Scotland.

Food and drink is a key sector, with aquaculture, distilleries, commercial fishing, and seaweed farming providing a crucial and growing source of employment for many local communities. This sector is of national significance, with whisky generating an estimated £5 billion to the UK economy and salmon accounting for more than 40% of total food exports. By improving the resilience of existing infrastructure we will ensure continued access to international markets. There are significant opportunities to build on experience and expertise through associated research and development. A development hub at Machrihanish to support aquaculture research in association with Stirling University could open up wider opportunities to expand onshore aquaculture at sites across Scotland. Within Orkney, farming is still the main industry providing products for local consumption and for Scotland’s food and drink sector.

Targeted investment in tourism infrastructure will ensure the coast and islands can capitalise on their rich natural assets, heritage and culture to support better quality and more stable jobs in the sector whilst providing a positive experience for visitors and residents. This sector has been significantly impacted by the pandemic and a short term focus on recovery can be underpinned by efforts to secure longer term sustainability. Planning can help to ensure that the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund is targeted to places where the pressure is most significant. Priorities include visitor management of the area’s World Heritage Sites. Through the Islands Growth Deal, plans are in place for the Orkney World Heritage Site Gateway that will manage and disperse visitors to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the Outer Hebrides Destination Development Project will support the strategic development of tourism infrastructure, bringing together key assets including St Kilda World Heritage Site, the Iolaire Centre, the Hebridean Way, Food and Drinks trail and the Callanish standing stones. Other ongoing projects, including long distance routes such as the Kintyre Way and the Argyll Sea Kayak Trail and Crinan Canal can help to expand a high quality offer of exceptional marine tourism across the area as a whole.

Regionally and locally there is a need for smaller scale investment across the area to put in place low maintenance, carefully designed facilities which better support and manage the impact of informal tourism including camping, campervans and day trips. This should reflect the scale and nature of operators including community trusts, which can have broad impact and influence. Efforts to provide access to education and build skills locally will also support this, with key projects including plans for the redevelopment of the Shetland Campus. Additionally, the lessons we have learned from the pandemic about remote working could also help to grow communities by extending the range of high quality jobs available locally.

North

This area broadly includes parts of Highland with parts of Argyll and Bute, Moray, Cairngorms National Park, as well as the north of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Stirling and Perth and Kinross, with links west and north to coastal and island communities.

Priorities

To deliver sustainable places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should p rotect environmental assets and stimulate investment in natural and engineered solutions to climate change and nature restoration, whilst decarbonising transport and building resilient connections.

The area’s natural capital will play a vital role in locking in carbon and building our resilience by providing valuable ecosystem services. This includes sustainable flood risk management, biodiversity, access and education.

Land and sea assets will play an internationally significant role in renewable energy generation and carbon sequestration. The area can act as a strategic carbon and ecological ‘mitigation bank’ that can make a major contribution to our national climate change commitments. A programme of investment in forestry, woodland creation, native woodlands and peatland restoration will play a key role in reducing our national emissions, providing investment opportunities, supporting ecosystems and biodiversity and benefiting current and future generations. There are also opportunities to explore the decarbonisation of the forestry sector, processing and the transport of timber, and to build community wealth through new businesses, such as a nationally important tree nursery in Moray.

Wider but closely related priorities include continuing conservation at a landscape-scale, to develop resilient nature networks, deer and moorland management, visitor management and recreation, rural housing, community empowerment and economic development. This will provide good quality local employment, strengthen and diversify local economies and help to secure a sustainable future for local people. The area’s rivers are also strategic assets that will continue to benefit from aligned land use, climate adaptation and biodiversity enhancement.

The Cairngorms National Park is bringing together conservation, the visitor experience and rural development to provide benefits that extend well beyond the park boundary. Landscape-scale solutions to build resilience to climate change, to manage sustainable tourism and outdoor access, and a commitment to reversing biodiversity decline and increasing woodland expansion and peatland restoration, are all key priorities. Demand for development, including in pressured areas, will require a planned response to minimise the impact of second homes on local communities and ensure new homes are affordable and meet local needs.

This area also makes an important contribution to our climate change targets by supporting renewable energy generation. Repowering and extending existing wind farms will optimise their productivity and capitalise on the area’s significant natural energy resources, and there is potential to increase offshore wind energy capacity. A carefully planned approach can reduce environmental and other impacts and retain more benefits locally. Community ownership of renewable energy projects at all scales could play a key role in improving resilience, empowering local people to take control of their own assets and helping tackle fuel poverty. Pumped hydro storage at Cruachan and other sites such as Coire Glas can support the energy network, as well as providing tourism and recreation opportunities, and we expect to see a growth in solar power. As technologies continue to develop, storage and other forms of generation will grow. The electricity distribution and transmission network will require upgrading to support the large increase in onshore and offshore electricity generation required to achieve net zero, as well as to meet new demand from heat and transport. There will also be a need for more community-scale energy generation to serve the needs of local communities directly and build resilience.

The transport system as a whole will need to be planned to support a shift to more sustainable transport whilst maintaining access to markets and facilities. In line with the transport sustainable investment hierarchy, development should first be focused in locations which make the best use of existing infrastructure and services before building new infrastructure or providing new services.

Improvements to the Highland Main Line through electrification and delivery of new stations including at Inverness Airport, will help to create a sustainable commuter network for Inverness and open up more rural areas to lower carbon development. Our rolling programme of efficient electrification is also a key enabler for growth in rail freight, creating improved connectivity and providing additional capacity with faster journey times, better use of track capacity and lower unit costs. A continued modal shift to rail for both passengers and freight will bring significant environmental benefits over time.

Roads will continue to be arteries upon which local communities and businesses depend. There will be a need to adapt key routes due to the impacts of climate change alongside creating a strong network of charging points, including improvements to the A96 to improve safety and to the A9 to maintain a resilient road link from Thurso and Inverness to the central belt. Remote and rural areas including islands are dependent on reliable accessibility by road including connecting to ferries and ports, facilitating reliable public transport by road, access to essential services and transporting of goods. There is an urgent need for improvements to the A83 to ensure the resilience of the economy and communities of wider Argyll, as well as resilience challenges for other key routes such as the A82.

Continued investment in the national long distance walking and cycling network provides an opportunity to assist in decarbonising tourism and recreation across the area, whilst also providing, and acting as a spine for, sustainable active travel connections for everyday travel in the vicinity of towns and villages.

Inverness and Oban airports are hubs for air connections to dispersed communities and Wick John O’Groats Airport and Broadford Airstrip on Skye are key connections. Oban Airport is also an opportunity for investment in compliance operations and future drone technology. The Highlands and Islands are aiming to become the world’s first net zero aviation region by 2040 by pioneering new approaches including electric aircraft. Investment in technology and facilities will be required to achieve this. The proposed Moray Aerospace Advanced Technology and Innovation Campus (MAATIC) at Lossiemouth intends to create a skilled workforce for the Moray region through focusing on aviation sector and supply chain.

To deliver liveable places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should maintain and help to grow the population by taking a positive approach to rural development that strengthens networks of communities.

We will do all we can to help reverse depopulation across rural Scotland. Here, as with other more rural areas of Scotland, 20 minute neighbourhoods can be tailored to work with both larger towns and more dispersed settlement patterns.

Inverness plays a vital role as a regional centre for services, health, justice, employment, education, sport, culture and tourism and has seen significant expansion in recent years. Key sites for its growth are located primarily to the east along the Moray coast. A sustainable and adaptive growth strategy will continue to be supported by planned investment in education and health and social care services, as well as employment uses. The new railway station serving Inverness Airport will help to connect local communities with growing employment opportunities in the wider area. Inverness Castle, as part of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, will be redeveloped and opened up to the public, attracting national and international tourists and encouraging visits to the wider Highlands and Islands.

Fort William, Dingwall, Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore are key settlements, and the area has strong relationships with adjacent, more coastal settlements such as Mallaig, Oban, Wick and Thurso. Moray also has a strong network of towns including Forres, Elgin and Nairn. In more remote communities there is a need to reverse population decline. A place-based approach (as demonstrated by Fort William 2040), including work to improve town centres and reuse redundant buildings, will support recovery in a way which responds to the strong character and identity of each of the area’s towns and villages. Such an approach is evident in Growth Deal projects such as Moray’s Cultural Quarter proposal.

A positive approach to rural development could support the development of a network of hubs, and future service provision will require imaginative solutions so that places can be resilient and self-supporting. Investment in strategic health, justice and education facilities is already planned. In the longer term, digital solutions, including mobile and remote health services and virtual education, as well as continued investment in improved connectivity, will play an increasingly important role.

As with other parts of Scotland, more homes will be needed to retain people and attract new residents of all ages. Many communities have taken ownership of their land and this could form the foundations for future development by unlocking further development sites. Refurbishment of existing rural buildings and halting the loss of crofts could help to sustain the area, and new homes should align with infrastructure and service provision. They should also be located and designed to minimise emissions and to complement the distinctive character of existing settlements and wider landscapes. As climate change continues to have an impact, water supplies and drainage will need to be secured and maintained. Flood risk management and changing ecosystems will need to be factored into future plans to ensure nature-based adaptation solutions complement local living. Addressing fuel poverty will require greater energy efficiency and affordable, low carbon, distributed heat and electricity networks, with a model for increased local generation, having potential to bring benefits. Maintaining connectivity will be essential, particularly through public transport that includes rail access and other active travel networks.

We will continue to support further investment in digital connectivity but will need to go further to adapt to climate change and make use of emerging technologies. Priorities include satellite and mobile solutions to address ‘not spots’, and to support local living by reducing the need to travel unsustainably. To complement existing physical connections, smart solutions, local hubs, demand responsive transport, and active travel networks will help people to access services and employment and make low carbon local living a more viable option.

To deliver productive places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should support local economic development by making sustainable use of the area’s world-class environmental assets to innovate and lead greener growth.

Natural assets and environmental quality underpin the area’s main economic sectors and must therefore be protected, restored and used sustainably. Planning will help to attract investment, grow and diversify businesses and enable local entrepreneurship, micro enterprises, self-employment and social enterprises to flourish. Remote working can be capitalised on to build economically active local communities. This will require the continued roll out of high quality digital infrastructure and maintenance and decarbonisation of transport routes to wider markets. Food miles can be reduced over time with the help of local community-led food growing networks, by supporting locally driven public procurement and, from a land use perspective, protecting higher quality agricultural land.

Ideas are emerging for the area to secure a low carbon future for tourism. Assets such as the North Coast 500 and, more recently, the Kintyre 66 in the adjacent coastal area, as well as the area’s high quality environment and associated food and drink products, attract visitors. However, they also require investment in improvements to infrastructure to support local communities and visitors. This will maintain the quality of the experience and the environment, facilitate lower carbon transport, promote ‘leave no footprint’ and encourage longer stays. This could involve extending the availability of transport services. There are also many regionally significant opportunities to create jobs by growing support services for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, climbing, walking and angling and in support of the country’s winter sport and recreation sector that is primarily focussed in this area.

Investment in research and development, business opportunities and local centres of expertise will help to retain benefits locally and broaden the range of skilled jobs. There will also be opportunities to build on and repurpose existing assets to create greener jobs, such as the former nuclear installation at Dounreay and development at Fort William associated with the Lochaber Smelter.

The area’s coastline contributes to the beauty and experience of the area and is also a hub for economic activity including fishing, the cruise and marine leisure sectors, and the offshore renewable energy sector. Key ports include the Cromarty Firth (including Port of Cromarty, Nigg and Highland Deephaven), Corpach, Ardersier, Gills Bay, Inverness, Kishorn and Buckie. Through Opportunity Cromarty Firth and other projects, new facilities and infrastructure will help ports to adapt, unlocking their potential to support the transition from fossil fuels through oil and gas decommissioning, renewable energy (including the significant opportunities for marine energy arising from Scotwind) and low carbon hydrogen production and storage, and the expansion of supply chain and services. This will in turn benefit communities by providing employment and income for local businesses.

North East

This area focuses on Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire with cross-boundary links to Moray, and south towards Angus and the Tay estuary.

Priorities

To deliver sustainable places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should plan infrastructure and investment to support the transition from oil and gas to net zero, whilst protecting and enhancing blue and green infrastructure and decarbonising connectivity.

Action is required to tackle industrial emissions and transition towards a greener future that benefits existing communities and attracts further investment.

Greener energy choices, including hydrogen and on and offshore renewables, have a natural home here and will be at the heart of the area’s future wellbeing economy. Investment opportunities focus on the green and blue economy and energy innovation. Significant infrastructure will be required to deliver a hydrogen network for Scotland, including repurposing of existing facilities and the creation of new capacity. £62 million in the Energy Transition Fund is supporting four projects to protect existing jobs and create new jobs in the North East, and across Scotland, by opening up opportunities through energy transition and harnessing private sector funding. This funding aligns with the Aberdeen City Region Deal and continuing support for retraining and skills development. Ports and harbours throughout the area are key assets in the blue economy. As offshore renewables are an important part of Scotland’s energy transition, there will be a need to align terrestrial and marine development so as to maximise the potential of this sector.

The area’s growth strategy includes a commitment to building with nature by creating multi-functional blue and green networks and improving green spaces in and around settlements, connecting with the national long distance cycling and walking network and facilitating active travel. Community-led climate action will help to provide locally-driven solutions. A new water supply and waste-water systems will play an important role in building long-term resilience.

Aberdeen is a key transport hub providing vital connections internationally, as well as lifeline services to Orkney and Shetland. Congestion will be reduced as a result of the construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, and the A92/A96 Haudagain Improvement project. In the city, work is ongoing to lock in the benefits and prioritise sustainable transport, including Aberdeen Rapid Transit. More widely the Aberdeen to Central Belt Rail Improvements will bring benefits to both passengers and freight.

The area can lead the way in promoting low emissions vehicles, active travel and public transport connectivity as part of its contribution to net zero. Links south to the Central Belt and west towards Inverness remain vital. Work is progressing on the £200m investment being made to improve journey times and capacity between Aberdeen and the Central Belt for passengers and freight. Continuing improvements to digital connectivity and active travel will reduce the need to travel by unsustainable modes and facilitate further remote, home or hub based working.

To deliver liveable places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should f ocus on continued regeneration and encourage more 20 minute neighbourhoods to sustain the skilled workforce and improve local liveability.

A new focus on local living could help to address the high levels of car ownership and respond to the area’s dispersed settlement pattern. Growth corridors extending from Aberdeen to Peterhead, Huntly and Laurencekirk will be a focus for future development, and strategic sites include new communities at Chapelton, Grandhome and Countesswells. There is significant potential to promote more compact growth by making better use of brownfield sites and increasing density.

There will be benefits for people of all ages arising from an increase in local living and a shift towards 20 minute neighbourhoods and the creation of connected, walkable, liveable and thriving places, in both urban and rural contexts. The aim is to encourage sustainable travel options, provide communities with local access to the wider range of facilities, services and amenities to support healthier and flourishing communities. In rural places, social and community infrastructure can be designed with different settlements working in clusters as a ‘network of places’, providing services and amenities that best meet the needs of local rural communities.

The area’s towns contribute to its sense of place and further town centre regeneration will help communities to adapt to current challenges and future change. Service provision also needs to reflect the area’s character. Several new or extended primary and secondary schools and community facilities are planned and the area will support wider rural communities by hosting a new centre of excellence for rural and remote medicine and social care. Access to good quality open space and opportunities for local food growing, including allotments and community orchards, can benefit health and wellbeing and tackle inequalities as an integral part of placemaking.

The area benefits from a productive coastline that will be a focus for future economic activity and investment associated with offshore renewable energy and the blue economy. The coast is home to communities who will benefit from continued regeneration and a move towards 20 minute neighbourhoods that reduces the need to travel. Key regional priorities include the regeneration of Banff, Macduff, Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Future coastal vulnerability to erosion, sea level rise and flood risk will need to be factored into development strategies. The fishing industry will continue to contribute to the area’s strong sense of place and shared heritage, communities and economy, with some ports and harbours also having opportunities in the cruise and marine leisure sectors.

To deliver productive places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should s upport continued economic diversification and innovation.

The relocation of some activity at Aberdeen Harbour to the south harbour has been an important element in planning for the future. Further investment will help to realise its full potential as a low carbon hub and gateway, and there may be opportunities for development at the South Harbour to support the carbon capture and storage and hydrogen innovation work at St Fergus and Peterhead in Northern Aberdeenshire. This is also a significant opportunity to improve urban liveability by unlocking waterfront sites for mixed use development close to the city centre. Local people will need to be involved in deciding how potentially significant industrial and business activity can be accommodated, alongside regenerating a vibrant, redesigned city centre in the coming years.

It is essential that environmental impacts arising from relocation of the harbour and any onward reorganisation of the land uses around it are carefully managed in a way that recognises the location’s natural assets and sensitivities. We expect the LDPs and consenting processes to be informed by the required impact assessments, to play a crucial role in guiding future development and addressing environmental sensitivities.

Central

This area broadly covers central Scotland from the Glasgow city region and the Ayrshires in the west to Edinburgh city region in the east, including the Tay cities, the Forth Valley and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Priorities

To deliver sustainable places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should support n et zero energy solutions including extended heat networks and improved energy efficiency, together with urban greening and improved low carbon transport.

Blue and green infrastructure

The greening of the built environment, including former industrial areas, is a long held ambition that we now need to expedite to significantly reduce emissions, adapt to the future impacts of climate change and tackle biodiversity loss. Investment in green infrastructure will support urban sustainability, help to restore biodiversity, contribute to our overall targets for reducing emissions and improve health and wellbeing.

There is much that we have already learned from past work, for example initiatives to naturalise former mining features, reclaiming canals as a cultural heritage and natural asset, and extensive woodland creation. Wider woodland expansion across more urban areas could make a significant contribution to improving air quality and quality of life by reducing pollution, managing water and cooling urban environments. Blue and green networks can help to deliver compact and liveable cities.

Many initiatives will come together to achieve urban greening:

The Central Scotland Green Network will continue to bring together environmental enhancement projects. Initiatives such as the John Muir Pollinator Way demonstrate how nature networks can help restore and better connect biodiversity and enhance green infrastructure at a landscape scale.
The Glasgow City Region Green Network, a long-term transformational programme of environmental action, can achieve a step change in the quality and benefits of green places across west central Scotland and bring enhanced biodiversity closer to communities. As part of this, the Clyde Climate Forest is proposing natural solutions at scale across the Glasgow city region.
The Inner Forth Futures Partnership is tackling the effects of climate change and providing recreation benefits through projects such as peatland restoration and woodland expansion, and supporting the creation of habitat networks.
The River Leven Project in Fife is a holistic place-based approach to development. Blue and green infrastructure will support investment and provide environmental, health and wellbeing benefits for communities.
The Tayside strategic green and active travel network also aims to create regionally significant assets that contribute to the quality of the area.
Perthshire Nature Connections Partnership (PNCP) encompasses a long-term, nature-based vision for Perth and Kinross that aims to create a distinct connection between the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Parks.
There is a particular opportunity to build on the successful regeneration of our canals to provide an invaluable strategic greenspace that connects communities across the area as a whole, contributes to its strong post-industrial heritage and provides wider functions such as water management to support future resilience to climate change. The potential of a canal asset should be recognised as a shared priority.

There is a continuing need to invest in renewing and improving the capacity of flooding, water and drainage infrastructure to build the resilience of communities. A catchment-scale approach, using nature-based solutions, can also provide benefits for the health and quality of life of Scotland’s urban communities, particularly where solutions seek to deliver multiple benefits, including biodiversity gain and active travel routes. This approach can also be more cost-effective than hard engineering solutions and create lasting jobs. For example, the Glasgow city region recognises the challenges for future adaptation and is identifying sustainable solutions to sea level rise, urban overheating, and water management.

Engineered solutions to adapt our water and drainage infrastructure will be required in some circumstances, but should support more natural benefits as far as possible. There is scope to continue, and extend, the lessons from the Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership to future proof infrastructure in support of the long-term growth and development of Edinburgh. The Lothian Drainage Partnership is taking this forward with projects emerging within Edinburgh and at the ClimatEvolution Zone in East Lothian.

At a local scale there is significant potential to expand raingardens and sustainable urban drainage systems to help manage surface water as part of blue and green infrastructure for our future cities and towns.

Whilst predominantly urban, this part of Scotland benefits from a rich and diverse rural area and there are many areas where town meets countryside. These green areas and natural spaces are key assets, sustaining communities that could become better places to live if we can achieve this in a way that is compatible with our wider aims for climate change, nature restoration and 20 minute neighbourhoods. The pandemic has demonstrated that many people are looking for more space at home and in their communities. It will be important to plan positively and imaginatively to make sustainable use of the countryside around our cities and towns.

These areas have important functions – productive agricultural land, providing vital ecosystem services and spaces for local food growing, outdoor access and recreation. They support carbon sequestration, including through peatland restoration, woodland creation and conserving natural habitats, and there is scope for innovation in key sectors including sustainable food production.

Planning has the potential to address the impact of climate change on communities whilst also generating renewable heat and facilitating urban cooling from our rivers. Mine water, solar and onshore support for offshore renewables, including development that makes use of existing infrastructure at strategic hubs, all provide opportunities for decarbonisation.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has landscape-scale opportunities to restore and enhance nature and respond to climate change, including through woodland creation and peatland restoration, as well as natural flood risk management. The National Park will continue to support the quality of life and health of the urban population and its future priorities include new infrastructure provision to provide a quality visitor experience and support people to connect with nature, as well as a greener tourism sector supported by innovative low carbon transport solutions. Long distance active travel and rail routes have untapped potential to provide sustainable tourism solutions. The area’s communities can adapt to support more localised living and working opportunities, with improved digital connectivity and affordable housing. More integrated planning and land management offers opportunities to support land use change and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The approach also links with and relates to the action area to the north.

Urban accessibility

A focus on community wealth building, together with growing opportunities for longer term remote working, could address the high levels of transport movement by private car and challenges of congestion and air pollution across the area. Local living, including 20 minute neighbourhoods, will help to minimise future commuting and ensure jobs and income can be spread more evenly across the area. Accessibility and transport affordability can support more resilience which benefits communities who are less connected.

By putting in place mass/rapid transit systems for Edinburgh through plans to extend the tram network, and for Glasgow including the Clyde Metro and multi-modal connectivity, we have an opportunity to substantially reduce levels of car-based commuting, congestion and emissions from transport at scale.

Connections to the rest of the UK will be strengthened in the longer term through high speed rail connectivity, with stations expected in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Decarbonisation of freight will require the construction of new hubs and associated facilities to support logistics. This will also support growing interest in express logistics from rail operators that would see passenger Electrical Multiple Units converted to carry small freight, targeting the UK parcel market. Ports on the Clyde, Forth and Tay coasts will also play a key role in this transition.

Digital connectivity will facilitate remote working, supporting the growth of towns and villages outwith the larger cities and potentially leading to a renaissance in more rural living. It will be crucial to address digital inequality, whether through cost, infrastructure or skills development, as virtual service provision continues to grow.

To deliver liveable places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should p ioneer low carbon, resilient urban living by rolling out networks of 20 minute neighbourhoods, future proofing city and town centres, accelerating urban greening, investing in net zero homes, and managing development on the edge of settlements.

20 minute neighbourhoods

The diversity of this area, from metropolitan districts to rural and dispersed settlements, will require concerted effort to develop networks of places that meet the principles of local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods, and with fair access to a range of services that support sustainable living. Planning should focus on revitalising cities and towns at scale, supporting a finer grained approach to placemaking, and a more intricate mix of land uses and density. This should incorporate networks of natural spaces and blue and green infrastructure, to create health and wellbeing benefits, increase resilience to climate change and support the growth of green job opportunities.

The car-based design of some of our places, including many suburban areas and new towns, mean that a significant shift to a more people centred approach will be required. Planning can help retrofit facilities and services into areas where they are scarce, such as predominantly residential areas, to enable better integrated, mixed-use areas. City, town and neighbourhood centres can be at the heart of this if they are planned to strengthen self-sufficiency and bring services and jobs closer to homes. The recommendations of the recent town centre review can be delivered by supporting a wider range of uses and making the most of their assets.

Accessibility will be a key part of the transition and will involve investment in infrastructure and services in line with the sustainable travel and investment hierarchies, to improve fair access and reduce carbon emissions. Active travel networks will need to expand to make walking, wheeling and cycling an attractive, convenient, safe, and sustainable choice for everyday travel. There are significant opportunities for investment in heat networks, energy storage and the circular economy to create more sustainable neighbourhoods.

Energy efficient, affordable homes

As well as building new homes to net zero standards, more will need to be done to meet the bigger challenge of upgrading the existing housing stock to reduce emissions and adapt to future climate impacts. Emissions from our homes need to be very substantially reduced – by 2030, they must fall by 68% from 2020 levels.

Improved energy efficiency will be needed, by providing zero emissions heating solutions and more sustainable water management practices for existing settlements and homes. Improving sustainable travel options and reliability will help to reduce transport based emissions associated with our homes.

There is a particular pressure for housing solutions, including provision of affordable homes that meet future needs, in the south east of Scotland. Edinburgh has committed to building affordable homes at scale, and will need to work with the region to accommodate wider need and demand in a strategic way. Seven strategic sites, supported through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, could accommodate up to 45,000 homes and associated economic and employment benefits including: Blindwells, Calderwood, Dunfermline, Edinburgh Waterfront, Shawfair, Tweedbank and Winchburgh. The need for proposals to be supported by low carbon transport solutions, in line with the Infrastructure Investment Plan and National Transport Strategy investment hierarchies and infrastructure first approach, will be critical to their success. The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Deal identifies infrastructure investment as part of this. These interventions and commitments, taken with the additional transport investment made through the Deal, will ensure the city region continues to grow and flourish. Regionally significant services, including healthcare and social care facilities and investment in the learning estate, is also planned to support future growth and sustain the wellbeing of existing, new and expanding communities.

Waterfront regeneration

The region’s coasts and firths define the area’s history and shape its sense of place. There is potential to unlock the strategic importance of coasts, estuary and river corridors for climate mitigation, resilience, and positive environmental change. Coastal change, driven by climate change, will need to be managed to build long-term resilience and future-proof our waterfronts, where this is feasible. Progress has been made to create long distance walking and cycling routes to open up access to waterfront spaces and reclaim them as a resource for people as well as industry. There will be a need to anticipate and mitigate risk from coastal erosion, flood risk and storm surges, with a focus on natural solutions which work with the unique biodiversity and landscape character of these important places.

These coasts are rich in cultural and natural heritage. Along the Inner Forth, various projects provide multiple benefits, including flood management, cultural landscape enhancement, habitat creation, access and tourism. Edinburgh’s waterfront regeneration is ongoing, with Granton benefiting from an ambitious masterplan, the tram extension to Leith progressing and potential development at Seafield helping to redefine the city’s relationship with its coastline. This is reusing existing assets and helping Edinburgh to become a more liveable city. A masterplanned approach to regenerating the Edinburgh Waterfront can take into account opportunities for the Port of Leith to service the offshore energy sector. More broadly, port facilities should continue to be capable of servicing freight traffic within the Firth of Forth given the importance of east coast freight links.

The successful regeneration of Dundee Waterfront has demonstrated the potential to make sustainable use of our urban coasts, and ongoing proposals include the creation of a marina at Victoria Dock and further development of central waterfront sites. Dundee port has an aspiration to expand its operational area into the Firth of Tay. The HRA of NPF4 has identified that such development would have a high probability of resulting in adverse effects on the integrity of European site(s). This would therefore need to be considered carefully at project level, including through the HRA process to ascertain that there will be no adverse effects on European sites, or if this is not the case, whether there are imperative reasons of over-riding public interest and relevant statutory tests are met.

Reuse of brownfield land

A more liveable Central Belt means that we will need to do more to reuse empty buildings and brownfield land, including vacant and derelict land, particularly spaces which have not been used for decades and can be accessed by sustainable modes. This will reduce further urban sprawl and improve local environments. Around 40% of Scotland’s vacant and derelict land is concentrated in the Glasgow city region and its reuse for a range of uses is a key priority. Edinburgh has committed to building a significant share of future housing development on brownfield sites and progress is being made in Dundee to repurpose disused sites, including the creation of a new innovation park on the former Michelin site.

A combination of incentives, investment and policy support for productively reusing brownfield land and buildings at risk will be required to steer development away from greenfield locations, whilst also acknowledging their biodiversity value and potential for urban greening. Public-sector led development can shape future markets and deliver development in places where change is needed the most and can deliver multiple benefits. Redevelopment should include, but not be limited to, housing development. By de-risking sites and taking an infrastructure first approach, this land can help to achieve a better distribution of new homes to meet our future needs. This will also reduce pressure in places where growth is no longer sustainable. Key projects include the Eden project on the sites of the former Dundee gasworks, and the redevelopment of Ravenscraig, a longstanding post-industrial site where new development, including improved transport connectivity, can bring new models of low carbon living at scale.

To deliver productive places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should t arget economic investment and build community wealth to overcome disadvantage and support a greener wellbeing economy.

This area has a diverse business base and is a key engine of growth for Scotland as a whole. There are many clusters of sites and businesses which form the basis of regional propositions for investment. In line with our aspirations to build a wellbeing economy, opportunities for investment and development should be designed to maximise economic, social and environmental wellbeing, rather than focusing on growth alone. A planned approach can help to target future development in areas of significant economic disadvantage so that new and better jobs are more fairly distributed to help address national, regional and more localised inequality.

City and town centres

The pandemic has brought obvious challenges for our city centres, but has also unlocked opportunities to take forward new models of working that could better support wellbeing and improve our places in the longer term. The continued growth of remote and local working and the creation of hubs within groups of settlements could significantly reduce the need to travel, whilst also helping to grow local businesses and communities.

This raises significant questions for the future of city centres. Existing offices have the potential to be repurposed to achieve higher density mixed use neighbourhoods with a lower carbon footprint and require careful planning to ensure future communities are properly supported by appropriate services.

Glasgow city centre, an exceptional asset and a primary location and cultural destination, has been significantly impacted by unprecedented changes in working patterns, service provision and the retail sector. Whilst these changes may not be sustained in the long-term, now is the time to accelerate work to diversify the city centre and invest in maintaining and re-using existing buildings so that it can evolve to be a more carbon conscious place. Existing connections mean the centre could sustain many more homes to meet a commitment to doubling the city centre population, revitalising places and creating a 24 hour city that is safe and open to everyone. Significant investment in schools, community services and greenspace will be needed to achieve this and more creative use of the public realm and a low emission zone will help to make this a safer and healthier environment for people of all ages. Innovative solutions, such as retrofitting energy efficiency measures to social housing across the city, could be extended to help improve the built fabric of the city centre’s commercial properties.

Edinburgh has similar challenges and opportunities for positive change. High interest in investment and associated demand for new homes means that planning will need to help deliver sustainable development that supports the quality of life of existing and future residents.

As a capital city with a World Heritage Site at its core, it will be crucial that future development takes into account the capacity of the city itself and its surrounding communities and makes the most of its exceptional heritage assets, places and cultural wealth. The City Centre Transformation Plan supports a move away from a car-based city centre to create a more liveable and attractive place to live, work and visit. The Forth Bridge is also an inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site, and our rich industrial and cultural heritage remains apparent across the area.

Dundee is well on the way towards reinventing itself through regeneration of the waterfront, unlocking strategic sites for new homes and new opportunities for innovation and economic development arising, such as the Michelin Scotland Innovation Park and at the port. Continued regeneration in this area, building on the city’s rich culture, sense of place and appetite to innovate will also contribute to the overall aims for this part of Scotland. The V&A will continue to be a focal point for this, evolving to become a National Centre for Design within this UNESCO City of Design.

Town centres throughout this area will also play a critical role in driving a new economic future. The recent town centre review highlights opportunities to expand the range of services and facilities they offer, reuse redundant buildings and provide new homes for a wide range of people. This in turn will ensure their crucial role in defining our sense of place is protected and enhanced, future proofing a key asset for Scotland as a whole.

Strategic sites

Many business and investment sites are located along key transport corridors and new approaches may be required as investment transitions away from locations that can only be reached by car towards more accessible areas that are connected by low carbon and active travel options.

The Clyde Mission will stimulate investment in sites along the Clyde to build a wellbeing economy and achieve a step-change in the quality of the environment for communities. This ambitious project will reuse extensive areas of vacant and derelict land in accessible locations and requires a sustainable approach to manage the future impact of climate change. Key sites extend from Greenock Ocean Terminal to Queens Quay, Tradeston, the Broomielaw and Glasgow City Centre, to Clyde Gateway – a longstanding regeneration project which has made exceptional progress in transforming communities and overcoming inequality. A national collaboration to support delivery of the project has significant potential to accelerate change, attract investment and achieve wider benefits for communities. The wider Clyde Coast, an iconic area rich in cultural heritage and natural assets, can be reimagined through collective efforts on regeneration in nearby coastal communities, such as Dunoon and Rothesay. The area’s accessibility by train and water means that it is an ideal location for low carbon tourism and leisure.

Aligning with the Clyde Mission, the Ayrshire Councils are working together through their Ayrshire Growth Deal and Community Wealth Building programme to build economic resilience and address unemployment, poverty and inequality across their area, with town centres at the heart of communities. This includes proposals for advanced manufacturing and aerospace engineering which will make use of the existing infrastructure and investment opportunities available at Glasgow and Prestwick airports. Glasgow is already a centre of expertise for manufacturing satellites and will benefit from the associated development of a network of spaceports across the country, whilst supporting wider industry and employment. The Ardeer peninsula is also a significant site for redevelopment of the wider Ayrshire area. Hunterston is a strategic asset with deepwater access, where there are plans for new economic development and employment uses. Development of the site will need to take account of future vulnerability to climate change. A planned marine centre at Ardrossan will provide further opportunities.

The Edinburgh City Region supports investment in significant clusters including the Bioquarter, Mid Fife, Dunfermline, Guardbridge St. Andrews, Galashiels, Cockenzie, Midlothian and the M8 corridor. A strategy for West Edinburgh is emerging which guides a wide range of uses to create a sustainable extension to the city, with added benefit from associated improvements to the quality of place of existing communities. Proposals focus on locating development on and around existing transport corridors and work is ongoing to improve accessibility including the Edinburgh tram extension. Further investment should take into account the impact of new development on potentially compounding existing capacity constraints and congestion, and prioritise sustainable choices.

As the highest single source of industrial emissions in Scotland, and a key part of our future resilience and manufacturing base, continued investment at Grangemouth, and the strategic sites it includes, will be required. Plans are emerging for innovative industry in the Falkirk/Grangemouth Investment Zone, building on the area’s strengths in chemicals and making the most of strategic assets including the port and rail connection. There is great potential, not only to reduce emissions at the Grangemouth complex, but also to grow the cluster into a hub of low carbon manufacturing that can help unlock wider decarbonisation across the country, with its strategic location, infrastructure, assets and skills base. Opportunities include renewable energy innovation, bioenergy hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage, and repurposing of existing strategic and critical infrastructure such as pipelines. The skills, knowledge and experience that is currently situated there for the petro-chemicals sector is a prime resource for the transition to net zero. This can form a focal point in a wider masterplan for Forth Valley that brings together opportunities for energy with the circular economy to support wider investment in green economic opportunities.

Coastal sites formerly used for baseload power generation – specifically Longannet and Cockenzie – benefit from existing assets and infrastructure that can be repurposed to form the basis of new proposals. At Cockenzie, work is ongoing to develop an opportunity for a Climate Evolution Zone to generate employment and provide essential infrastructure for net zero, linked with the potential to expand the new sustainable settlement at Blindwells, within the Greater Blindwells Development Area. There is scope to build on the strategic location and rail connectivity of Longannet to benefit local communities around this part of the Forth. There are further opportunities for a range of economic activities and investment in ports associated with a green economy at Montrose, Dundee, Rosyth, Burntisland, and Methil.

The Levenmouth rail link will reconnect Leven to the mainline rail network with new stations at Leven and Cameron Bridge by 2024 subject to consenting processes. This will enhance the communities it serves and contribute positively to the lives of people who live there by unlocking access to social, cultural, employment and educational opportunity.

The Tay Cities Region has a strong regional proposal for developing clusters of investment in research and innovation supporting a range of sectors in both urban and rural areas including life sciences, energy, digital, and food production. Perth is managing housing development in strategic development areas and transport infrastructure investment and the creation of a bus and rail interchange to support modal shift and establish a new gateway to the city. Work is underway to deliver local heat and energy networks, Perth West Regional Innovation Park and to make Perth the ‘Biodiversity Capital of Scotland’. Angus Council is progressing its Mercury Programme to support clean growth, low carbon transport and housing and agri tech which will contribute to future food security and reduce emissions. Key sites include Montrose Port, and the Angus Rural Mobility Hub in Brechin.

Stirling is bringing forward new opportunities for innovation and investment, building on the city’s strong heritage and supported by the area’s educational institutions. Within Forth Valley, a National Tartan Centre, the Canal corridor, the Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Antonine Wall World Heritage Site, Ochil Hills and Whisky Trail create a unique heritage offering which will support local employment and strengthen the area’s sense of place. Tourism is a key theme in the emerging regional economic strategy for the Forth Valley and both the Falkirk Growth Deal and Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.

Ports

Key ports in this area can play a central role in supporting the expansion of renewable energy, in particular offshore wind energy. It will also be important to make use of the infrastructure to reduce road haulage and secure a more sustainable freight sector which directly links to international markets. There are opportunities for enhanced cruise facilities for the Forth, as well as the Clyde where Greenock Ocean Terminal, supported by the Glasgow City Region Deal, can build on its role as a key gateway. There may be opportunities to make use of harbour facilities to support the marine leisure industry.

Development of ports on the Firth of Forth will also need to take account of the potential for a substantial increase in freight and passenger traffic between Scotland and continental Europe, linked to the Scottish Government’s objective that Scotland should accede to the EU as an independent Member State at the earliest possible opportunity.

South

This area broadly includes Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, South and East Ayrshires, South Lanarkshire in the west, with links to the Lothians towards the east.

Priorities

This area’s forests and woodland are a nationally significant asset and its extensive peatland will need to support carbon storage and sequestration. The Borderlands Natural Capital Programme will develop trials and sector strategies to restore biodiversity, build resilience and make the most of the area’s natural assets to support climate change mitigation and adaptation. This will build on the successes of a range of nature restoration projects in the area, such as the Carrifran Wildwoods project.

The UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is a crucial environmental asset which can contribute to the area’s future sustainability, liveability and productivity. The South of Scotland Regional Land Use Pilot is providing significant opportunity to work with landowners, landed interests and others to look at the multi-benefits from land use and to maximise natural capital opportunities.

The South of Scotland is an important centre for renewable energy generation. Proposals for consolidating and extending existing wind farms and associated grid improvements and supply chain opportunities will require a carefully planned approach. The Solway Firth has significant potential for renewable energy generation in the future, but development will require careful planning given the sensitivity of the environment and its international importance for nature conservation.

The area’s low carbon future will depend on supporting modal shift and reducing car use, given current dependence on the car and need to improve access to services, education and employment. Low emissions vehicles will only go some of the way towards addressing future challenges. Enhancing public transport and improving connectivity between communities in the east and west will help to support thriving and distinct communities.

Public transport, including the bus network, will play an important role in decarbonisation and developing innovative solutions and linkages to the rail system. Active travel should be supported with wheeling, walking and cycling within and between towns and other communities linked to strategic routes for residents and visitors. This is important not only for local sustainability but also as a strategic attraction to take advantage of major outdoor recreation opportunities.

There is also a need to secure better digital links to unlock the potential of rural living and home or hub working. The Borderlands Digital Infrastructure Programme will play a key role in supporting connectivity and responding to future technology and innovation.

To deliver liveable places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should increase the population by improving local liveability, creating a low carbon network of towns and supporting sustainable rural development.

Quality of life for people living in the area will depend on the network of settlements in the future and existing communities should form the basis of a tailored response to the local living concept. Town centres can be strengthened as they recover from the pandemic. New measures to build resilience to climate change will be required including flood risk management in key settlements.

Housing provision will play a key role in supporting the area’s aspirations for economic development as well as in maintaining and growing a working age population. Decarbonisation of existing homes will be required, as well as a strategic approach to rolling out electric vehicle charging. Communities themselves will have a critical role to play in shaping their future development.

The area is already investing in regenerating and future proofing its towns and wider communities. The Stranraer Gateway Project is an opportunity to consolidate and bring new impetus to regenerate this strategically located settlement. Plans include expansion of the marina, supported by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, and low carbon heating can be incorporated as part of the transformation of the wider town. Nearby Cairnryan is a crucial gateway to Scotland, with a need to make best use of existing connections.

Regeneration innovation extends across the area. The HALO Kilmarnock project focuses on the reuse of vacant industrial land to create a low carbon community urban village, acting as an exemplar for innovative transformation of future places. The Ayrshire Manufacturing Investment Corridor project supports the economic generation of Kilmarnock and the wider region, whilst the CoRE (Community Renewable Energy) project in Cumnock seeks to explore, develop and provide solutions to energy supply and storage challenges in urban and non-urban areas, and to help in the development of a new, more flexible energy grid to complement existing power systems.

To deliver productive places, Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans in this area should support local economic development whilst making sustainable use of the area’s world-class environmental assets to innovate and lead greener growth.

The future sustainability of the area will depend on the creation of high quality and green jobs for local people. The local economy will need to diversify from its focus on land based industries (agriculture and forestry), to sustain a wider range of businesses and jobs. An emphasis on

community wealth building will help to reduce dependence on public sector employment and a relatively low wage economy associated with rural and primary sectors.

The current approach to investment focuses on strategic growth corridors linking economic hubs with transport routes. Whilst the strategic road network is an asset and contributes to the area’s connections north and south, a long-term strategy will require innovation and fresh thinking to ensure that future growth reflects our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing inequality.

The future growth of the east of the area aims to consolidate existing settlements, capitalise on the strong sense of place of its towns and ensure accessibility by locating new development close to the Borders Rail Line. The Borderlands Place Programme, Borderlands Natural Capital Project, future Regional Land Use Partnerships and other strategic initiatives can support an integrated approach to protecting and restoring the area’s natural assets, enhancing the built environment and achieving a greener, fairer and more inclusive wellbeing economy across the area.

Employment opportunities can support population growth, help to retain more young people and transition the area away from its current dependence on low wage sectors. New ways of working, including remote working could attract more people to live here, supporting the economy and sustaining local services and facilities. This will also benefit from continued support for local skills development and centres of further and higher education including the Galashiels campus of Heriot Watt University and Glasgow University at the Crichton Campus, Dumfries.

Significant investment sites include the former nuclear power station at Chapelcross which benefits from existing grid connections and is an opportunity to repurpose the land by establishing a green energy park that contributes to national ambitions and innovation. Low carbon accessibility will be a key challenge, as the site is remote from Annan and not served by public

transport. Providing access to wider markets, the port at Cairnryan could create further strategic growth opportunities. The expansion of Tweedbank and an inclusive approach to economic development in the Central Borders and Tweeddale are also strategic opportunities.

The area has aspirations to become a prime outdoor recreation and green tourism destination. Key projects include the South West Coastal Path, and projects supported by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal; the Mountain Biking Innovation Centre at Innerleithen, updating the cycling experience and facilities at some of the 7stanes sites, and Destination Tweed which will deliver a multi-user path and cycle route from Moffat to Berwick upon Tweed. More could be made of the area’s border location and attractions to ensure visitors make better use of local services and support the economy and communities.

The west of the area has a close relationship, and strategic connection to, Northern Ireland and Ireland via Cairnryan, as well as across the English border to Carlisle and onwards to European markets. The connection to Northern Ireland and Ireland is already a focus for freight movements as a result of EU Exit.

In the east, the Scottish Borders has a role to play as part of the Edinburgh City Region, with the Borders Railway opening up new sites for sustainable development towards the north, and the south sustaining rural industries. Work is ongoing to assess the feasibility of extending the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Carlisle.

Annex D – Six Qualities of Successful Places

1. Healthy: Supporting the prioritisation of women’s safety and improving physical and mental health

Designing for:

lifelong wellbeing through ensuring spaces, routes and buildings feel safe and welcoming e.g. through passive surveillance and use of physical safety measures.
healthy and active lifestyles, through the creation of walkable neighbourhoods, food growing opportunities and access to nature and greenspace
accessibility and inclusion for everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ability and culture
social connectivity and creating a sense of belonging and identity within the community
environmentally positive places with improved air quality, reactivating derelict and brownfield land, removing known hazards and good use of green and blue infrastructure

2. Pleasant: Supporting attractive natural and built spaces

Designing for:

positive social interactions including quality of public realm, civic spaces, streets and ensuring a lively and inclusive experience
protection from the elements to create attractive and welcoming surroundings, including provision for shade and shelter, mitigating against noise, air, light pollution and undesirable features, as well as ensuring climate resilience, including flood prevention and mitigation against rising sea levels
connecting with nature including natural landscape, existing landforms and features, biodiversity and eco-systems, integrating blue and green infrastructure and visual connection
variety and quality of play and recreation spaces for people of all ages and abilities
enjoyment, enabling people to feel at ease, spend more time outdoors and take inspiration from their surroundings

3. Connected: Supporting well connected networks that make moving around easy and reduce car dependency

Designing for:

active travel by encouraging more walking, wheeling and cycling together with reliable, accessible, public transport and shared transport hubs that allow for simple modal shifts
connectivity including strategic cycle routes, local cycle routes, footpaths, pavements, active travel networks, desire lines, destinations, permeability, accessibility and catering for different needs and abilities
convenient connections including local and regional interconnection, infrastructure, sustainable travel, interchange between public transport and active travel and supporting easy modal shifts in transport
pedestrian experience including safe crossing, pedestrian priority, reduced vehicular speed and noise, inclusive design and surfaces, assistive technology, reduced street clutter, catering for suitable vehicular parking and management of loading/unloading and deliveries and refuse collections

4. Distinctive: Supporting attention to detail of local architectural styles and natural landscapes to be interpreted into designs to reinforce identity

Designing for:

scale including density, building heights, massing, orientation, building lines and legibility
built form including mix of typologies, types, uses, sizes and tenures
sense of place including design influences, architectural styles, choice of materials and finishes, detailing, landscape design, active frontages and cultural context

5. Sustainable: Supporting the efficient use of resources that will allow people to live, play, work and stay in their area, ensuring climate resilience and integrating nature positive biodiversity solutions

Designing for:

transition to net-zero including energy/carbon efficient solutions, retrofitting, reuse and repurposing and sharing of existing infrastructure and resources
climate resilience and nature recovery including incorporating blue and green infrastructure, integrating nature positive biodiversity solutions
active local economy including opportunities for local jobs and training, work spaces, enabling working from home, supporting community enterprise and third sector
community and local living including access to local services and facilities, education, community growing and healthy food options, play and recreation and digital connectivity

6. Adaptable: Supporting commitment to investing in the long-term value of buildings, streets and spaces by allowing for flexibility so that they can meet the changing needs and accommodate different uses over time

Designing for:

quality and function, ensuring fitness for purpose, design for high quality and durability
longevity and resilience including recognising the role of user centred design to cater for changing needs over time and to respond to social, economic and environmental priorities
long-term maintenance including effective engagement, clarity of rights and responsibilities, community ownership/stewardship, continuous upkeep and improvements

Place Standard Tool and the delivery of successful places

The Place Standard contains 14 themes that support the Six Qualities of Successful Places, providing a consistent framework to consider and to assess the quality of new and existing places. The Place Standard tool Design Version is specifically created to support the consideration of development planning and design within the framework of the 14 Place Standard themes and to deliver on the Six Qualities of Successful Places.

Annex E – Minimum All-Tenure Housing Land Requirement

This Annex sets out the Minimum All-Tenure Housing Land Requirement (MATHLR) for each planning authority in Scotland. This is to meet the requirement of Section 3A(3)(d) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, as amended. The MATHLR is the minimum amount of land, by reference to the number of housing units, that is to be provided by each planning authority in Scotland for a 10 year period. The MATHLR is expected to be exceeded in each Local Development Plan’s Local Housing Land Requirement.

Local and National Park Authority	MATHLR
Aberdeen City	7,000
Aberdeenshire	7,550
Angus	2,550
Argyll & Bute	2,150
Cairngorms National Park	850
City of Edinburgh	36,750
Clackmannanshire	1,500
Dumfries & Galloway	4,550
Dundee City	4,300
East Ayrshire	4,050
East Dunbartonshire	2,500
East Lothian	6,500
East Renfrewshire	2,800
Eilean Siar	192
Falkirk	5,250
Fife (Central and South)	5,550
Fife (North)	1,750
All Fife*	7,300
Glasgow City	21,350
Highland	9,500
Inverclyde	1,500
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park	300
Midlothian	8,850
Moray	3,450
North Ayrshire	2,950
North Lanarkshire	7,350
Orkney	1,600
Perth & Kinross	8,500
Renfrewshire	4,900
Scottish Borders	4,800
Shetland	850
South Ayrshire	2,000
South Lanarkshire	7,850
Stirling	3,500
West Dunbartonshire	2,100
West Lothian	9,850

* The total consists of Fife North and Fife Central and South. This reflects that Fife was formerly part of two Strategic Development Plan areas and contributed to separate Housing Need and Demand Assessments.

Annex F – Glossary of definitions

20 minute neighbourhood

A flexible approach to assessing our places against the concept of local living. A method of achieving connected and often compact neighbourhoods designed in such a way that people can meet the majority of their daily needs within a reasonable distance of their home preferably by sustainable and active travel methods. The principle can be adjusted to include varying geographical scales from cities and urban environments, to rural and island communities. Housing would be planned together with local infrastructure including schools, community centres, local shops and health and social care to significantly reduce the need to use unsustainable methods of travel, to prioritise quality of life, help tackle inequalities, increase levels of health and wellbeing and respond to the climate emergency.

4G

4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone technology, following 2G and 3G. 2G technology was suitable for making calls and sending text messages, while 3G makes it possible to access the internet more effectively through devices such as a mobile, tablet or laptop. It’s ideal for services that demand more capacity, like video streaming, mapping and social networking sites.

5G

5G is much faster than previous generations of wireless technology. 5G also offers greater capacity, allowing thousands of devices in a small area to be connected at the same time.

The reduction in latency (the time between instructing a wireless device to perform an action and that action being completed) means 5G is also more responsive. Together these features make 5G highly relevant for industrial applications.

The connectivity and capacity offered by 5G is opening up the potential for new, innovative services while mobile spectrum can be used in more effective ways.

Affordable home/affordable housing

Good quality homes that are affordable to people on low incomes. This can include social rented, mid-market rented, shared-ownership, shared-equity, housing sold at discount (including plots for self-build), self-build plots and low cost housing without subsidy.

Agent of change principle

Where an application is made for development which is likely to be affected by noise from existing development such as, but not limited to, music venues, manufacturing or industrial sites, large retail outlets, etc., the applicant is required to demonstrate both that they have assessed the potential impact on occupants of the proposed development and that the proposed design incorporates appropriate measures to mitigate this impact.

Ancient woodland

Land that has maintained continuous woodland habitat since at least 1750.

Appropriate assessment

Regulation 48 of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, as amended, requires an authority, before deciding to undertake, or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for certain plans or projects likely to have a significant effect on a European site in Great Britain (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), to make an ‘appropriate assessment’ of the implications for the site in view of that site’s conservation objectives.

Biodiversity

The variability in living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are part. This includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems (UN Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992).

Blue economy

The Blue Economy is sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of marine and coastal ecosystem.

Blue infrastructure

Water environment features within the natural and built environments that provide a range of ecosystem services. Blue features include rivers, lochs, wetlands, canals, other water courses, ponds, coastal and marine areas including beaches, porous paving, sustainable urban drainage systems and raingardens.

Brownfield

Land which has previously been developed. The term may cover vacant or derelict land, land occupied by redundant or unused buildings and developed land within the settlement boundary where further intensification of use is considered acceptable.

Buildings at risk register

The Buildings at Risk Register (BARR) for Scotland (buildingsatrisk.org.uk) has been in operation since 1990 and highlights properties of architectural or historic merit that are considered to be at risk. Buildings at risk are not necessarily in poor condition, they may simply be standing empty with no clear future use or be threatened with demolition.

Business and industry

Business, general industrial and storage and distribution uses and smaller scale business uses such as home-working, live-work units and micro-businesses.

Carbon capture utilisation and storage

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) encompasses the methods and technologies used to capture the carbon dioxide generated by large-scale energy intensive processes, such as power generation and industrial processes, and transport that captured carbon dioxide for safe and permanent storage deep underground in a geological formation. In some applications, the captured carbon dioxide can be recycled and used to manufacture useful products, thus giving it economic value.

Carbon-rich soils

Organo-mineral and peat soils are known as carbon-rich soils. A peat soil is defined in Scotland as when soil has an organic layer at the surface which is more than 50cm deep. Organo-mineral soil or peaty soil is soil which has an organic layer at the surface less than 50cm thick and overlies mineral layers (e.g. sand, silt and clay particles). There is also a relatively rare group of soils in Scotland known as humose soils. These have organic rich layers with between 15 and 35% organic matter. These are mineral soils but also considered to be carbon rich.

Carbon sequestration

The long-term removal, capture, or sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow or reverse atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) pollution and to mitigate or reverse climate change.

Carbon sink

A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores CO₂ for an indefinite period.

Circular economy

Climate change adaptation

Climate change adaptation is about responding to the changes that we have seen in our climate over the last few decades, and preparing for the challenges that we will face as our climate continues to change.

Climate change mitigation

Climate change mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent emissions of greenhouse gasses, which have a direct impact on global average temperatures, and reducing the current concentration of carbon dioxide by enhancing carbon sinks (for example, increasing the area of forest).

Commercial centre

Centres which have a more specific focus on retailing and/or leisure uses, such as shopping centres, commercial leisure developments, mixed retail and leisure developments, retail parks and factory outlet centres.

Community

A body of people. A community can be based on location (for example people who live or work in or use an area) common identity (for example a shared ethnicity, language, age) or common interest (for example the business community, amenity, sports, social or heritage groups).

Community facilities

Buildings or services used by the community, including community halls, recreation centres and libraries.

Community hub

A community hub is a multi-purpose centre, such as a community centre, medical centre or school, that provides a range of high quality and cost effective services to the local community.

Community wealth building

A people-centred approach to local economic development, which redirects wealth back into the local economy, and places control and benefits into the hands of local people.

Conservation area

Conservation areas are areas which have special architectural or historic interest that are considered worthy of protection. Their selection, assessment and designation is carried out by the planning authority. To be designated as a conservation area it must meet the criteria of ‘special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which is desirable to preserve or enhance’, as set out in Section 61 of the Planning Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas (Scotland) Act 1997.

Cultural significance

Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value for past, present or future generations. Cultural significance can be embodied in a place itself, its fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects.

Cumulative impact

Impact in combination with other development. That includes existing developments as appropriate, those which have permission, and valid applications which have not been determined. The weight attached to undetermined applications should reflect their position in the application process.

Cumulative impacts (in the context of the strategic transport network)

The effect on the operational performance of transport networks of a number of developments in combination, recognising that the effects of a group of sites, or development over an area may need different mitigation when considered together than when considered individually.

Custom-build housing

Where a person tasks a house builder to tailor a home to their preferences before it is built.

Decarbonisation

Reducing the amount of gaseous carbon compounds released by buildings, activities or operations.

Deliverable housing land pipeline

The expected sequencing of the Local Housing Land Requirement over the short (1-3 years), medium (4-6 years) and long-term (7-10 years), set out in the local development plan delivery programme.

Deliverable land

Land that is free from constraints or there is a commitment to overcome constraints, and development is able to be delivered in the period identified for the site within the Deliverable Housing Land Pipeline.

Derelict land

Previously developed land which is un-remediated and/or which has a constraint caused by its previous use which hampers its redevelopment or naturalisation.

Design flood

Magnitude of the flood adopted for the design of a site, usually defined in relation to the severity of the flood in terms of its return period.

Ecosystem services

The benefits people obtain from ecosystems.

Egress (safe, flood free pedestrian access and egress)

A route for the movement of people (not vehicles) of all abilities (on foot or with mobility assistance) between the development and a place of safety outwith the design flood level.

Enabling development

Enabling development is development that would otherwise be unacceptable in planning terms, but is essential, to secure the future of an historic environment asset or place which is at risk of serious deterioration or loss.

Essential infrastructure

Essential infrastructure includes digital communications infrastructure; telecommunications infrastructure; all forms of renewable, low-carbon and zero emission technologies for electricity generation and distribution and transmission electricity grid networks and primary sub stations; water and waste water infrastructure; and transport proposals and travel networks identified in the local development plan.

Evidence report

A supporting document to the local development plan. An evidence report summarises the evidence base for those proposals and policies set out in the development plan and demonstrates that appropriate consultation has been undertaken and regard given to the views of the community.

Facilities for managing secondary materials

Facilities where materials can be collected and sorted into the various component parts or consolidated into bulk quantities for re-use either in their original or an alternative function and for recovery.

‘Recovery’ means any operation the principal result of which is waste serving a useful purpose by replacing other materials which would otherwise have been used to fulfil a particular function, or waste being prepared to fulfil that function, in the plant or in the wider economy.

‘material recovery’ means any recovery operation, other than energy recovery and the reprocessing into materials that are to be used as fuels or other means to generate energy. It includes, inter alia, preparing for re-use, recycling and backfilling; ‘preparing for re-use’ means checking, cleaning or repairing recovery operations, by which products or components of products that have become waste are prepared so that they can be re-used without any other pre-processing.

Flood

The temporary covering by water from any source of land not normally covered by water, but not including the overflow of a sewage system.

Flooding from all sources

Includes:

Watercourse /Fluvial Flooding – caused by excessive rainfall or snow melt within a limited period, which overwhelms the capacity of the watercourse or river channel, particularly when the ground is already saturated. It can also arise as a result of the blockage of a channel and/or associated structures such as small bridges and culverts;

Pluvial Flooding – occurs when rainwater ponds or flows over the ground (overland flow) before it enters a natural or man-made drainage systems (e.g. a river or sewer/drain). It can also occur when drainage systems are at full capacity. It is often combined with sewer flooding and groundwater flooding;

Sewer Flooding – occurs when the sewerage infrastructure has to deal with loads beyond its design capacity. This occurs most often as a result of high intensity rainfall events;

Groundwater Flooding – occurs when the water table rises above ground level. In Scotland this is most commonly associated with the movement of water through sands and gravels, often connected to the rise and fall of river levels; and

Coastal Flooding – occurs as a result of high tide, storm surge and wave activity raising the level of the sea above adjoining land.

Flood risk

The combination of the probability of a flood and the potential adverse consequences associated with a flood, for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity.

Flood risk area or at risk of flooding

For planning purposes, at risk of flooding or in a flood risk area means land or built form with an annual probability of being flooded of greater than 0.5% which must include an appropriate allowance for future climate change.

This risk of flooding is indicated on SEPA’s future flood maps or may need to be assessed in a flood risk assessment. An appropriate allowance for climate change should be taken from the latest available guidance and evidence available for application in Scotland. The calculated risk of flooding can take account of any existing, formal flood protection schemes in determining the risk to the site.

Where the risk of flooding is less than this threshold, areas will not be considered ‘at risk of flooding’ for planning purposes, but this does not mean there is no risk at all, just that the risk is sufficiently low to be acceptable for the purpose of planning. This includes areas where the risk of flooding is reduced below this threshold due to a formal flood protection scheme.

Forestry and woodland strategy

A strategy prepared by a planning authority either singly or in collaboration with other planning authorities, which sets out policies and proposals for the development of forestry and woodlands in their area, according to [section A159] of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.

Freeboard

Freeboard is the difference between the design flood level and either the finished floor levels, solum level, or deck level of a specific development. It is a safety margin designed to allow for the uncertainties involved in flood estimation and physical factors that cannot be assessed and vary between sites e.g., post construction settlement and wave action. In many cases an adequate freeboard allowance is 600mm above the design flood level^[2] (in some situations a more detailed assessment of appropriate freeboard will need to be carried out).

Gardens and designed landscapes

The Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes recognises sites where garden grounds and landscapes have been intentionally laid out for artistic effect which are of national importance. Their selection, assessment and designation is carried out by Historic Environment Scotland. Designed landscapes are managed primarily through the planning process by the appropriate planning authority.

Green infrastructure

Features or spaces within the natural and built environments that provide a range of ecosystem services.

Green networks

Connected areas of green infrastructure and open space, that together form an integrated and multi-functional network.

Green recovery

An economic recovery that helps us work toward net zero emissions in a way that is fair and that maximises the opportunities to deliver a thriving, sustainable economy.

Green space

Space, other than agricultural land, which serves a recreational or an amenity function for the public, or provides aesthetic value to the public such as areas of—

(a) grass,

(b) trees,

(d) water.

Historic battlefields

The Inventory of Historic Battlefields recognises sites where a nationally important battle took place, soldiers fought and died, and where significant military activities happened. Their selection, assessment and designation is carried out by Historic Environment Scotland. Battlefields are managed primarily through the planning process by the appropriate planning authority.

Historic environment

The historic environment is ‘the physical evidence for human activity that connects people with place, linked with the associations we can see, feel and understand’.

Historic environment asset

An asset (or ‘historic asset’ or ‘heritage asset’) is a physical element of the historic environment – a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having cultural significance.

Historic marine protected areas

Historic Marine Protected Areas are areas designated in Scottish territorial waters (0-12 miles) under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 for the purpose of preserving marine assets of national importance. These can be wrecks of boats or aircraft or more scattered remains, such as groups of artefacts on the seabed from a submerged prehistoric landscape. Their designation is carried out by Marine Scotland based on advice from Historic Environment Scotland.

Huts

A simple building used intermittently as recreational accommodation (i.e. not a principal residence); having an internal floor area of no more than 30 square meters ; constructed from low impact materials; generally not connected to mains water, electricity or sewerage; and built in such a way that it is removable with little or no trace at the end of its life. Huts may be built singly or in groups.

Infrastructure first

Putting infrastructure considerations at the heart of placemaking. For the purpose of applying the Infrastructure First policy, the following meaning of infrastructure will apply:

communications – including digital and telecommunications networks and connections;
existing and planned transport infrastructure and services;
water management – supply, drainage systems and sewerage (including flood risk management);
energy supplies/energy generation – including electricity and heat networks, distribution and transmission electricity grid networks, and gas supplies;
health and social care services – including both services provided in the community directly by Health Boards and services provided on their behalf by contractors such as GPs, dentists and pharmacists;
education – including early years, primary, secondary, further and higher education services;
green and blue infrastructure; and
spaces for play and recreation.

Infrastructure investment hierarchy

Scottish Government-wide common hierarchy to aid planning and decision-making, which prioritises enhancing and maintaining our assets over new build. See Infrastructure Investment Plan for Scotland 2021-22 to 2025-26 for further details. To support the Infrastructure Investment Plan and its Infrastructure Investment Hierarchy, also see ‘A guide to Property Asset Strategy in the Scottish Public Sector’

Just transition

Ending our contribution to climate change in a way that is fair and leaves no one behind

Landbank (construction aggregates)

A landbank is calculated by a Planning Authority and is a means of gauging whether there is sufficient consented construction aggregates (sand/gravel and hard rock) within their relevant market area, to avoid possible disruption and/or delays to supply. The calculation is primarily based on annual extraction figures, sales trends and the known reserves within existing consented sites.

Lifeline links

A lifeline ferry service required in order for a community to be viable.

Listed building

A listed building is a built structure of ‘special architectural or historic interest’. The term ‘building’ can be defined as ‘anything made by people’ such as houses, schools, factories, boundary walls, bridges and sculptures. Listing covers the whole of a building or structure including its exterior, interior and any ancillary structures within its curtilage (provided these were constructed before 1 July 1948). Their selection, assessment and designation is carried out by Historic Environment Scotland under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997. Listed Buildings are managed primarily through the Listed Building Consent process by the appropriate planning authority.

Local authority supported affordable housing plan

Plans or strategies for housing approved by a local authority e.g. Local Housing Strategy, Strategic Housing Investment Plan or future versions of such documents.

Local housing land requirement

The amount of land required for housing, as identified by the local development plan. The Local Housing Land Requirement (LHLR) is expected to exceed the 10 year Minimum All-Tenure Housing Land Requirement (MATHLR) set out in the National Planning Framework.

Local housing strategy

Local Housing Strategies were introduced as part of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to widen the strategic and enabling role for local authorities in relation to housing in their area. The Local Housing Strategy (LHS) sets out the outcomes the Council and its partners want to achieve, and the actions they will take, to address housing need and demand in their area

Local outcomes improvement plan

A local outcomes improvement plan (LOIP) is produced by a community planning partnership (CPP), and describes its local priorities, what improvements the CPP plans for its local communities, and when it will make these improvements. The LOIP covers the whole of the council area that the CPP is responsible for.

Locality plan

A locality plan is produced by a CPP, and describes its local priorities, what improvements the CPP plans for its local communities, and when it will make these improvements. A locality plan covers a smaller area within a whole CPP area, or may also be produced for groups who share common interests or features, for example, young people leaving care or vulnerable adults.

Locations of concern

A location of concern has been defined as a specific, usually public, site that is used as a location for suicide and which provides either means or opportunity for suicide.

Masterplan

A strategic scheme within which a location is proposed to be regenerated or changed in order to meet a perceived challenge or strategic need.

Masterplan consent area

A masterplan consent area scheme can grant authorisation for the type of development set out in the scheme, within the geographic location (area) to which the scheme relates. In setting out the type of development that the scheme authorises, this can be either expressly specified or described as type of development that is specified in the scheme.

Minimum all-tenure housing land requirement

There is a statutory requirement for the National Planning Framework to contain targets for the use of land in different areas of Scotland for housing. To meet this, the National Planning Framework includes a Minimum All-Tenure Housing Land Requirement (MATHLR) for each planning authority in Scotland. The MATHLR is the minimum amount of land, by reference to the number of housing units, that is to be provided by each planning authority in Scotland for a 10 year period, as set out in Annex E. The MATHLR is expected to be exceeded in the local development plans Local Housing Land Requirement.

Mitigation hierarchy

The mitigation hierarchy indicates the order in which the impacts of development should be considered and addressed. These are:

i. Avoid – by removing the impact at the outset

ii. Minimise – by reducing the impact

iii. Restore – by repairing damaged habitats

iv. Offset – by compensating for the residual impact that remains, with preference to on-site over off-site measures.

National transport strategy 2

The National Transport Strategy sets out an ambitious vision for Scotland’s transport system for the next 20 years. The vision is underpinned by four priorities: Reduces Inequalities, Takes Climate Action, Helps Deliver Inclusive Economic Growth and Improves our Health and Wellbeing, each with three associated outcomes.

The Strategy sets out the strategic framework within which future decisions on investment will be made, including the sustainable travel and investment hierarchies.

Nature-based solutions

Nature-based solutions are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human wellbeing and biodiversity benefits.

Nature network

A Nature Network is a joined-up system of places important for wild plants and animals, on land and in water. It allows plants, animals, seeds, nutrients and water to move from place to place and enables the natural world to adapt to change, providing plants and animals with places to live, feed and breed. Effectively functioning nature networks will connect existing nature rich areas through habitat corridors, habitat ‘stepping stones’, or habitat restoration areas.

Scotland’s Nature Networks will enable opportunities for achieving ecological connectivity that meet local priorities for biodiversity and nature; whilst building and strengthening an evolving regional and national connectivity. Opportunities for implementation may be identified through, e.g. LDPs and/or Local Biodiversity Action Plans and/or other existing or new mechanisms such as those developed under the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan, to achieve connectivity within and across urban, peri-urban and rural landscapes.

Negative emissions technologies

Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) are an emerging field of technologies that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and utilising carbon capture and storage sequester them permanently.

NETs can include forms of Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS), Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) or other more experimental means such as enhanced weathering or biochar.

NETs can be considered one form of Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGRs), which also includes natural sequestration methods such as afforestation. It can also be used interchangeably with Carbon Dioxide Removal technologies (CDR).

Net zero

Scotland has set a target to become ‘ Net Zero ‘ by 2045. This means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we put into the atmosphere and the amount we are able to take out will add up to zero.

Open space

Space within and on the edge of settlements comprising green space or civic areas such as squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function

Open space strategy

An open space strategy is to set out a strategic framework of the planning authority’s policies and proposals as to the development, maintenance and use of green infrastructure in their district, including open spaces and green networks. It must contain; an audit of existing open space provision, an assessment of current and future requirements, and any other matter which the planning authority consider appropriate.

Outdoor sports facilities

Uses where sportscotland is a statutory consultee under the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2013, which establishes ‘outdoor sports facilities’ as land used as: (a) an outdoor playing field extending to not less than 0.2ha used for any sport played on a pitch; (b) an outdoor athletics track; (c) a golf course; (d) an outdoor tennis court, other than those within a private dwelling, hotel or other tourist accommodation; and (e) an outdoor bowling green.

Peatland

Defined by the presence of peat soil or peaty soil types. This means that “peat-forming” vegetation is growing and actively forming peat or it has been grown and formed peat at some point in the past.

Placemaking

Placemaking is the process of creating good quality places that promotes people’s health, happiness and wellbeing. It concerns the environment in which we live; the people that inhabit these spaces; and the quality of life that comes from the interaction of people and their surroundings. Placemaking is a collaborative approach involving the design and development of places over time, with people and communities central to the process.

Place principle

All those responsible for providing services and looking after assets in a place need to work and plan together, and with local communities, to improve the lives of people, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and create more successful places.

Play sufficiency assessment

A play sufficiency assessment is the assessment of the sufficiency of play opportunities for children in their area, carried out by a planning authority under the duty as set out in Section 7(5) Part 16D(1) of Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. The assessment forms part of the evidence report for the preparation of the Local Development Plan.

Prime agricultural land & land of lesser quality that is culturally or locally important for primary use

Prime agricultural land is that identified as being Class 1, 2 or 3.1 in the land capability classification for agriculture developed by Macaulay Land Use Research Institute (now the James Hutton Institute).

However, for land of lesser quality that is culturally or locally important for primary use (i.e. for example food production, flood management, water catchment management and carbon storage), this value should be recognised in decision-making.

Priority peatland habitat

Peatland habitats can be divided into four broad classes (blanket bog, upland raised bog, lowland raised bog, and fen), depending on the types of plants that formed the peat. Priority peatland habitats are sub-sets of these broad habitats which have been recognised under the Scottish Biodiversity Framework as being important to protect for their conservation and biodiversity value.

Protected characteristics

The Equality Act defines the following as protected characteristics:

age
disability
gender reassignment
marriage and civil partnership
pregnancy and maternity
race
religion or belief
sex
sexual orientation
Public benefits

Public benefits as defined by the current Scottish Government policy on woodland removal.

Ramsar sites

Wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Remedial notice (forestry)

A Remedial Notice is a notice issued by Scottish Ministers if it appears to them that a person has failed or is failing to comply with a condition on felling permission, a felling direction (including any condition imposed on it), a restocking direction (including any condition imposed on it), or a registered notice to comply.

A Remedial Notice requires the person to take such steps or stop such activity as may be specified in the notice on order to comply with or otherwise give effect to the condition, direction or (as the case may be) registered notice to comply, and, to take steps or stop the activity within the period specified in the notice.

Restocking direction

A Restocking Direction is a notice issued by Scottish Ministers, in response to an unauthorised felling or a failure to comply with a continuing condition on a felling permission. A restocking direction requires an owner of the land on which the felled tree was located or the land to which the continuing condition relates, to stock the land in question.

Recycling facilities

Facilities for the purpose of recycling. Recycling means any recovery operation by which waste materials are reprocessed into products, materials or substances whether for the original or other purposes. It includes the reprocessing of organic material but does not include energy recovery and the reprocessing into materials that are to be used as fuels or for backfilling operations. It does not include nuclear reprocessing.

Self-build housing

Where a person builds their own house or appoints their own builder.

Self-provided housing

Includes self-build housing, custom-build housing and collective build housing.

Setting

Setting is more than the immediate surroundings of a site or building, and may be related to the function or use of a place, or how it was intended to fit into the landscape or townscape, the view from it or how it is seen from areas round about, or areas that are important to the protection of the place, site or building.

‘Setting’ is the way the surroundings of a historic asset or place contribute to how it is understood, appreciated and experienced.

Scheduled monument

Scheduled monuments are archaeological sites or monuments of national importance that are legally protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Their selection, assessment and designation is carried out by Historic Environment Scotland who maintains the schedule. Works to Scheduled Monuments are regulated by Historic Environment Scotland through their Scheduled Monument Consent process.

Short term let

The use of a dwellinghouse (a residential house or flat) for rental by persons other than the owner for short periods and for financial or other remuneration.

Typically includes properties advertised as being available for holiday let, although can apply to other situations.

Strategic transport network

Includes the trunk road and rail networks. Its primary purpose is to provide the safe and efficient movement of strategic long distance traffic between major centres, although in rural areas it also performs important local functions.

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (The Brundtland Definition. Our Common Future, The World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987).

Sustainable investment hierarchy

The National Transport Strategy 2 Sustainable Investment Hierarchy will be used to inform future investment decisions and ensure transport options that focus on reducing inequalities and the need to travel unsustainably are prioritised. We also need to focus on maintaining and safely operating existing assets, taking due consideration of the need to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Investment promoting a range of measures, including innovative solutions, to make better use of existing capacity will then be considered, ensuring that existing transport networks and systems are fully optimised. Only following these steps should investment involving targeted infrastructure improvements be considered.

Sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism is defined by the United Nation World Tourism Organisation as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

Sustainable travel

Sustainable travel includes travel by the top three modes in the sustainable travel hierarchy. It is recognised that in some locations, particularly in rural areas, where the top three modes have been judged as unfeasible for day to day travel, low emissions vehicles and shared transport options will play an important role.

Sustainable travel hierarchy

The National Transport Strategy 2 Sustainable Travel Hierarchy should be used in decision making by promoting walking, wheeling, cycling, public transport and shared transport options in preference to single occupancy private car use for the movement of people. The efficient and sustainable freight transport for the movement of goods, particularly the shift from road to rail should also be promoted.

Town centre

Centres which display:

a diverse mix of uses, including shopping;
a high level of accessibility;
qualities of character and identity which create a sense of place and further the well-being of communities;
wider economic and social activity during the day and in the evening; and
integration with residential areas.

Town centre first

The Town Centre First Principle asks that government, local authorities, the wider public sector, businesses and communities put the health of town centres at the heart of decision making. It seeks to deliver the best local outcomes, align policies and target available resources to prioritise town centre sites, encouraging vibrancy, equality and diversity.

Town centre vision

Towns and town centres are for the wellbeing of people, the planet and the economy. Towns are for everyone and everyone has a role to play in making their own town and town centre successful.

Transport appraisal

A Transport Appraisal should inform the spatial strategy by appraising the impact of the potential spatial strategy options on the transport network, in line with Transport Scotland’s Development Planning and Management Transport Appraisal Guidance. It should determine the potential impacts of development on the transport network and mitigation to address adverse impacts, how they will be funded and who should deliver these. This should inform the Proposed Plan.

Transport assessment

A Transport Assessment report should aim to provide supporting evidence to accompany the planning application to demonstrate that the development is sited in a location where current and likely future travel behaviour will produce a desired and predicted transport output. The Transport Assessment should provide information in a suitable form to enable the local authority and, if necessary, Transport Scotland to assess and determine the planning application, seek any changes to the proposal and devise necessary planning conditions or negotiate planning or other legal agreements.

Travel plan

A Travel Plan (TP) is a document that sets out a package of positive and complementary measures for the overall delivery of more sustainable travel patterns for a specific development. Their ability and success in influencing travel patterns is dependent upon the commitment of the developer or occupier of a development and the enforcement of travel plan monitoring by the local authority. Travel plans should be implemented to encourage a shift in transport mode for those travelling to and from a development.

Unused or under-used land

An area of land that is stalled awaiting development, or a pocket of land within neighbourhood that is not developed or cannot be developed for other meaningful use or does not have particular identified long-term use.

Vacant land

Previously developed land, without physical constraint, which the Planning Authority has indicated is currently available for redevelopment.

Veteran tree

A veteran tree can be classified as such due to age (including relative age for its species) or for its biological, aesthetic, or cultural interest. Veteran trees are usually mature and provide additional habitat from natural damage, environmental conditions or management (e.g. coppice, decay hollows, fungal fruiting bodies, cavities).

Water compatible uses

Comprise:

flood control infrastructure
environmental monitoring stations
water transmission infrastructure and pumping stations
sewage transmission infrastructure and pumping stations
sand and gravel workings
docks, marinas and wharves
navigation facilities
Ministry of Defence (MOD) defence installations
ship building, repairing, and dismantling
dockside fish processing and refrigeration and compatible activities requiring a waterside location
water-based recreation (excluding sleeping accommodation)
lifeguard and coastguard stations
amenity open space
nature conservation and biodiversity
outdoor sports and recreation and essential facilities such as changing rooms
essential ancillary sleeping or residential accommodation for staff required by uses in this category, subject to a specific operational warning and evacuation plan.

Wellbeing economy

Building an economy that is inclusive and that promotes sustainability, prosperity and resilience, where businesses can thrive and innovate, and that supports all of our communities across Scotland to access opportunities that deliver local growth and wellbeing.

Wheeling

Travelling by wheelchair.

Woodland

Land under stands of trees with a canopy cover of at least 20%, or having the potential to achieve this, including integral open space, and including felled areas that are awaiting restocking (replanting). The minimum area is 0.1 ha and there is no minimum height.

World heritage sites

World Heritage Sites are internationally important cultural and/or natural heritage sites which have been inscribed for their “Outstanding Universal Value”. Though no additional statutory controls result from world heritage designation, the impact of proposed development upon the outstanding universal value, including its authenticity and integrity of a World Heritage Site and its setting, is a material consideration in determining planning applications. Their assessment and designation is carried out by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) based on advice from State Parties and the relevant devolved Government.

Annex G – Acronyms

BARR Buildings at Risk Register

BECCS Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage

CCS Carbon Capture and Storage

CCUS Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage

CDR Carbon Dioxide Removal technologies

CO₂ Carbon Dioxide

CoRE Community Renewable Energy

CPP Community Planning Partnership

CWB Community Wealth Building

DACCS Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage

EIA Environmental impact Assessment

EU European Union

GGRs Greenhouse Gas Removals

HNZ Heat Network Zones

HRA Habitats Regulations Appraisal

HS2 High Speed 2

IGTZ Industrial Green Transition Zones

IIP Infrastructure Investment Plan

kv Kilovolts

LDPs Local Development Plans

LHEES Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy

LHLR Local Housing Land Requirement

LOIP Local Outcomes Improvement Plan

LPPs Local Place Plans

MATHLR Minimum All-Tenure Housing Land Requirement

MOD Ministry of Defence

NETs Negative Emissions Technologies

NPF National Planning Framework

NPF4 National Planning Framework 4

ORIC Orkney Research and Innovation Campus

ORION Opportunity for Renewable Integration with Offshore Networks

PNCP Perthshire Nature Connections Partnership

RSS Regional Spatial Strategies

SDGs Sustainable Development Goals

SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency

TP Travel Plan

UK United Kingdom

UN United Nations

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

Contact

Email: Chief.Planner@gov.scot

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Information

Part 3 – Annexes

Annex A – How to use this document

Purpose of Planning

Role of the National Planning Framework

National Performance Framework

Our Purpose

Our Values

National Outcomes

Plan-led Approach

National Planning Framework (NPF)

Regional spatial strategies (RSS)

Local development plans (LDPs)

Local place plans (LPPs)

Spatial Strategy

National Developments

Regional Spatial Priorities

National Planning Policy

Annex B – National Developments Statements of Need

1. Energy Innovation Development on the Islands

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

2. Pumped Hydro Storage

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

3. Strategic Renewable Electricity Generation and Transmission Infrastructure

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

4. Circular Economy Materials Management Facilities

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

5. Urban Sustainable, Blue and Green Surface Water Management Solutions

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

6. Urban Mass/Rapid Transit Networks

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

7. Central Scotland Green Network

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions assessment

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

9. Edinburgh Waterfront

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

10. Dundee Waterfront

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

11. Stranraer Gateway

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

12. Digital Fibre Network

Location

Need

Designation and classes of development

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment

13. Clyde Mission

Location