Chamber and committees

The government’s toppriority is increasing sustainable economic growth to create a more successful country.A modern, up-to-date planning system is critical to achieving that objective. Sustainablegrowth requires development, and the role of planning is to ensure that this developmentis encouraged and managed in a sustainable way.

The passage of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act2006 was the first step in a modernisation process aimed at creating a more efficient,inclusive and sustainable planning system that is fully fit for purpose.

This modernisationwill improve the efficiency of the planning system to allow the investment we needto grow the economy and create jobs and opportunities for all. They will also ensurethat our commitments to sustainable development remain at the centre of everythingwe do.

The Scottish Governmentis committed to the sustainable growth of Scotland’s economy and the planning system plays a vital role in delivering thisthrough the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the development planningstructures. The NPF identifies the Clyde Corridor as an area where majorchange is already occurring and the scale and complexity of the issues to be addressedmeans that co-ordination is needed in the national interest. The Planning etc (Scotland) Act puts the National Planning Framework on astatutory basis. A revision of the NPF is currently underway. Stakeholdersand the public will be able to participate throughout the process and the finaldraft will be subject to scrutiny in Parliament.

The Scottish governmentis continuing to implement the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006.I would like torefer the member to the timetable for implementation of the Planning etc(Scotland) Act 2006 which is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/06/19143600/1.

We are alsoupdating the National Planning Framework and Scottish Planning Policies (SPPs)1 The Planning System, 3 Planning for Housing, 6 RenewableEnergy, 10 Planning and Waste, 11 Open Space, 14 NaturalHeritage and 23 Historic Environment.

My officials receiveda presentation on Clyde Fastlink earlier this year, from the consortium led by StrathclydePartnership for Transport. They are currently considering the STAG report on Phase1 of the project, subsequently received.

Under thePlanning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006, Strategic Development PlanningAuthorities (SDPAs) will have a duty to prepare Strategic Development Plans fortheir areas. It will be for each SDPA to set their own strategic objectives, inlight of this requirement and national planning policy and advice. The ScottishGovernment is, however, keen to engage with SDPAs at an early stage in the planpreparation process to discuss the implications of national planning policy andadvice for each area.

The North Clyde Development Route is intended to provide a gateway route fromWest Dunbartonshire to Western Glasgow and open up development/regeneration opportunities forWest Dunbartonshire and Glasgow City Council areas on the northbank of the Clyde.

The Glasgow 2014 CommonwealthGames Organising Committee will devise a games transport plan which will set outhow the existing and proposed transport infrastructure around games venues willsupport the games and will provide details of operational transport proposals, includingtransport services for athletes, officials and media and a comprehensive spectatoraccess strategy for each venue.

The provision oflocal bus services is a matter for operators and local transport authorities. Thelevel of First ScotRail train services is specified in the ScotRail Franchise.

The NationalWaiting Times Centre Board – the special health board which runs the Golden Jubilee National Hospital – is working closely with localauthorities, transport providers and other key stakeholders to ensure that patients,staff and visitors can easily access hospital services. This includes aStrathclyde Partnership for Transport questionnaire to develop future travelplans.

Under thePlanning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006, Strategic Development PlanningAuthorities (SDPAs) will be required to prepare a strategic development planfor their areas. It will be for each SDPA to set its objectives for deliveringthis requirement. The Scottish government is, however, keen to engage withSDPAs at an early stage in the plan preparation process to discuss theimplications of national planning policy and advice for each area.

SPP1 will be reviewedto reflect the changes to the current planning system and support the introductionof the reformed system. The reformed system should come into force in 2008. Therevised SPP1 will also set out the government’s aspirations for the planning system.

I have asked Dr.Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency, toanswer. His response is as follows:

It has beenagreed to establish a Building Standards Advisory Committee working group toconsider issues relating to compliance with building standards.