Chamber and committees

Decisions on Airspace Change Proposals (ACP) are reserved to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Outside the planning system, Scottish Ministers have existing powers under S78(3) of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 to impose operating restrictions. Any operating restrictions considered, or proposed to be imposed at a Scottish Airport, would need to follow the “balanced approach”, as promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

It will be the responsibility of the Competent Authority in Scotland to ensure that all communities potentially impacted by the introduction of noise operating restrictions at Scotland’s airports are fully consulted on proposals and that their views are considered in line with the Balanced Approach promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This responsibility will be laid out in more detail in guidance to be produced by the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government’s consultation covered the singular issue of legislating for a Competent Authority in Scotland. The England and Wales consultation on implementing EU Reg 598/2014 in addition, covered a number of other signification aviation issues. In view of this and the timescales involved in seeking to have legislation in place before the UK’s exit from the EU, it was considered appropriate that the Scottish Government’s consultation would be focussed on key stakeholders. This did not however preclude involvement from any interested group or individual and we will be responding to contributions from a number of community interests.

The Scottish Government considers that the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 are sufficient to ensure that action can be taken if the welfare of greyhounds is not being met. The provisions of Part 2 of the Act apply to all people responsible for animals, including breeders, trainers and owners of racing greyhounds.

The Scottish Government does not receive routine reports on the misuse of drugs on racing greyhounds.

The Scottish Government encourages persons with concerns over the drugging of racing greyhounds to bring evidence to the attention of Police Scotland, the relevant local authority or the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Scottish Government is committed to meeting all of its obligations under the Ramsar Convention and to providing a high level of protection for Ramsar sites in Scotland. The guidance on the implementation of Scottish Government policy on protecting Ramsar sites restated and explained existing policy contained within Scottish Planning Policy 2014, and therefore did not change the level of protection for Ramsar sites.

The guidance note on the implementation of Scottish Government policy on protecting Ramsar sites restated and explained existing policy contained within Scottish Planning Policy 2014. There was, therefore, no consultation carried out in preparation of the guidance note.

The guidance note on the implementation of Scottish Government policy on protecting Ramsar sites restated and explained existing policy contained within Scottish Planning Policy 2014. There will, therefore, be no impact on Ramsar sites.

A key part of the Scottish Government’s approach to heat network regulation will be the introduction of Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES). LHEES will identify the most suitable areas for district and communal heating in Scotland, sending strong signals to investors and the supply chain about the opportunities available.

Subject to Scottish Public Procurement Regulations, local authorities will then be encouraged to offer an 'anchor load' of public sector buildings for supply, providing assurances over expected heat demand.

As part of our forthcoming Energy Efficient Scotland consultation, we will seek evidence from the sector on whether further support can be made available to attract investment in heat networks and reduce the barriers faced in development.

The Scottish Government will continue to provide direct support to heat network projects in Scotland through our District Heating Loan FunD, which has funded 50 projects to date, and our Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, which offer low-rate, unsecured capital loans and assistance in developing investment grade business cases.

On 23 January 2019, the Court of Session quashed the Scottish Ministers’ decision of 18 June 2018 to refuse planning permission in principle for a housing development at Airthrey Kerse, Bridge of Allan, Stirling. The case will in due course be returned to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) to reconsider in light of the Court Opinion. The DPEA reporter will take full account of any representations made to the original application or appeal as well as any further submissions the reporter considers necessary to re-examine this appeal following the decision of the Court of Session. The reporter will then make a recommendation to Scottish Ministers.