RSPB says NPF3 'Must deliver for Scotland's Environment'

In an item from their web site dating back to 18 September 2012.

Extract:

RSPB Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to a robust Scottish planning system and to the National Planning Framework for Scotland. 

In a Ministerial announcement today Planning Minister, Derek Mackay, confirmed that work was commencing on the Third National Planning Framework for Scotland (NPF3). 

NPF3 will set out a spatial framework for the development of Scotland over the next 20-30 years.  However the wildlife conservation charity has warned that if not managed properly, with too much emphasis on short-term economic growth without considering the full impact on the environment, it could be damaging to the sustainable development of Scotland.

The current National Planning Framework, NPF2, encountered difficulties by identifying a new coal fired power station at Hunterston in Ayrshire as a “National Development”.  This became the most unpopular planning application in Scottish Planning History, with over 22,000 objections submitted before the developers eventually abandoned the project.

Aedán Smith, Head of Planning and Development for RSPB Scotland said:  “The National Planning Framework offers a great opportunity for Government to set out its vision for how Scotland can become more successful.  However, this must not involve growth at all costs.  If we want all of Scotland to benefit in the long term, it is critical that the new national planning framework also provides for the protection and enhancement of Scotland’s natural environment.”

“There is a particular need to improve the process by which national developments are identified.  The inclusion of the proposed Hunterston Coal Fired Power Station in NPF2 damaged the reputation of the planning process and this needs to be rectified in the development of NPF3.  Hunterston must be removed as a National Development and communities and the Scottish Parliament must be given a greater say over the final form of the planning framework to prevent it just becoming a developer’s wish list.”

RSPB site here