Infrastructure first, but who pays for it?

“….linking infrastructure with planned development is the most significant challenge for the Scottish planning system at this time…” concluded the independent panel appointed by the Scottish Government in 2016 to review the planning process. Returning to an “infrastructure first” approach was one of the panel’s recommendations and that is now enshrined in Policy 18 of the National Planning Framework 4 which came into force on 13 February 2023 and will guide the determination of planning applications.

By putting infrastructure at the heart of place-making, the intention is that the services and facilities that are necessary to create liveable and sustainable places will be identified early in the development planning process, along with a delivery programme outlining where, how, when and by whom the infrastructure will be delivered.

But what is “infrastructure”?

The Scottish Government’s definition of infrastructure is more widely drawn than anywhere else in the UK. Infrastructure is: “The physical and technical facilities, natural and other fundamental systems necessary for the economy to function and to enable, sustain or enhance societal living conditions. These include the networks, connections and storage relating to the enabling infrastructure of transport, energy, water, telecoms, digital and internet, to permit the ready movement of people, goods and services. They include the built environment of housing; public infrastructure such as education, health, justice and cultural facilities; safety enhancement such as waste management or flood prevention; natural assets and networks that supply ecosystem services and public services such as emergency services and resilience.” Quite the list.

It is for local councils to determine the capacity, condition, needs and deliverability of the infrastructure in their area and make sure that existing infrastructure assets are used sustainably, prioritising low-carbon solutions.

This of course comes at a time when councils face increasing costs and demands. In its recent budget, Aberdeen City Council chose to prioritise education, the environment, roads and transport over spending on libraries, swimming pools and gyms. A major public consultation on spending priorities is promised ahead of next year’s annual budget setting. Although housing is included within the definition of infrastructure, and it is acknowledged that there is a housing crisis, allocating enough land for the construction of new housing continues to be a controversial topic, yet it lies at the heart of infrastructure delivery.

With council spending cuts, communities need to recognise that it is new housing and other developments which will continue to fund the provision of new schools, community facilities, health centres, public transport, parks and open spaces and many other items of infrastructure in their area.

As part of her manifesto for election as First Minister, Kate Forbes MSP, has stated that “housing must be viewed as a necessary infrastructure in building a better Scotland”.

With the ink not yet dry on their most recent local development plans, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils must embark on a review of their housing requirement for the next 10 years, with Scottish Government requiring them to be “ambitious” and to exceed the minimum all tenure housing land requirement set out in NPF4.

It is perhaps time for existing residents to think of that infrastructure first and support proposals for new housing in their locality.