Scottishplanner by Biggart Baillie LLP

mediation of space • making of place

No 132 : Dec 2009

Scottishplanner Journal of the RTPI in Scotland

A Positive Vision for Sustainable Transport in Scotland It is time to focus beyond emissions and economic growth as isolated objectives. The complicated but potentially very beneficial relationships between transport policy and health, social justice, and community must be brought to the fore. Reducing traffic not only reduces emissions, but can also create safer neighbourhoods, better work-life balance, and longer life expectancy.

Working with the hierarchy The SDC Scotland transport hierarchy comprises:

Sustainable Development Commission Scotland (SDC) Commissioner Hugh Raven considers their recentlylaunched transport project that includes a transport hierarchy for prioritising sustainable policies. Bumper-to-bumper traffic in cities and towns indicates that Scots are as wed to their cars as anyone. That this is unsustainable has been known for years, yet there is very little policy movement towards an alternative. SDC Scotland’s just-published transport hierarchy offers a new approach to identifying policy priorities. Here, the focus is away from large capital investment towards alternatives that deliver solutions to transport problems and wider benefits for community, local business, and health and well-being.

Emissions from the transport sector are increasing, despite Government efforts to reduce Scottish total figures, in line with the recently passed Scottish Climate Change Act. The Government’s recent report Mitigating Transport's Climate Change Impact in Scotland: Assessment of Policy Options (Aug 2009) shows that even if all positive policy scenarios were implemented, Scotland would achieve approximately only half the cuts needed for transport to make its full contribution to meeting emission targets. Thanks to our sponsors:

1. Demand reduction for motorised transport; 2. Modal shift to more sustainable and space-efficient modes of transport; 3. Efficiency improvements within existing transport modes; and 4. Capacity increases for motorised transport. Working with this hierarchy means that ‘Capacity increases for motorised transport’ - such as large capital investment projects - should only be considered when the potential of higher levels of the hierarchy has been exhausted. A fundamental first step is to ensure that all new planning developments reduce the need for powered transport, and encourage active travel. New relief roads that are built at the same time as minor investments in public transport and active travel don’t give sufficient incentive to change behaviour, and so road traffic continues to grow.

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DECEMBER 2009

Scottishplanner

Editorial

Many thanks to all who attended our annual conference, kindly sponsored this year by Biggart Baillie LLP, Morston Assets, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Government. A report of the day is available on the website. At the conference, we launched a new booklet about careers in planning. Step Up to a Career in Planning aims to raise interest in planning as a career and is available on the website. This edition of the Scottish Planner completes the first year of the new ‘colour’ production. I hope you find the articles of interest. As ever, we are extremely grateful to Biggart Baillie LLP and Halcrow for their sponsorship of the Scottish Planner; and for the support of our advertisers. Themes for Scottish Planner in 2010 will be Marine and Coastal (February); Resources for Planning and Delivering Development (April); Retailing and Town Centres (June); Planning Reform One Year On (August); Community Involvement (October); and Energy (December). If you would like to contribute an article on any of these themes, please contact James Henderson. I would like to thank John Esslemont for his excellent Convener’s column during 2009 and for all his support and valuable contributions in guiding the RTPI in Scotland through a very busy year. All best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas. Veronica Burbridge Editor

Scottishplanner is the Journal of the Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland, and is distributed free by direct mail to all Members in Scotland. It is also available on the web at www.scotland.rtpi.org.uk

contents 09

03 Convener’s Comments

Update 04 Planning Reform: Practical Realities … of the Modernised Planning System – Scottish Government 04 A Positive Vision for Sustainable Transport in Scotland – Hugh Raven … continued from front cover 05 A View from Transport Scotland – Hugh Gillies 06 Planning Reform: Local Review Bodies – Derek Henderson 07 Planning Reform: Lochgelly Strategic Land Allocation – Alison Wood

Focus on Transport 08 NPF2 and Infrastructure Project Developments – Neil Amner 09 Come Fly With Me… – Ross Nimmo 10 Transport Outcome Reports: delivering for community planning – Carol Gilbert 11 Creating Healthy Environments: connecting people to their places – Janice Gray 12 Smarter Travel Solutions for Effective Placemaking – Jon Harris 13 For the Games, for the Legacy - Bruce Kiloh

Views and News 14 A Planner’s Profile – Bruce Kiloh 15 Barriers to Delivering Mixed Use Development in Scotland – Douglas Wheeler 16 News and Events 18 Policy Briefing 20 Directory

Scottish Planner Sponsors

Editor Veronica Burbridge Production James Henderson Potential articles and photographs are welcome. The Editor reserves the right to amend articles as necessary. Enquiries to: the Editor, Scottish Planner, RTPI in Scotland, 57 Melville St, Edinburgh, EH3 7HL Tel: 0131 226 1959; email: scotland@rtpi.org.uk The opinions stated are the contributors’ own unless otherwise stated. The RTPI is not responsible for statements made or views expressed in this journal. ISSN 1353-9795 Registered office: Royal Town Planning Institute, 41 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DL Scottish Charity No. SC 037841 Registered Charity No. 262865 Scottish Planner is printed on Era Silk recycled paper. Design, production and advertising by Design Links. Tel 0131 554 2807

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From pre-application right up to any appeal, our highly-focused, partner-led team advises on all aspects of planning. Specifically, our experience covers housing, business, retail, leisure, industry, transport, waste, energy and minerals, as well as natural and built heritage matters. We act for developers, local authorities and any other party involved in planning matters. At Biggart Baillie we pride ourselves on seeing the planning and related issues in the round. For further information, please visit www.biggartbaillie.co.uk

Sustaining and improving the quality of people’s lives. We believe in making places work through our unique collaborative approach to planning, design, transport and development. We take proposals and projects from inception to successful implementation. Our skills are equally important to small-scale commissions as to major masterplanning and infrastructure projects. For further information, please view halcrow.com/dpd

Convener’s Comments Measuring Progress For planners within Scotland this has been a particularly busy and challenging year, as implementation of the Planning Act has been rolled out and we have all become accustomed to different working practices. It is, perhaps, too early to judge fully the progress being made in delivering the new planning system within Scotland. However, what is clear is that the new emphasis on spatial planning sought by the Act has taken the planning system beyond its traditional land use role into areas and programmes which are now key to our future economic recovery. There is no doubt that since the beginning of the year life has become tougher for many. A post-recession Scotland will be different, and will present new challenges and opportunities. For many the credit crunch and consequent economic downturn has brought an increasing realisation of the need to live sustainably and, to address carbon consumption, we will all have to learn to work within the resources available. Planning, for the first time in many years, is seen to be at the heart of many significant national agendas; a scan across the Government’s fifteen national outcomes clearly demonstrates this. It is therefore no surprise that there is a strong demand by the Government for a planning system which is efficient and performs well, but also invests in skills and engages in meaningful community involvement. As planners, we will be expected to deliver clear spatial visions, plans and programmes which will not only be flexible and adaptable, but which will also make a meaningful contribution to the changing circumstances in a post-recession Scotland. Much good practice has been established across Scotland in

the last year and, in the forthcoming year, it will be important that this continues to be shared. It will also be important that we develop tools which can convey this progress to business and communities. Monitoring progress through the development of a set of spatial planning outcome indicators that are closely linked to the National Performance Framework and its national outcomes may be one way in which we can illustrate long term and sustainable progress – see RTPI/ government research on indicators at www.rtpi.org.uk/item/1803.

Transport & Climate Change A recent report by the Committee on Climate Change – view www.theccc.org.uk/ – highlighted that transport is currently responsible for around 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. Deep cuts in these emissions will be necessary to meet climate change goals. Whilst the solutions will partly lie in the increased energy efficiency of new cars, greater use of electric cars and ‘smarter’ personal choices, the report also recognises that an integrated approach to land use and transport planning can bring significant transport emission reductions. If we are to deliver the ‘step change’

Monitoring progress through the development of a set of spatial planning outcome indicators that are closely linked to the National Performance Framework and its national outcomes may be one way in which we can illustrate long term and sustainable progress.

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sought by the report, a much closer partnership between planning and transport authorities will be necessary in the future so that land use decisions fully reflect their impact on transport emissions.

Jim Boyack Memorial Trust Finally, at this time of giving I would like to mention one of the charities which RTPI Scotland supports. The Jim Boyack Memorial Trust celebrates the memory of the former Senior ViceConvener of RTPI Scotland by making an award annually to a student attending an RTPI-accredited course in one of the Planning Schools in Scotland. If you feel able to make a contribution or would in the future like to apply for this funding please contact scotland@rtpi.org.uk for further details. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year John W. Esslemont MRTPI Convener, RTPI in Scotland’s Scottish Executive Committee

DECEMBER 2009

Scottishplanner : UPDATE

Practical Realities … of the Modernised Planning System Continuing the Scottish Government’s series, this time planners from different sectors compare their expectations with the practical realities. Developer Alistair Landells recently joined Banks Developments Ltd as a Senior Development Planner. “There is absolutely no evidence that the new system is either more co-operative or faster when dealing with planning authorities, except in the case of refusal. The DPEA (Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals) is operating faster but again this seems focused on quicker turnaround, with briefer and less fulsome exploration of the decisions released.”

Specialist Consultant Euan Hutchison is a Development Project Manager with Natural Power Consultants Ltd in Castle Douglas. “Initial optimism is slowly being eroded by a series of practical disappointments. Consideration will have to be given at a national level as to whether the procedures for ‘local’ developments are actually delivering what they were intended to do.”

Planning Consultant Anthony Aitken leads the planning team of Colliers CRE in Scotland from their Edinburgh office. “In discussions with clients and local authority planners there is still a feeling of coming to terms with the new system. However, I can state that, in my experience to date, there is a general willingness to co-operate by all users of the planning system.”

Agency Virginia Sharp works as a Casework Inspector for Historic Scotland’s North-East Team. “I expect that the emphasis which the new system places on early involvement and consultation on planning applications has the potential for knock-on effects on the way in which we are involved in providing advice on parallel listing building and conservation area consent applications.” These are personal contributions, not those of the organisations they work for. For the full articles visit: www.scotland.gov.uk/ Topics/Built-Environment/planning/modernising/cc/Q/editmode/on/forceupdate/on

A Positive Vision for Sustainable Transport in Scotland… continued from page 1 A sustainable transport system must be built through better spatial planning and cleverer use of technology.

Delivering change

A second key strategy is access to high-speed broadband in all homes: closing the gap between the technologyrich and the technology-poor would also impact on a range of policy areas like education. Home-or tele-working to reduce commuting journeys have big potential in Scotland. A recent WorkWise study showed SouthWest England to have the highest proportion of home-workers with 15.7%, compared to 9.4% for

Creating large-scale behaviour change is not easy. We need to provide better information and facilities for walking and cycling: safe, attractive and direct routes, ideally with reduced speed limits for cars. We need better integration of public transport for door-to-door journeys, and the efficiency of our current vehicles must improve. Encouraging car-sharing and car clubs, and providing eco-driver training for all public transport and private vehicle

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Scotland - the UK average is 12.2%.

users, are important. New low-polluting technologies and electric vehicles must be promoted. Politicians must also promote change through less welcome policies: congestion charging, road pricing, workplace parking levies and other fiscal measures. We believe the Government is in real danger of not delivering the required emission reductions, let alone a sustainable transport system, without a root and branch re-think of priorities. For more information view via: www. sd-commission.org.uk/scotland.php

Image supplied by Transport Scotland

A View from Transport Scotland Hugh Gillies, Development Management & Strategic Road Safety Manager with Transport Scotland’s Trunk Road Network Management Directorate, considers some of the current issues and opportunities within strategic transport and land use planning. Transport Scotland is working to help deliver planning reform through better land use and transport planning. Why is this important or, more simply, why bother? Are the demands of land use and transport planning just impeding the progress of emerging development plans? Are transport issues at the development management stage not just a resource drain? Well, no. Individual land uses don’t exist in isolation; they need to be accessible and wellconnected to function and thrive as intended. Quite simply, transport provides this. Our role is to make sure our strategic transport networks operate safely and efficiently. By engaging with the planning system, we seek to ensure that Scottish Ministers’ interests in these networks are protected, and that the integrity of the networks is safeguarded to ensure improved connections across Scotland. Planning Authorities naturally have aspirations for the future development of their areas and these will contribute to the Scottish Government’s Purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth. We recognise the challenges which can arise when trying to deal with the varying components within an emerging development plan including housing, education, employment and climate change targets.

Working with Planning Authorities to understand the full picture We understand that public sector planners and the private development

sector both look to the strategic transport networks as a means to help realise their development planning aspirations, and that they will not readily be aware of the wider implications. This is why we particularly encourage Planning Authorities to speak to us as early as possible, and we have been very proactive in this area over the last year or so by engaging at the pre-plan evidence gathering stage. During these discussions we highlight the positive outcomes that can be expected from land use and transport appraisal. Critically, one such outcome is that appraisal should provide an understanding of the impact of the strategic transport network choices on the wider social, economic and environmental policy aims of the development plan under consideration. We also provide background information on the performance of our networks in the Planning Authorities’ areas, including future investment priorities as set out in the Strategic Transport Projects Review. All of this is intended to allow the Planning Authority and ourselves to work together through the emerging Development Plan to a point where we can agree how the Plan and the strategic transport networks can be reconciled. We see development planning and management as one complete process, so early agreement on as much as possible takes the burden off later on, particularly at the development management stage. It also brings certainty in terms of what has been agreed by way of changes, if any, to the strategic transport networks.

This is why we particularly encourage Planning Authorities to speak to us as early as possible, and we have been very proactive in this area over the last year or so by engaging at the pre-plan evidence gathering stage.

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Tripartite discussions Of course, there are many current plans in place which set the context for contemporary planning applications. The present economic difficulties are fully understood by Transport Scotland. We met recently with private industry representatives including the Scottish Property Federation and Homes for Scotland. They have conveyed their members’ concerns in securing funding to get developments up and running. Recognising this, we have discussed different approaches to the delivery of the changes required to the strategic transport network to allow such developments to come forward now. Such tripartite discussions between developers, the Planning Authority and ourselves have centred on the levels of service on our networks, and on funding options from different streams. We are committed to playing our part in delivering planning reform, and this involves successfully tackling the issues and challenges along the way. Early engagement undoubtedly helps. The old adage, “It’s good to talk”, is true. Our wish would be, “the sooner the better.”

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DECEMBER 2009

Scottishplanner : UPDATE - PLANNING REFORM

Local Review Bodies Derek Henderson, Group Leader with Planning and Development Monitoring at the City of Edinburgh Council, charts the Council’s preparation for the work of its Local Review Body. Local review bodies (LRBs) are one of the more radical outcomes of the Modernising Planning agenda. The Council began its process of LRB development last January with workshops involving professional and support staff, elected members and consultancy advice. Reports followed and the Council agreed a new statutory Scheme of Delegation in June. Approved by Scottish Ministers in July, it was adopted by the Council in August. By September, detailed procedures and the City of Edinburgh Planning Local Review Body were established. To date, four requests for reviews have been received, but at the time of writing none has been determined.

Open, fair and transparent Various issues have arisen which have been the subject of discussion: they are not unique to Edinburgh. Firstly, it is hoped that the issue of human rights compliance will be addressed by welldeveloped practices and procedures, resulting in a process which is open, fair and transparent, and carried out in the public gaze. In Edinburgh therefore, there has been an extensive training programme for all concerned, with a specific workshop to address the key role of the LRB chair/convenor. Their ability to keep discussion focused will be critical to the success or otherwise of the process. How the roles of the key players will develop remains to be seen, but it appears that there is little or no place for the officer who made the original decision under delegated powers, or for the local ward member who has had no previous involvement. In our view, the latter cannot just turn up and speak as they might have done formerly at a committee meeting. 06 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

Firstly, it is hoped that the issue of human rights compliance will be addressed by well-developed practices and procedures, resulting in a process which is open, fair and transparent and carried out in the public gaze.

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Finding an independent planning advisor has been difficult, particularly for smaller authorities where officers are often fully involved in all areas of planning. In larger authorities, like Edinburgh, there are officers like myself who do not have, and have not had, any role in the delegated decision-making process, and so can take up this mantle whilst maintaining an effective degree of separation from the process.

Needing further information? Whilst the expectation of Government is that most cases will be determined without the need for further information, there is a concern that some LRBs will, as the norm, have site visits and hold hearings so as to be seen to be fair and consistent; mirroring an appeal situation. However, these are different processes and such an approach is, in my view, unnecessary. What will happen in cases of nondetermination, where not all relevant material is available, will be interesting. Nevertheless, as long as parties have an opportunity to comment on any new material which is necessary for a determination, it should be possible to maintain fairness. This difficulty highlights the tension between, firstly, the need to ensure that the process has had regard to all

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material considerations as required by the Act; and secondly, the need to review the decision which the officer reached from what was then before them. The LRB may have to consider late submissions which are material in planning terms, and will therefore have to consider how best to do so fairly and transparently.

Publishing the decisions The decisions have to be made in public, and how they will be written up and issued presents practical difficulties. Procedures will need to be devised to deal with cases where the LRB decides to make changes to the decision or indeed reverses it. There are many interesting challenges to be faced, and there is more information on how we have tackled them on the Council’s website under ‘Modernising Planning’. For those of you who can remember the TV series ‘Yes, Minister’, you can almost hear Sir Humphrey Appleby saying to Jim Hacker MP, “Introducing local review bodies is the most courageous decision you have yet made Minister!”

Lochgelly Strategic Land Allocation Alison Wood, a planner with Fife Council’s Development Services, reports on new approaches to supporting community engagement being piloted in Lochgelly. Fife, like many areas of Scotland, is blessed with numerous medium-sized towns. Many of these developed around industries that are distant memories, and now are struggling to keep their populations and maintain their town centres. Lochgelly in Fife is one such town, and has been in decline since the closure of its coal mines: in 2004 it was famously identified as having the lowest house prices in Britain. Despite this gloomy picture, history has left the town a positive legacy: there is a railway station with regular services to Edinburgh; and numerous community assets, for instance, a theatre, golf course, allotments, and the nearby Lochore Meadows Country Park. Regeneration projects in the town have restored a derelict building into the College of Further Education and developed a new town square.

Development for Lochgelly The Fife Structure Plan 2006-26 identifies a requirement for 35,000 new homes across Fife over 20 years through seven strategic land allocations. Lochgelly was chosen as a location for 1,750 houses and 25 ha of employment land; with the aim of enhancing the town’s identity and aiding town centre regeneration. Following consultation on potential development options around Lochgelly, Urban Initiatives were commissioned to produce the Strategic Design Framework for the proposed development. Their framework set out a vision for the future of Lochgelly as a well-integrated, well-connected and compact urban settlement with a vibrant, viable town centre. It also identified sites around the town to meet the allocation, and this informed the draft Kirkcaldy and Mid-Fife Local Plan.

Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative Earlier this year Lochgelly Strategic Land Allocation was selected as one of eleven exemplar projects for the Scottish Government’s Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative (SSCI); the only one led by a local authority. The SSCI assessment of the Allocation praised the ‘whole town’ approach taken and the vision of a compact urban settlement produced through new development and regeneration of the existing settlement. The challenge now is to meet this vision and the aspirations of the SSCI. The size of Lochgelly and its semi-rural location, the number of different sites and landowner/developer interests, and the relatively low development values and physical constraints are factors faced by many towns across Scotland. If sustainable development can be achieved in Lochgelly, this can provide a template for development elsewhere.

Lochgelly town square © Fife Council

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… we are well aware of the need to ensure that proposals from the Charrette are Scottish, Fife-based solutions and not a generic import.

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The Scotland Charrette Fife Council is working with the Scottish Government to support Lochgelly Strategic Land Allocation towards successful delivery and to address key issues and barriers to sustainable development encountered by the development industry. This support includes Lochgelly’s involvement in the recently announced Scotland Charrette. Three SSCI exemplar projects, at appropriate stages of the development process and representing different scales of development, were selected. In March 2010, a team of designers from American-based Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company will work with local teams over an intensive six-day community engagement exercise to develop a Masterplan for Lochgelly. Andres Duany is a provocative figure in the design community, and we are well aware of the need to ensure that proposals from the Charrette are Scottish, Fife-based solutions and not a generic import. However, for Lochgelly in particular, this is seen as a major opportunity to exploit the knowledge and skills of a high-quality design team, and to use their experience to explore options with local people and guide future developments. Assuming this is a success, the next challenge will be to translate what is learned into further community engagement events across Fife and Scotland; this time, without backing from the design team and Scottish Government. Such a model of effective community engagement can also further inform the development planning process.

DECEMBER 2009

Scottishplanner : FOCUS ON TRANSPORT

NPF2 and Infrastructure Project Developments Neil Amner, a Partner with solicitors Biggart Baillie LLP and leading transport, environmental and parliamentary lawyer, considers the relationship between the National Planning Framework 2 (NPF2) designation of national development and infrastructure consenting regimes. National developments

Permitted development rights

The designation of ‘national developments’ in NPF2 “is the mechanism for establishing the need for these developments in Scotland’s national interest.” The nature and scale of those projects mean that most come within the ambit of other enabling regimes, or could otherwise be authorised by a private or hybrid Bill in the Scottish Parliament. These include the Transport & Works (Scotland) Act 2007 for new railways which start and end in Scotland; the Harbours Act 1964 for port developments; the Civil Aviation Act 1982 for airports; the Electricity Act 1989 for generation capacity and grid connections; and the Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968 for waste water. These Orders/consents are made by Scottish Ministers and so, you might ask, what is the point of the NPF2 designation? What is the interrelationship of the planning regime and the specific consenting regimes? Where does this leave the local planning authority?

Private or hybrid Bills can remove the need for planning permission to be obtained, but the other statutory regimes do not of themselves grant planning permission. Class 29 of the GPDO provides for permitted development rights for development authorised by (inter alia) any private Act of, or Order approved by, the Scottish Parliament, or made under the Harbours Act. However, Class 29 only extends to developments specifically authorised rather than reliant on general powers and retains a planning authority role in certain circumstances. Recent Scottish infrastructure Private Bills, for example Edinburgh Trams and the Glasgow Airport Rail Link (GARL), restricted the application of Class 29. In addition, the Transport & Works (Scotland) Act (‘TAWS’) procedure allows for a Planning Direction to be granted by Scottish Ministers with conditions and/or subject to further matters reserved to the planning authority.

No one-stop shop The scope of NPF2 designation Section 3A(2) of the 1997 Act states that “the NPF is to set out in broad terms how the Scottish Ministers consider that the development and use of land could and should occur.” (emphasis added). By their very nature, NPF2 designations refer to development in a location which is broadly indicated, rather than to a specific project for a specific site. However, before rushing to dismiss NPF2, it is worth remembering that Section 3A(4) provides that, where a class of development is designated, the designation applies to each development within that class.

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Other authorisation procedures do not fully exclude a role in infrastructure development consenting for the planning authority nor do they provide for a ‘one-stop shop’ for consents. For example, power stations will still require a PPC (Pollution Prevention and Control) Permit from SEPA to operate. In addition, the environmental effects of the proposed national developments considered in the NPF were undertaken as “strategic level assessments.” This “do[es] not remove the requirement for further, more detailed environmental impact assessment at plan or project levels.”

However, before rushing to dismiss NPF2, it is worth remembering that Section 3A(4) provides that, where a class of development is designated, the designation applies to each development within that class.

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Objections to principle restricted? The Annex to NPF2 states that national developments will still require planning permission and relevant consents, “but Ministers may intervene at any stage of the process to ensure that decisions are made expeditiously. Designation … is the mechanism for establishing the need for these developments and statements of need will be material considerations in the determination of planning applications.” The intention is that any subsequent examination will be concerned with detailed matters such as siting, design and the mitigation of environmental impacts, not the principle of the development. What is not clear is the extent to which Scottish Ministers will take a similar line when considering other necessary consents. It is tempting to say that logic would dictate that they must do so – but then when did that ever apply either to law or politics?

first and second National Planning Frameworks also incorporate strategic airport enhancements as nationally important developments. Amongst other projects, Glasgow Airport has developed several new aircraft parking stands and a main terminal extension. Similarly, Edinburgh has developed a parallel taxiway, a terminal extension and a new control tower. © BAA

Come Fly With Me… Ross Nimmo, Glasgow Airport’s Planning Manager, considers the role of airport masterplans in meeting the aviation industry’s development challenges. The 2003 Future of Air Transport White Paper sets out a 30-year vision for the evolution of air transport in the UK. With 32 million passengers in 1970, 189 million in 2002 and up to 460 million forecast for 2020, it provides a policy basis for expanding airport capacity whilst balancing growth against environmental impacts.

Regional economic development The White Paper prioritised increasing routes from regional airports to promote economic development and to relieve the pressure on larger airports: hence an increase in the number of international destinations from/to Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports. Over and above satisfying demand for leisure travel, such links are key to the economic wellbeing of Scotland. The importance of

In the case of BAA’s Scottish airports, the masterplans have also afforded an opportunity for wider public and stakeholder engagement in long-term strategic planning: in many ways bringing airport planning up to the standards of contemporary planning practice.

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international connectivity, particularly in a geographically-peripheral country like Scotland, is recognised as crucial for attracting and sustaining investment. Research undertaken by the Department of Transport suggests that such routes facilitate economic development and that direct routes to other European cities are likely to produce significant growth in tourism. Airports also generate direct economic benefits: a recent study of Edinburgh Airport found that it contributed around £118 million of GVA (Gross Value Added) to the cityregion’s economy.

Airport masterplans The White Paper required airport operators to prepare masterplans to show how additional capacity could be developed. 2004 Government guidance led to Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports duly publishing their plans in 2006. Although not statutory planning documents, planning authorities are required to take cognisance of them when preparing development plans or making decisions. In the case of BAA’s Scottish airports, the masterplans have also afforded an opportunity for wider public and stakeholder engagement in long-term strategic planning: in many ways bringing airport planning up to the standards of contemporary planning practice. At Glasgow Airport, BAA worked closely with the (then) Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan team and Renfrewshire Council to safeguard land for future development in the Development Plan and to identify surface access improvements: the

Environmental commitments However, such developments need to be considered against the backdrop of environmental responsibility. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates aviation’s total impact to be around 3.5% of the human contribution to climate change: by 2050 aviation could account for 5% – scenarios range from 3.5-15%. Along with technological improvements to aircraft, now 70% more fuel efficient than 40 years ago, companies such as BAA are committed to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. BAA is also set to reduce CO2 emissions from energy use by 30% by 2020, compared to 1990, despite passenger numbers being forecast to grow by 130% over that time period: in Scotland, BAA is committed to supporting achievement of the Government’s 2050 80% emissions reduction target. Major airports such as Glasgow have a suite of initiatives to manage the impacts of noise and traffic. Planning authorities also play an important role in establishing land use policies which discourage inappropriate development close to airports and flight paths. Effective surface access, including reliable public transport, is also an area where the public sector has a vital role in providing infrastructure which both reduces emissions from ‘airport journeys’ and underpins economic competitiveness. Many airport masterplans are to be reviewed in 2010/2011, and they will need to continue to meet the challenge of developing infrastructure that both supports our economy and preserves our environment for future generations. For details on the research studies mentioned, email scotland@rtpi.org.uk: also see the Sustainable Aviation Strategy at: www.sustainableaviation.co.uk 09

DECEMBER 2009

Scottishplanner : FOCUS ON TRANSPORT

Transport Outcome Reports:

delivering for community planning

How can planning for local transport support community planning partnerships and their achievement of local and national outcomes? Carol Gilbert, Planning & Strategy Manager at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), considers the use of transport outcome reports to address this goal. SPT is the statutory regional transport partnership of 12 Councils in the west of Scotland, and part of the wider Scottish ‘local government family’. The 2007 concordat between Scottish Government and COSLA provides a key context for the Partnership’s work in strategy development, and in contributing to community planning partnerships’ single outcome agreements (SOAs). SPT has developed transport outcome reports (TORs) to demonstrate how it aligns its activities to support national and local outcomes in 12 different SOAs. These annual reports allow SPT and its constituent Councils to monitor the priorities and actions that support SOAs, the Regional Transport Strategy and local transport strategies. TORs are also a source of information for action plans for local development plans.

Achieving National Outcomes The Concordat removed ring-fencing from Scottish Government funding to councils, and set out the framework for national outcomes and indicators within which SOAs are developed. These agreements cover all councils’ responsibilities and provide the structure for balancing resources across many functions: partner organisations within community planning, including health boards, fire, police, enterprise agencies and regional transport partnerships, then sign up to a particular SOA. Good connectivity and sustainable transport are key to good land use planning decisions and thus successful 10 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

communities. With increasingly competitive challenges for local government funding, there is a risk that transport infrastructure and services will not be seen to meet defined national outcomes: so the alignment between transport projects/services and local, regional and national outcomes needs to be clearly defined. It is often difficult to set out and quantify the specific role of transport in, say, promoting social inclusion, or in supporting regeneration. TORs seek to overcome this, showing transport solutions as effective tools for delivering national and local outcomes and so valuable to community planning partnerships.

How TORs help They form short reports that feature: a review of progress on priorities from the previous year; policy linkages; transport priorities for the year ahead; case studies; and details of commitments given to member Councils. They also demonstrate the alignment between transport activities and the local and national outcomes. SPT uses the reports to support the roll-out of the multi-modal Regional Transport Strategy 2008-2021 A Catalyst for Change and the achieving of its four key outcomes: improved connectivity; access for all; reduced emissions; and attractive, seamless, reliable travel. TORs also help the development of SPT’s Capital and Business Plans that cover functions such as transport strategy development; development/delivery of transport

projects; operating demand-responsive transport; running the Glasgow Subway and bus stations; subsidising sociallynecessary bus services; and promoting modal shift. These functions support achievement of local and national outcomes for the SPT area in various ways, as well as the 1.2 million people who travel within the area. Measuring performance through indicators is an important aspect of the outcome-based approach of both SOAs and the SPT Regional Transport Strategy. SPT is able to provide evidence of changes in accessibility, modal shift and transport emissions, and this work will be strengthened by the introduction of a new performance and planning database. A key feature of the new database will be a community portal which will allow community planning partners to input directly into the TOR process.

Feedback on the process Feedback from member Councils on TORs via a stakeholder survey in 2008 has been very positive, with 93% agreement or strong agreement that they are a clear expression of joint priorities. This innovative approach to the community planning process will help ensure that SPT’s future programme planning is more inclusive of, and accessible and responsive to, local needs; and thus that transport’s role in meeting national outcomes will be defined and transparent.

Creating Healthy Environments: connecting people to their places Janice Gray, Healthy Environments Officer with Living Streets Scotland, discusses how planners can help to improve health and well-being through ’healthy built environments’. As a nation, Scotland is inactive, unfit and increasingly obese. The health of two-thirds of the Scottish adult population is now at risk from physical inactivity; making it one of the most common risk factors for coronary heart disease and a contributing factor to increasing rates of diabetes, some cancers and poor mental health. Obesity and physical inactivity have a significant economic impact arising from demands on health services, absenteeism and reduced productivity. Clearly, the responsibility for tackling this problem does not rest solely with health services; there must be a cross-sectoral approach to remedying the situation. Reversing these trends will require changes in policy as well as culture. While the complexities of such a culture change may not be within the immediate control of planners, within the built environment tackling barriers to active lifestyles certainly is. Wellmaintained streets and public spaces, slower traffic, safe places to cross roads, good signage and route information, and provision of seats and public toilets, all help to get more people walking, more often.

A healthy environment is a walkable environment Walking is the nearest activity to perfect exercise: most people can do it and it

Streets are therefore an existing asset that can be used by local authorities to deliver health, community and environmental benefits, and in so doing contribute to the Scottish Government’s national outcomes for health, inequalities and sustainable places.

A toolkit for walkability To help local authorities to improve the walkability of our villages, towns and cities, Living Streets Scotland has produced the Creating Healthy Environments Toolkit. This online resource includes: • an overview of the evidence linking physical activity, health and the built environment © Living Streets

costs nothing. Yet between 1999 and 2006, the average distance travelled on foot has fallen by 30%. If we also consider that 28% of all driver journeys in Scotland are of 2km or less, there is enormous scope for increasing walking as the travel mode of choice. People’s physical environments can have a very positive impact on their health and well-being, but poor quality surroundings can have the opposite effect. The quality of the street environment will determine how well people use it to move around the places where they live, work and play. Planners can make a huge difference by improving the quality of streets and public spaces for walking, so making it a key part of everyday life. The need to travel by car can be significantly reduced through the creation of mixed-use neighbourhoods with inter-connected street patterns, where daily services such as health centres, public transport, shopping facilities and schools are within walking distance for most residents.

• our policy position on physical activity, health and the built environment • approaches to integrating healthy environments into planning, transport and other local authority strategies and programmes • relevant guides, standards, audits, and assessments - wherever possible, case studies have been provided to demonstrate the practical use of the tools, for example, Fife Council’s urban design guide Creating a Better Fife. The toolkit is designed to be used by policy- and decision-makers and other professionals within local authorities, including planners, transport planners, roads engineers, sustainable development and health improvement officers, and town centre managers. To find out more about the Living Streets Scotland Creating Healthy Environments toolkit, visit: www.livingstreets.org.uk/scotland or contact: Janice Gray, Healthy Environments Officer at janice.gray@livingstreets.org.uk

Living Streets is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets where people want to walk. We work with professionals and politicians to make sure every community can enjoy vibrant streets and public spaces.

DECEMBER 2009

Scottishplanner : FOCUS ON TRANSPORT

Smarter Travel Solutions for Effective Placemaking Influencing Travel Behaviour Continuum How can you use transport creatively to make better places? Jon Harris, a member of the RTPI-TPS Transport Planning Network and Technical Director for Smarter Choices at consultancy Mouchel, considers … As a professional committed to the development of smarter travel solutions for the last 15 years, it has been very encouraging to see the rate at which travel behaviour change innovations have grown in Scotland. Ten years ago I worked on my first Scottish commission to help develop the University travel plan for Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Two years ago I returned to the city to talk to travel planners on the effectiveness of residential travel plans and how smarter travel options have a powerful impact on the form of development and the creation of sustainable, vibrant ‘places’. Since then I have seen a steady movement towards smarter travel solutions across the UK, with each Administration looking at the tools they can apply to their communities - culturally, socially, economically and environmentally. There may be different drivers, but there is clearly a 'centre stage’ role for smarter travel.

Smarter Choices, Smarter Places In Scotland since the year 2000, we have seen a consistent policy- and project-based shift towards travel planning and travel behaviour change, for example: school travel; the formation of Cycling Scotland; and the ramping up of ACTTravelWise. The Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA, has grasped fully the critical relationship between smarter travel and effective placemaking

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Diehard Motorists/ Non changers

Committed sustainable transport users

Ability to influence towards sustainable transport usage Target sector for return on intervention

20%

Target Audience Market

80%

100%

Targeted spending/ activity where it has most impact

Reproduced by Design Links from material © Mouchel 2009

through its Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) initiative which is designed to increase ‘active travel’ and the use of public transport, and to tackle transport emissions. The enthusiasm for creating such sustainable communities was witnessed by the nearly 40 bids to the SCSP from 28 Scottish authorities. SCSP is now running to 2012 across seven very different geographical locations with populations of 10,000 to 40,000, from Glasgow to Orkney, and can help achieve a real step change in travel behaviour.

Working with communities For a time my perspective was that smarter travel would really only lend itself to transport within the Scottish Central belt and larger eastern coastal towns, but my experience with Inverclyde and Scottish Borders Councils, and with smaller English ‘market town’ communities, has convinced me that it works for all scales. It is about choosing the right mix of measures and solutions for a community and embedding them through existing networks that can build trust in new ideas. By understanding the needs of local people from their point of view, and

taking account of their culture, transport can fit around core community-based issues. Combining a robust residential travel plan with public transport, walking and cycling investment allows the formulation of a masterplan that gives space back to the community. It creates streets where children can play, priority routes for pedestrians, and enhanced levels of private and affordable housing. Reduction of the car parking ratio to 1:1 means the whole ethos is one of creating space for people to meet, socialise and feel safe – in other words placemaking. As the diagram above shows, in any travel behaviour change programme a key step is to identify the right ‘markets’ to tackle; that is those people who can change, rather than those who won’t or don’t need to.

Reducing traffic In the U.K, we are at an exciting point in the evolution of smarter travel choices: turning from aspiration to real science with evidence to show that smarter ways of travel create sustainable communities and shape ‘place’. For example, and as tested at public inquiries, Smarter Choices can be

For the Games, for the Legacy used for residential travel planning to create ‘headroom’ on the road network by retrofitting its benefits to much wider sections of the community. Success depends on the provision of top quality, Disability Discrimination Act-compliant pedestrian routes from development sites through to the town centre, and improved pedestrian accessibility once there. Through the introduction of wide area smarter travel measures, tailored to the needs of the local population in ‘market town’-sized settlements, a developer can reduce existing traffic levels and accommodate future growth.

In for the long-term To embed smarter travel, there needs to be a 5-10 year, long-term management strategy locked in place through the planning process. This can ensure that ‘connections’ infrastructure is promoted and the concept of smarter places sustained. Otherwise it is not only the modal shift targets or bus services that will suffer; the community will start to lose its sense of place as cars block footways, children cease to play out, and neighbourhoods become sterile. The challenge today for any major development is to 'think smart' about the way it provides transport and access by using travel behaviour solutions to widen the sustainable placemaking agenda. Let’s believe we can create and maintain places for people where smarter travel is so embedded it becomes second nature, easy and convenient … leaving a legacy so vibrant that business and residential communities will not let go. Now that really is smart thinking. For further details on the RTPI-TPS Transport Planning Network, email transport@rtpi.org.uk; the Smarter Travel Guide, view www.iht.org; and Scottish Government initiatives, view www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/ transport/sustainable-transport

Bruce Kiloh, Interim Director of Policy & Strategy at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) outlines the potential of a new Dalmarnock rail station. Redevelopment of Dalmarnock rail station will provide a safe, modern, accessible transport hub to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the east end of Glasgow/Clyde Gateway area. The station will be a key hub for visitors to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and a lasting legacy for communities and businesses in the area. Currently facilities are limited, and the station has no covered, heated waiting area or public facilities. There is poor awareness of the station, which is set in dereliction and has limited on-street presence. The stairs down to the platforms result in a low level of accessibility for disabled people. Safety and an overall unpleasant station ambience and environment are also issues… but it has great potential. Westbound to Glasgow city centre is a five minute journey on the four trains per hour: eastbound, four trains per hour run to Motherwell and Hamilton. A current footfall of about 60,000 passengers, the majority for football games and major events at Parkhead Stadium, means there is significant capacity available for additional use. The project will provide: • improved safety through CCTV and HelpPoints plus enhanced lighting and visibility at platform level • improved accessibility for disabled people - lifts to each platform and a replacement footbridge • improved information – real time service information and customer notices • improved presence – a new, well signposted, replacement building on Swanston Street • improved ambience/environment – fundamental, user-friendly facelift

The station currently… © SPT

• improved integration - with the high-frequency bus services on Dalmarnock Road, the East End Regeneration Route and completion of M74, and the rich mix of land uses planned in the vicinity. According to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, Dalmarnock is in the top 5% ‘most deprived’ areas in Scotland. Clyde Gateway URC and its partners aim to change that: with 10,000 new housing units planned, including conversion of the Games Athletes’ Village bringing much needed population; and some 400,000 m² of commercial property and 50,000 m² of retail/services facilities planned, to create about 21,000 jobs. A revitalised station will be key to attracting new business and residents. As well as Parkhead Stadium, the station will be five minutes walk from the new Games facilities: the Athletes’ Village, the National Indoor Sports Arena, and the Velodrome.

Going forward Partnership has been key to the project’s development with SPT as current project sponsor and Network Rail as delivery agent; other partners include Transport Scotland, Games 2014 Ltd, First ScotRail, Glasgow City Council and Clyde Gateway URC. Costs are currently estimated to be around £8m, with SPT, the URC and the City Council signed up to contribute significant sums. An application to the European Regional Development Fund is presently being assessed. The redevelopment of Dalmarnock station is an ideal opportunity to provide a facility which will serve the Games well … and leave a lasting legacy.

DECEMBER 2009

Scottishplanner : VIEWS AND NEWS

A Planner’s Profile Bruce Kiloh is interim Director of Policy & Strategy at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and heads up a department with a wide range of responsibilities including the Regional Transport Strategy; policy, research and analysis; and guiding the SPT capital programme. Here, he recounts his career since securing his degree in Town Planning from the University of Strathclyde in 1993. A breadth of experience The year I graduated was not a good year for planners: it was difficult to get planning jobs not only in the west of Scotland but also across most of the UK. For a year I ‘temped’, working in an insurance company in Glasgow. I then took a post-graduate course in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), which widened my horizons and strengthened my analytical skills. On completing the course, I secured a one-year contract with British Gas doing digital mapping, before moving to London and joining the Ministry of Defence's Military Survey - the military version of the Ordnance Survey. In 1999, I joined SPT as an assistant project officer with a focus on analysis using GIS, and since have worked there in a variety of roles which have introduced me to all aspects of transport planning and policy. My advice to young planners, when thinking about the problems which confront them on approaching the job market for the first time, is not to be afraid to diversify into the world outside planning: be prepared to try out different things, broaden your horizons and see how the world operates. Having a planning background has enabled me to see the impact transport has across the fields of social inclusion, economic growth and the environment.

Challenges at SPT A couple of years ago I became the Chief Executive's Senior Transport Adviser, and this role taught me that I had to think with a corporate 14 www.rtpi.org.uk/rtpi_in_scotland/

My advice to young planners, when thinking about the problems which confront them on approaching the job market for the first time, is not to be afraid to diversify into the world outside planning: be prepared to try out different things, broaden your horizons and see how the world operates.

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perspective: for example, by learning to influence others through demonstrating the benefits of properly planned transport provision and partnership working. SPT is making great strides in this area, working with community planning partnerships and regeneration agencies: recently, I was seconded to the Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Project for one day a week. This is a good time to be in transport. There is a lot going on: the climate change agenda in which transport is a key component; development and legacy opportunities within the Commonwealth Games; and tackling social exclusion by reducing the barriers to travel and stimulating development and regeneration. In 2006 SPT changed from being a transport executive to one of seven Regional Transport Partnerships in Scotland. One of the new major statutory responsibilities SPT acquired was preparing a Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), and I was one of the

team that put this new strategy together. It was a challenging task because for the first time SPT had to prepare a strategy which addressed all transport matters: roads, rail, ferries and public transport. The preparation of the first RTS was a very inclusive exercise, and SPT engaged with all stakeholders in the region. I took a particular responsibility for the Equalities Impact Assessment; the first time one had been completed on a transport strategy in Scotland.

Looking ahead At the present time, SPT has a busy agenda. We are addressing the modernisation of the Subway and the development of Fastlink - a Bus Rapid Transit System; integrated ticketing including Smartcard technology; implementing the Step Change for Bus programme that includes bus transport compliance inspectors, reviewing public transport route networks, and improving bus infrastructure such as real time information for passengers; and seeking to improve the safety and security of passengers and staff. Finally, it should be noted that SPT is also keeping its eye on the long-term by maintaining an interest in the development of a High Speed Railway to London, and I believe that this will have the impact on UK travel in the 21st Century that the motorways had on the 20th.

Barriers to delivering mixed use development in Scotland Douglas Wheeler, Principal of Douglas Wheeler Associates, summarises the conclusions and recommendations from the recently published research on mixed use development, commissioned by the Scottish Government Directorate for the Built Environment. The research was commissioned to explore whether the perceptions of mixed use are correct; to identify why and where mixed use development has and has not occurred; and to highlight barriers and enabling factors. The barriers that have been identified overlap and are interrelated, and this cross-cutting dimension has implications for broadening the debate, knowledge and understanding of how to deliver more mixed use development. The term mixed use is very loosely defined, and the strength of commitment to promoting and delivering mixed use development in local plans in Scotland has been variable. Planning reform in Scotland presents an ideal opportunity to put in place appropriate interventions to deliver more, better quality, mixed use development, and this will require the appropriate skills. In the current economic downturn and the move to recovery, there are likely to be very significant opportunities to stimulate and deliver appropriate mixed use development using new kinds of ‘delivery models’. Local planning authorities in Scotland could adopt a more proactive role to sponsor, pilot, promote and deliver mixed use development projects, and the research has culminated in four recommendations and fourteen suggestions, namely: Scottish Government to enable provision of more proactive advice on how to deliver mixed use development and improve skills: the working definition of mixed use development - utilised in the research - needs to be refined and broadly agreed. Using a more specific and agreed definition would also allow more robust and accurate statistics to be collected. Overall, planning policies on mixed use development need to be more precise and firmly founded on an understanding of realistic market opportunities for use; policies should require rather than just encourage mixed use. Robust capacity and market studies are essential to help justify mixed use masterplans, and to set their context and specific location.

Quartermile development, Edinburgh: one of the case studies in the research © Gillian Macfarlane

An initiative to promote delivery of mixed use development: the aim should be to be proactive and to advocate mixed use development to local government officers and members, community councils, residents and business groups; to collect and share good practice; and to invest in resources, tools and research. Local authorities should audit their skills base to identify their particular training and recruitment needs. The Improvement Service and professional institutes, like RIAS, RICS, RTPI and others, should deliver relevant skills development and CPD training at the appropriate levels. A small team of independent experts, possibly in conjunction with the Improvement Service or Scottish Property Federation, could be established to provide specific advice to local planning authorities on structuring joint ventures to deliver mixed use development. Enhanced advocacy role for Architecture + Design Scotland: it may be possible for A+DS to take on an enhanced advocacy role in promoting the delivery of mixed use development, particularly in the context of planning reform and economic recovery. Encourage and pilot new approaches to deal structure funding and managing mixed use developments: exploring different models to deliver mixed use development and disseminating best practice will be vital. This includes the possibilities of using Planning Permission in Principle with a Parameters Plan and then Area Planning Briefs. New models for funding ‘up front’ major infrastructure for larger, more complex, mixed use developments, for example, Tax Increment Financing should to be considered. Aiming to better promote the use and benefits of the legislation that affects multiple residential ownerships is also suggested. The research was undertaken by Douglas Wheeler Associates with Ann Flint Associates, Austin-Smith: Lord, and Edinburgh College of Art (School of Architecture-ScotMARK). For the full research report, visit: www.scotland.gov.uk/ Publications/2009/09/03094938/0

DECEMBER 2009

Scottishplanner : VIEWS AND NEWS

News and events RTPI News

Other Planning News and Events Jim Boyack Memorial Trust’s 17th Award of £1,500

Stephen Granger (pictured) is this year’s beneficiary of the Jim Boyack Memorial Trust Award. He is a mature undergraduate student in his third year of the BSc Planning and Property Development course at HeriotWatt University. Stephen decided to make a career change into planning following work as a residential property valuer and a previous career in cartography. As a mature student with family responsibilities, he will Barbados – south coast boardwalk under construction - now protects the coastline and provides a public amenity © Barbados Town and Country Planning Society

As part of World Town Planning Day 2009 on 8 November, Scottish Planning Policy Officer Charles Strang contacted consulates in Scotland to request information on the work their countries are undertaking in response to the challenges of climate change. Responses so far have been received from nine very diverse states: Barbados, France, Germany, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, Namibia, New Zealand and Norway. These can be viewed via the RTPI in Scotland homepage at: www.scotland.rtpi.org.uk - then select ‘Policy and Communication – Climate Change/World Town Planning Day’ in the left-hand column.

Erratum Apologies to both Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and John Walls for our mistake in wrongly crediting John with the photograph of the new National Park offices in the last Issue of Scottish Planner - Oct 2009, p16. Many thanks to the National Park for supplying the photograph: the correct credit is – © Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

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Planning Aid for Scotland: Mediation in planning … and regeneration? Nick Wright, of Nick Wright Planning and a volunteer Director with Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS), reports. The recent PAS seminar on 16 October in Edinburgh considered how to take forward the emerging idea of mediation in planning. The event followed the Scottish Government’s publication of A Guide to the Use of Mediation in the Planning System in Scotland; prepared by Core Solutions earlier this year. The tone was set by John Sturrock QC of Core Solutions who explained how mediation can produce better and more efficient decision-making, lower costs, and less risk for developers and planning authorities. With a mix of benefits like that, you might wonder why it isn’t already more mainstream! Mediation is all about moving away from the confrontation and antagonism that can so often be found in planning; from public inquiries to community consultation. The aim is to find solutions which are workable for everyone: in other words, building places which are better for everyone, rather than ‘winner takes all’. With a lively cross-section of participants from local authorities, community groups, planning consultancies, developers and the Scottish Government, the discussion groups that followed were interesting and wideranging. We looked particularly at where mediation could be used in planning and the following key points emerged:

use the bursary to assist with the costs of his studies. The Trust was established in memory of Jim Boyack, Senior Vice Convener of the RTPI Scottish Branch at the time of his death in 1990, in gratitude for his life and distinguished work, enthusiasm and contribution towards the planning profession in Scotland. Jim was passionate about the profession and its role in creating a more inclusive and sustainable society. He also believed in encouraging young planners to become involved in the Institute and to contribute fresh ideas. Since 1993 the Trust has made 17 annual awards, disbursing over £10,000 and easing the financial burden for 17 students. The Trustees are now concentrating on accruing capital and attracting regular income from those who kindly contribute through Gift Aid. The Trust also receives donations at RTPI events. For more information contact: Janet Brand, Honorary Secretary to the Trust, at jimboyacktrust@aol.com Mediation is useful at the start of the development process between developers and communities, when developers are selecting sites for proposals. It is really part of a wider need for more engagement, communication and facilitation with local communities before plans are even drafted. Early engagement helps to build trust and avoid positions hardening. Using mediation skills: as well as formal mediation with different parties and a trained mediator, there is great scope for the use of mediation skills: for instance, training planners so that they can use mediation skills in their everyday work to break down conflict and build consensus. PAS was mentioned as a useful home for mediation in planning because of its independence and credibility – not by a PAS volunteer or staff member! The need to continue to raise awareness of mediation and mediation skills was widely agreed. Personally, I believe it could be as useful in regeneration as in planning. For more information please do contact PAS. Friends of Planning Aid for Scotland: PAS is an independent charity and receives financial assistance from Scottish Government, local authorities, RTPI and individual donations. With an ever-increasing demand on its services, it needs your help too as a volunteer, or by giving support through a donation. For more information, view the Support Us form at: www.planningaidscotland.org.uk

Scottish Government News Roddy Macdonald, Head of Planning Modernisation and Co-ordination Division, updates. Delivering Planning Reform remains a key document in the drive towards a planning system which contributes to increasing sustainable economic growth. It is now just over a year since publication and, as can be seen in the recently published progress report, signatories have made important strides towards fulfilling the commitments – view: http://scotland.gov.uk/PCC. To help support the delivery of development on the ground, we will be looking at two key areas related to the provision of land and infrastructure. This will include investigating how we can improve processes for the consideration of compulsory purchase orders. This work will be led by Stephen Jones, on secondment from Registers of Scotland. Richard Slipper and Alasdair Morrison from GVA Grimley will also be working with us over the next six months on issues related to development viability and infrastructure provision. Highland Council Trainee of the Year Simon Hindson, a graduate planner with the Highland Council Planning and Development Service, has recently been awarded Trainee of the Year, as part of the Council’s commitment to apprenticeships and trainee schemes. Simon joined the Council in July 2008 after studying at HeriotWatt University, and has played a critical role in the setting-up and running of the major development pre-application process: its smooth running is in no small part due to his involvement. Simon was commended as a fantastic asset to the Service and the Council as a whole. He was presented with his award by Leigh Greig of Clydesdale Bank and is also pictured with award compere Brian Taylor.

‘Scottish Planner Extra’… on the web The following articles and reports are available via the RTPI in Scotland Group web-pages – for RTPI Members only. To register and/or access, view: www.scotland.rtpi.org.uk – then click on the green box, top-left – or www.rtpi.org.uk/groups/rtpi_in_scotland/ Articles • Rural Land Use summit – Allan Garvie reports • John O’Groats masterplan – report from GVA Grimley & Robert Adam Architects Other reports: • Annotated note of the RTPI in Scotland Geddes Lecture 2008 – produced by John Rosser • RTPI Environmental Planning and Protection Network seminar on the Marine (Scotland) Bill 2009 and RTPI International Development Network seminar on Migration and Housing Development in China’s ‘Urban Villages’. • Members’ News and Policy Pages

RTPI Membership Renewal 2010 Your 2010 subscription renewal includes the Membership and Subscription Guide which lists the RTPI's 2009 achievements and the benefits of 2010 membership: you can download a copy via www.rtpi.org.uk/membershipguide ... and can also now pay your subscription online at: www.rtpi.biz.

We are also taking the opportunity to revise guidance on community engagement, currently contained in PAN 81, and making this link better to the new planning landscape; also see the report on the mediation pilot that follows this update. We held the first meeting of a new Scottish Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Forum on 3 November 2009, and will soon be publishing a Planning Advice Note on SEA and Development Plans. In addition, I would draw your attention to guidance on two recent Court rulings which have implications for Environmental Impact Assessment in Scotland – view via http://scotland.gov.uk/PP Finally, the Planning (Control of Major-Accident Hazards) (Scotland) Regulations 2009 came into force in November. These Regulations replace the Schedule in the Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Scotland) Regulations 1993, and amend the duties on plan-making authorities regarding taking into account such sites – for further details view www.opsi.gov.uk. Piloting mediation in planning – case studies opportunities: The Scottish Government’s Directorate for the Built Environment is seeking opportunities to test the use of formal mediation in live planning cases across Scotland. Earlier this year the Government published a Guide to the Use of Mediation in the Planning System in Scotland, which explains that, where used appropriately, mediation can generate quicker decisions; improve engagement; and increase public confidence in the planning system. Disputes in a range of different planning situations can benefit from mediation, including development planning, development management and enforcement. The Government is commissioning a qualified and experienced mediator to provide mediation support in around five individual planning disputes during the first half of 2010, and is looking for test cases. All participants in each test case dispute would need to agree to take part in the study. An independent evaluator would observe each mediation session, seek the views of participants and assess the overall impact. If you would like more information about the pilot, including how to propose a planning case for possible inclusion within the study, please contact Agnes Rennick at the Directorate for the Built Environment via: agnes.rennick@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

DECEMBER 2009

Scottishplanner

Policy briefing

PUBLICATIONS SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS

I Energy - Taking forward our National Conversation National Conversation paper on Energy (25/11/09)

I Efficiency Outturn Report 2008-09 Efficiency outturn report 2008-09, giving details of efficiencies made in Directorates of the Scottish Government and wider Public Sector. (24/11/09)

I Employability and Skills: Taking forward our National Conversation Choosing Scotland's Future - A National Conversation: Employability and Skills: Taking forward the National Conversation (24/11/09) I People and Culture in Scotland 2008: Results from the Scottish Household Survey Culture and Sport Module 2007/2008 Cultural attendance and participation in Scotland based on the Scottish Household Survey. (24/11/09)

I Investigation of the Economics and Potential Environmental Impacts of the Production of Short Rotation Coppicing on Poorer Quality Land AEA report produced for the Scottish Government. (23/11/09)

I Polnoon Masterplan: Idea to Design Residential Streets Project Architecture & Place document relating to Polnoon masterplan, idea to design. (23/11/09)

I People and Communities: Taking forward our National Conversation National Conversation Paper focusing on health, housing, law and order, transport and children’s issues. (19/11/09) I Low Carbon Vehicles: Digest Report Low Carbon Vehicles: Consultation responses Digest Report. (18/11/09)

I Local Delivery Plan 2010/11 Guidance Local Delivery Plan guidance 2010-11. (13/11/09)

I Impact of Long Term Sewage Sludge Additions to Biological Function in Scottish Soils Project looking at the impacts of sewage sludge application on soil function. (10/11/09) I Informing Future Approaches to Tackling Multiple Deprivation in Communities: Beyond the Fairer Scotland Fund Research to assess the development and implementation of the Fairer Scotland Fund and to provide a detailed picture of the continued support needs of Community Planning Partnerships in tackling poverty and deprivation under an outcome based framework. (10/11/09)

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I Changing Land Use in Rural Scotland Drivers and Decision-Making - Research Finding No. 8 Part of the Rural Land Use Study, summarises findings from research exploring current and future drivers and factors involved in decisions about the use and management of land in Scotland. (09/11/09)

I Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2006: Understanding Engagement of Owners and Users This report gauges how engaged private water supply owners/users are with risk assessment and supply improvement opportunities, and considers how communication with owners/users on these issues could be improved. (09/11/09) I Realising the Potential Contributions of Scotland's Rural Land to Delivering Sustainable Economic Growth - Research Findings No. 9 This research forms part of the Scottish Government Rural Land Use Study. It brings together evidence on contributions of Scotland’s rural land to Sustainable Economic Growth; identifies conflicts and complementarities between rural land uses; and analyses case studies of integration in practice. (09/11/09)

I Statistical Bulletin Household Transport in 2008 Provides information about the transport facilities available to households (e.g. cars, bus services) and some travel by household members (e.g. to school, to work) in each Council area in Scotland. (09/11/09) I The Role of the Public Sector in Realising the Benefits of Scotland's Rural Land - Research Findings No. 10 Part of the Rural Land Use Study, summarises findings from research exploring the role of the public sector in encouraging and facilitating approaches to deliver benefits from Scotland’s rural land. (09/11/09)

I The Scottish Government Response to the Recommendations of the Commission on Scottish Devolution Scottish Government Response to the Commission on Scottish Devolution. (09/11/09)

I Renewable Heat Action Plan for Scotland: a plan for the promotion of the use of heat from renewable sources A plan for the promotion of the use of heat from renewable sources. (05/11/09)

I Monitoring and Evaluation of Agrienvironment Schemes Report of a study 'Monitoring and Evaluation of Agrienvironment Schemes' carried out from 2004-2008, which investigated the effects in Scotland of the Countryside Premium Scheme, Rural Stewardship Scheme and Organic Aid Scheme on biodiversity, (plants, invertebrates and birds), landscape and cultural heritage (archaeology). The fieldwork

was conducted on 331 scheme farms and 240 non-scheme farms, where possible pairing the scheme farms with similar nearby nonscheme farms. (30/10/09) I Review of Economic Assessment in Rural Transport Appraisal - Research Findings The research reviews the economic assessment tools and procedures used by Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) for rural transport schemes. (30/10/09) I Economic Recovery Plan: Update Update of the Scottish Economic Recovery Plan. (29/10/09)

I Production of a Time Series of Scotland's Ecological and Greenhouse Gas Footprints The report provides a time series of Scotland's Ecological Footprint and Greenhouse Gas Footprint for the period 1992-2006. Technical details are provided in the Annexes. (29/10/09) I Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2009 Guidance Leaflet Guidance leaflet covering what the SIMD 2009 can and can't be used for. (28/10/09)

I Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers: A Quality Assurance Framework 2009 Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers: A Quality Assurance Framework 2009. (28/10/09) I The Scottish Sustainable Procurement Action Plan Scottish Sustainable Procurement Action Plan. (28/10/09) I Rural Affairs, Environment and Climate Change - Taking Forward our National Conversation This paper is part of the National Conversation series of papers, considering issues for rural affairs, the environment and climate change. (19/10/09)

I CHR Guide: Building a Common Housing Register: A Practitioner's Guide A practical guide to the development of common housing registers between local authorities and registered social landlords in Scotland. The guide draws on the experience of those areas in Scotland who have successfully implemented a Common Housing Register to assist those in the early stages of developing a CHR. (16/10/09) I Government response to the Stakeholder Advisory Group on Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields (ELF EMFs) (SAGE) recommendations A copy of the Joint Government Response to the First Interim Assessment: Powerlines and Property, Wiring in Homes and Electrical Equipment in Homes Report of the Stakeholder Advisory Group on Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (SAGE) (16/10/09)

Details of Scottish Government publications and consultations are reproduced courtesy of Crown Copyright.

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT PUBLICATIONS SPICe Briefings These research briefings are for use by MSPs in support of parliamentary business in the Committees and in the Chamber, and are always impartial. Briefings can also be viewed via: www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/ index.htm

I SB 09-80 Economic Indicators This briefing provides a selection of indicators on aspects of the Scottish economy. (13/11/09)

I SB 09-77 Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy This briefing has been prepared for members of the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee. The paper describes the main aspects of the Common Fisheries Policy, and considers the European Commission’s Green Paper on the future of the policy. It explains how the Scottish Government and UK Government are working to prepare responses to the Green Paper. (29/10/09) I SB 09-76 The Scotch Whisky Industry Restructuring announcements by large

companies within the Scotch Whisky industry over the summer of 2009 have brought the industry under the public and political spotlight. In response, the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee is considering holding an inquiry into the industry. This briefing is intended to provide the Committee with an insight into the current state of the Scotch Whisky industry. (28/10/09)

I SB 09-75 Judicial Review This briefing provides an introduction to judicial review. Judicial review is a type of court action which allows parties to challenge the exercise of power by UK and Scottish Ministers, UK and Scottish government departments and agencies, non-departmental bodies, local authorities and other official decision makers. In certain circumstances, judicial review can be used to challenge Acts of the UK and Scottish parliaments. It can also be used to challenge subordinate legislation. (28/10/09)

I SB 09-72 School Buildings: Frequently Asked Questions This briefing gives a short overview of key facts relating to school buildings, based on enquiries frequently received in SPICe. (07/10/09)

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

I Commission on Architecture and the Built Environment Design review: principles and practice Explains how design review can support good design through the planning process and how to set up and run a design review panel. Case studies illustrate the breadth of panels now operating and share learning from their experiences. (11/09)

I Greens Annotated Acts The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 There have recently been numerous important reforms to planning legislation in Scotland. The absence of consolidating legislation necessitates constant crossreferencing between the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and those provisions of the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 which amend it. This book draws together the two Acts and presents the 1997 Act fully up-to-date, with all changes made to it. It also includes a substantial introduction by Professor Jeremy Rowan Robinson which considers the key amendments and their importance – view via www.sweetandmaxwell.co.uk (11/09)

CONSULTATIONS Current consultations to which the Institute may wish to respond are listed below. They can also be viewed on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/ Current. To assist the Institute in preparing representative responses, Members are invited to contribute their views by post or email - see contact details on p2 or on the RTPI in Scotland website ideally no less than 14 days prior to the end of the consultation period. The Institute’s Scottish responses can be found at www.rtpi.org.uk/item/760/23/5/3.

CONSULTATIONS FROM THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT AND OTHER PUBLIC BODIES

I Consultation on the Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland (05/01/10)

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act commits the Scottish Government to prepare and publish a plan for • promoting energy efficiency; and • improving the energy efficiency of living accommodation. This consultation document sets out a comprehensive approach to energy

efficiency by the Scottish Government and the public sector in Scotland, focusing on its impact on energy and economic development, housing and transport, and on the role it can play in delivering climate change targets

I Consultation on public sector equality duty specific duties (15/01/10) Proposals for specific duties to be placed on Scottish public authorities to assist them deliver on the general equality duty outlined in the UK Government's Equality Bill.

I Consultation on the Councillors' Code of Conduct (18/02/10)

I Consultation on Options for the Implementation of the Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) (26/02/10) I Proposal to modify the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Designation Order (18/01/10)

I Proposal to modify the Cairngorms National Park Designation Order (18/01/10) I Consultation on the Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland (05/01/10)

I Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005: Consultation on the Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland: Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report (05/01/10)

CLIMATE CHANGE CORNER If space permits, each set of policy pages from the Scottish Planner will have a small corner devoted to Climate Change matters, giving additional emphasis to those consultations and publications addressing issues of Climate Change mitigation and adaptation, and sharing both problems and solutions. What key references and sources do you use? Tell us about them so we can share them with other practising planners! I Consultation on the Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland

I Energy - Taking forward our National Conversation

I Investigation of the Economics and Potential Environmental Impacts of the Production of Short Rotation Coppicing on Poorer Quality Land

I Changing Land Use in Rural Scotland - Drivers and Decision-Making - Research Finding No. 8

I Renewable Heat Action Plan for Scotland: a plan for the promotion of the use of heat from renewable sources

I Production of a Time Series of Scotland's

Ecological and Greenhouse Gas Footprints

I The Scottish Sustainable Procurement Action Plan

I Rural Affairs, Environment and Climate Change - Taking Forward our National Conversation

I Consultation on public sector equality duty specific duties (15/01/10)

DECEMBER 2009 :

Scottishplanner Directory MUNRO Consultants Traffic & Transport Specialists

Mark Myles MSc MRTPI Tel: 01738 450506 email: mm@mbmplanning.co.uk www: mbmplanning.co.uk

• Transport Assessments • Green Transport Plans • Traffic Engineering Studies • Development Master Plans • Public Inquiries

Hargest & Wallace Planning

Planning and Development advisers to the Public and Private sectors

Hugh Munro: PO BOX 28296 Edinburgh EH9 3WT 0131 662 6611 email:hm@munroconsult.co.uk

Bryan Wallace MRTPI Keith Hargest MRTPI MIHT MRICS 22 Manor Place, Edinburgh EH3 7DS Tel: 0131 226 1718/Fax 0131 226 1719

PPCA LTD CHARTERED CONSULTANT TOWN PLANNERS AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 25 Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PS Tel 0131 225 1225 Fax 0131 220 1773 E-mail: enquiries@ppca.co.uk www.ppca.co.uk

We know About Noise The Charlton Smith Partnership

Contacts Peter PC Allan MSc, Dip Arch, RIBA, RIAS MRTPI Ronald H Oliver Dip TP (Edin) MRTPI Andy Follis BSc MPhil, MLI Neil Sutherland BA Hons, MRTPI

Town Planning, Acoustics & Noise Control Consultancy throughout Scotland

NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENTS IN PLANNING, TRANSPORT AND CONSTRUCTION

urban design futures info@urbandesignfutures.co.uk www.urbandesignfutures.co.uk

EXPERT WITNESS

RPS Consultants PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ON: • Development Plan Representations • Masterplans • Environmental Impact Assessments • Landscape Design • Planning Applications • Public Inquiries Contact Alan Pollock on 0131 555 5011 Ocean Point One, 4th floor 94 Ocean Drive Edinburgh, EH6 6JH rpsed@rpsplc.co.uk

keppie planning Planning & Development Consultants Contact: Baxter Allan & Gordon MacCallum 160 West Regent Street • Glasgow • G2 4RL Tel: 0141 204 0066 • Fax: 0141 226 4571 Lynsey Fraser 6 Bells Brae • Dean Village • Edinburgh • EH14 3BJ Tel: 0131 220 3067 • Fax: 0131 220 3068

Public Inquiries and Court Actions

Tel: 01241 859495 Fax: 01241 859496 email: info@consult-csp.co.uk www.consult-csp.co.uk

Glasgow Edinburgh Perth Inverness Aberdeen Belfast

www.tymconsult.com

www.keppiedesign.co.uk planning@keppiedesign.co.uk

MONTGOMERY FORGAN ASSOCIATES Chartered Town Planners & Architects

FOR COMPREHENSIVE INDEPENDENT PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERTISE David Wardrop B.S.c (Hons,) M.R.T.P.I David Queripel M.A. (Hons), Dip TP, M.R.T.P.I

Tel: 01334 654936 Fax: 01334 656629 admin@montgomery-forgan.co.uk www.montgomery-forgan.co.uk

• rural development projects • renewable energy projects • site appraisals • planning application submissions Tom Hardie 0131 660 2705 tom@hardieplanning.co.uk www.hardieplanning.co.uk

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Paul Houghton - Director Email: pjh@alliance-plan.co.uk Tel: 0141 248 2882 Mobile: 07971 826250

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Scottishplanner Directory Distribution Each edition reaches: • almost 2200 Members across Scotland • 300+ organisations/individuals across Scotland including universities, local authorities, central government, MSPs, organisations working in the built and natural environments, professional bodies, national and professional press/media. It is also available as an electronic version, which includes the advertisers, on our public web-pages - the Scottish Planner webpage averages 350+ hits per month.