Chapter 1: Introduction

View overlooking a jetty with lots of sailboats

Background

1.1 This is the adopted local plan for the rural west part of the Counci's area. It has been prepared following the publication of a draft plan in 1994 and two finalised plans in 1999 and 2003, all of which are now superseded. The plan replaces three local plans previously in force:Queensferry (adopted -1986), Ratho, Newbridge and Kirkliston (adopted 1985) and Currie-Balerno (adopted 1987). The plan has been prepared to conform to the Edinburgh and the Lothians Structure Plan 2015. The plan area is shown on the Proposals Map at the back of this document.

Local Plan Purposes

1.2 Planning is about providing for development and maintaining and improving environmental quality in the wider public interest, while protecting the rights of the individual. The concept of 'sustainable development' now underpins European Community, Government and Council policy and the statutory planning system is central to its delivery. Local plans are key documents in setting out planning policy to this end. They should provide a stable and consistent frame-work for the promotion and control of development within which land use decisions can be made with confidence.

1.3 This local plan brings the Counci's policies and proposals for the development and use of land in the Rural West Edinburgh area, including environmental conservation and traffic management measures, into one integrated document. It provides a framework for sustainable development and movement patterns that takes account of the long-term needs of the area's people. Local plans have to conform to the approved structure plan. When adopted, this local plan, together with the Edinburgh and the Lothians Structure Plan 2015, will be the statutory development plan for the area.

1.4 More detailed supplementary planning guidance on subjects such as sustainable development, house extensions, parking standards, satellite dishes and window replacement policy is contained in the Counci's Development Quality Handbook.

Preparation Process

1.5 A consultative draft local plan was published in 1994. A finalised plan was published in April 1999 and a local plan inquiry was programmed to start in May 2000. This was not held in order to clarify legal issues surrounding new Human Rights legislation. Following this, in January 2001 the Council decided to re-finalise the local plan in light of the emerging Edinburgh and the Lothians Structure Plan which proposed significant changes to land use and transportation issues/matters in Rural West Edinburgh. Further changes have subsequently been introduced by the Scottish Executive's West Edinburgh Planning Framework. The re-finalised plan also reflects a range of other new policy guidance and proposals.

1.6 A separate Report of Publicity and Consultation sets out the background to the 1999 finalised plan and the preparation of this plan in detail. It summarises the various stages and the inputs made by consultees and objectors.

1.7 This plan was placed on 'public deposit' in the normal way and formal objections were lodged with the Council during this period. Those objections received which could not be resolved through discussion, were considered at a local plan inquiry (LPI), a kind of public local inquiry held by a Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporter. Further changes resulting from the LPI were advertised and representations submitted for consideration by the Council prior to adoption.

1.8 The Council has published a Local Planning Charter which outlines how plans are prepared, explains how their contents can be influenced and describes what can be expected from the Council at each stage in the process. It also sets out the standards of service which the Council aims to provide in local planning matters generally. The Charter is available on the Counci's website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk.

Plan Period, Monitoring and Review

1.9 Local plans do not have fixed operational periods but should provide firm guidance with a high level of certainty for at least five years. This plan's underlying strategy and many of its specific provisions are expected to remain relevant for longer than this. The plan will be monitored to assess its continued effectiveness and will be formally appraised at least every two years. The policies, in particular, will be regularly assessed to ensure they are adequate to address current and emerging land use and environmental issues. If necessary, the Council will alter the plan to maintain its relevance.

1.10 Relatively minor alterations to the plan can be made using an optional streamlined procedure which omits the draft stage. There would still be opportunities to object to the 'finalised' proposals. Immediate issues may need to be addressed through non-statutory supplementary planning guidance which would be incorporated into the plan as soon as possible thereafter.

Format

1.11 This plan comprises the Written Statement and the Proposals Map. It should be read as a whole and all policies relevant to a proposal should be considered. The Map is contained in a pocket at the back of this document and shows the boundaries of areas, sites and frontages covered by the policies and proposals. (The online interactive Proposals Map is available via a link on the Contents page of this document). The Written Statement is textbased and sets out policies and proposals for the area with supporting justification. If there is any apparent conflict between the two parts of the Plan, the Written Statement takes precedence.

1.12 The Written Statement addresses the principal topics of Environment; Minerals, Renewable Energy and Waste Management; Housing and Community Facilities; Economic Development and Tourism; Transport; and Retailing. Chapter 2 sets out the plan's guiding principles and its strategy.

1.13 Policies and proposals that apply to specific areas are identified on the Proposals Map. They include a number of development opportunities which have been identified for implementation by the Council and the private sector and which have the potential to fulfil important planning objectives. These are listed in the various topic chapters. To help developers, the plan contains summarised planning briefs for some of these sites. Full planning briefs will be prepared for key sites, as appropriate.

Status of Plan in Development Control

1.14 The adopted local plan and the approved structure plan make up the statutory development plan. The importance of the development plan in making development control decisions is established in Section 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 which states that: "Where, in making any determination under the planning Acts, regard is to be had to the development plan, the determination shall be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise"

1.15 Most development control decisions are likely to be founded on the development plan. Where development is proposed which clearly conflicts with the up-to-date development plan, a compelling justification for departing from the development plan will be required. Statutory procedures govern the approval of development which is contrary to the development plan. Such proposals must be advertised and any representations received must be carefully considered by the planning authority.

Other Council Strategies

1.16 The plan's approach is consistent with other approved and emerging non-statutory Council service delivery and strategy documents. These include the City Strategy, the City Plan, 'OneCity', the City Housing Strategy and the Local Transport Strategy. All these are available on the Counci's website.

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