LGC/S3/10/18/A

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE

AGENDA

18th Meeting, 2010 (Session 3)

Wednesday 23 June 2010

The Committee will meet at 10.00 am in Committee Room 1.

1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 11 and 12 in private. The Committee will also decide whether its consideration of the evidence heard and its draft report on the Property Factors () Bill should be taken in private at future meetings.

2. National Planning Framework 2: The Committee will take evidence on the Scottish Government NPF2 Progress Report from—

Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, Graeme Purves, Assistant Chief Planner, Emma Hay, Principal Planner, and Rebecca Frost, Student Planner, Directorate for the Built Environment, Scottish Government.

3. Subordinate legislation: The Committee will take evidence on the draft Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2010 from—

Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, Graeme Purves, Assistant Chief Planner, Sam Anwar, Team Leader, and David Reekie, Policy Officer, Planning, Legislation and Performance Team, Scottish Government.

4. Subordinate legislation: Stewart Stevenson MSP (Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change) to move S3M-6479—

That the Local Government and Communities Committee recommends that the draft Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2010 be approved.

5. Subordinate legislation: The Committee will take evidence on the draft Applications by Creditors (Pre-Action Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2010 and LGC/S3/10/18/A

the draft Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act 2010 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 from—

Alex Neil MSP, Minister for Housing and Communities, Stephen Sandham, Team Leader, Housing Access and Support Division, Stephanie Prowse, Solicitor, and Colin Brown, Senior Principal Legal Officer, Scottish Government.

6. Subordinate legislation: Alex Neil MSP (Minister for Housing and Communities) to move S3M-6588—

That the Local Government and Communities Committee recommends that the draft Applications by Creditors (Pre-Action Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2010 (SSI 2010/draft) be approved.

7. Subordinate legislation: Alex Neil MSP (Minister for Housing and Communities) to move S3M-6589—

That the Local Government and Communities Committee recommends that the draft Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act 2010 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 (SSI 2010/draft) be approved.

8. Subordinate legislation: The Committee will consider the following negative instruments—

the Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) (Scotland) Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/233); the Local Government Pension Scheme Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/234).

9. Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009: The Committee will consider correspondence from the Convener of the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee.

10. Draft Budget Scrutiny 2011-12 - appointment of adviser (in private): The Committee will consider a list of candidates for the post of budget adviser.

11. Housing (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will consider issues arising from its Stage 1 report.

12. Property Factors (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will consider its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1.

Susan Duffy Clerk to the Local Government and Communities Committee Room T3.40 The Scottish Parliament Tel: 0131 348 5217 Email: [email protected] LGC/S3/10/18/A

The papers for this meeting are as follows—

Agenda item 2

Scottish Government Progress Report LGC/S3/10/18/1

PRIVATE PAPER LGC/S3/10/18/2 (P) Agenda item 3

SSI Cover Note LGC/S3/10/18/3

Agenda item 5

SSI Cover Note LGC/S3/10/18/4

SSI Cover Note LGC/S3/10/18/5

Agenda item 8

SSI Cover Note LGC/S3/10/18/6

SSI Cover Note LGC/S3/10/18/7

Agenda item 9

Letter from Convener of the Transport, Infrastructure and LGC/S3/10/18/8 Climate Change Committee

Agenda item 10

PRIVATE PAPER LGC/S3/10/18/9 (P) Agenda item 11

PRIVATE PAPER LGC/S3/10/18/10 (P) Agenda item 12

PRIVATE PAPER LGC/S3/10/18/11 (P)

LGC/S3/10/18/1

Local Government and Communities Committee

18th Meeting, 2010 (Session 3), Wednesday, 23 June 2010

National Planning Framework 2 – Action Programme

Scottish Government Progress Report for the Local Government and Communities Committee – June 2010

Context 1. The second National Planning Framework (NPF2) was published on 25 June 2009. An Action Programme was published alongside NPF2 to aid the delivery of national developments and other key elements of the spatial strategy set out in the Framework. The Action Programme identifies 80 actions, setting out how they contribute to the NPF strategy, milestones and the partners that will be involved in delivery. These actions, in combination, will contribute to the implementation of the strategy for Scotland’s long-term development articulated in NPF2.

2. The Action Programme is designed to be a tool for use by all partners involved in implementing the NPF strategy. It is not a list of actions that will be undertaken or facilitated by the Scottish Government. NPF2 does not in itself carry any implication of public funding and is not intended to raise expectations about the prioritisation or funding of particular projects. Many elements of the strategy will be taken forward by the private sector, or other parts of the public sector, without Government involvement or funding.

3. The Action Programme is a working document which has been regularly updated throughout the year. It is available on the Scottish Government’s website, and a facility for partner organisations to send updates is provided. The Action Programme has two main roles – to focus on what needs to be done to achieve the vision set out in NPF2, and to allow progress in implementing national developments and the spatial strategy to be monitored.

4. Twelve months on from the publication of NPF2 and the Action Programme, a comprehensive review of progress has been completed and the web version of the Action Programme has been fully updated. This report summarises the key elements of the progress identified. It does not provide a comprehensive description of all activity associated with the NPF strategy and national developments. Instead it focuses on the progress with national developments and strategic development activity identified in the spatial perspectives.

National Developments 5. Legislation provides for the National Planning Framework to be used to designate certain developments as national developments. Designation in the NPF is the mechanism for establishing the need for the developments in the national interest. Fourteen developments are identified as national developments in NPF2 – replacement Forth crossing; West of Scotland strategic rail enhancements; high speed rail link to London; strategic airport enhancements; Grangemouth freight hub; additional container freight capacity on the Forth; port

1 LGC/S3/10/18/1

developments on Loch Ryan; Scapa Flow container transhipment facility; new power station and transhipment hub at Hunterston; new non-nuclear baseload capacity at other existing power station sites; electricity grid reinforcements; Central Scotland Green Network; metropolitan Glasgow strategic drainage scheme; and 2014 Commonwealth Games facilities. Progress on each of these developments is summarised below.

Replacement Forth Crossing - The Forth Crossing Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 16 November 2009. The Bill passed Stage 1 in May 2010. Royal Assent to authorise construction of the Crossing, and contract award for construction are scheduled for 2011.

West of Scotland Strategic Rail Enhancements – a Steering Group has been formed, led by Transport Scotland. Network Rail published a Route Plan for Scotland West on 31 March 2010, which sets out the vision for the future of the route and the strategy for achieving that vision.

High Speed Rail Link to London – A Scottish stakeholder group was formed in June 2009 to develop a strategic business case for high speed rail. This business case was submitted to HS2 in October 2009. In April 2010 HS2 were instructed by the UK Secretary of State for Transport to examine the potential for expanding high speed services to Scotland. This report is due by the end of 2010.

Strategic Airport Enhancements: Edinburgh Airport – a West Edinburgh Development Partnership, led by Scottish Enterprise, has been formed. Work is currently focusing on preparing a high level implementation plan for strategic infrastructure to unlock West Edinburgh’s full potential. Progress in airport enhancement continues to be made through recent and ongoing terminal building enhancements and current forecourt improvements. A new taxiway and additional aircraft stands are anticipated to commence in 2010. The review of the airport masterplan has commenced. Public consultation will happening later in 2010. In May 2010, planning permission was granted, subject to negotiation of legal agreements, for the tram and rail interchange at Gogar.

Strategic Airport Enhancements: Glasgow Airport – an Airport Surface Access strategy was published in 2009. The Airport Masterplan is currently under review by the BAA led steering group. Airport developments in 2009/10 include £31m terminal extension, £4m forecourt improvement and £3m taxiway rehabilitation. As part of the draft budget statement to Parliament on 17 Sept 2009, Scottish Ministers announced the cancellation of the branch line element of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project. Work on the main line between Glasgow Central and Paisley will continue.

Strategic Airport Enhancements: Aberdeen Airport – planning consent for runway extensions was granted in 2009. Construction has not yet commenced. Airport developments in the last 12 months include runway resurfacing, a new multi- storey car park and a new international walkway.

2 LGC/S3/10/18/1

Strategic Airport Enhancements: Glasgow Prestwick Airport – an Airport Working Group has been convened, led by the Ayrshire Joint Planning Unit. SPT is preparing a Surface Access Strategy which will be published for consultation in autumn 2010. In February 2010 Ryanair announced the construction of a new maintenance hangar, which is scheduled to open in October 2010.

Grangemouth Freight Hub – Falkirk Council has worked up detailed feasibility designs for local road improvements at M9 on- and off-slips. A longer term proposal is in place to upgrade main dock access, linked to M9 motorway junction relocation. The option to relocate M9 junction 6 to the north was included in STPR, but no funding is allocated for this in the programme to 2016. Planning consent is in place for Avon Gorge link road (A801/M8) and all land in Falkirk and West Lothian has been acquired. Detailed design work for railhead improvement in the port has been completed. Electrification of the line is part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Project. Falkirk Council has commissioned a detailed flood risk assessment for Grangemouth. The report is expected in summer 2010.

Additional Container Freight Capacity on the Forth – Babcock is proposing the development of an International Container Terminal at Rosyth. An Environmental Impact Assessment scoping opinion was issued in February 2010. The proposal of application notice was submitted to Council at the end of May 2010.

Port Developments on Loch Ryan – Stena Line Ltd’s Harbour Empowerment Order was approved by the Scottish Parliament and came into force on 4 February 2010. New Loch Ryan ferry port is scheduled to open in autumn 2011. Planned improvements to the A75 and A77 are expected to be completed by the time the port opens.

Scapa Flow Container Transhipment Facility – analysis undertaken for Orkney Islands Council in 2009 indicates that there is no compelling business case for the development of a container transhipment facility at Scapa Flow in the short term, however more fully utilising the deep water at Scapa Flow remains a long- term aspiration. Orkney Islands Council is proposing a Strategic Business Area around Hoy, Farra and Flotta which is suitable for a container transhipment facility and other large scale business development, in particular opportunities which support the development of the marine renewable energy potential of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.

New Power Station and Transhipment Hub at Hunterston –an application was submitted to Scottish Ministers under section 36 of the Electricity Act for a new multi-fuel power station with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology and associated gas compression plant at Hunterston in June 2010.

New Non-nuclear Baseload Capacity at Other Existing Power Station Sites – Scottish Ministers granted consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act for the Life Extension Project Generating Station at Longannet and revision to the Ash Disposal Strategy at Valleyfield and Longannet Ash Lagoons in March 2010. The scheme comprises Selective Catalytic Reduction and revision of the strategy for

3 LGC/S3/10/18/1

ash deposition in order to extend the lifespan of the station to 2030. The main construction period will be 2012-15. The proposal has been shortlisted as part of the UK competition for CCS demonstration projects. In January 2010, applied for consent to construct and operate a gas-fired Combined Cycle Gas turbine generating station at Cockenzie Power Station. Nominal capacity for the proposed generating station is 1000MW.

Electricity Grid Reinforcements: increase north-south transfer capacity on Central Scotland - Central Scotland reinforcements are being funded under SPT Networks TIRG project (Transmission Investment for Renewable Generation). The reinforcements comprise three projects - Easterhouse was completed in 2008; Windyhill is due to be completed in July 2010; and Clydesmill is due to be completed in 2011. SPT Networks has operational measures in place to increase capacity ahead of completion of Clydesmill in 2011.

Electricity Grid Reinforcements: South-West Scotland Overhead Transmission Line - SPT Networks is working with East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council on consent for the reinforcement. If consents and approvals are in place by the end of 2010, reinforcement work could be complete by 2013. Projects making use of this reinforcement would be connected in 2014.

Electricity Grid Reinforcements: Strengthen Scotland-England Interconnectors - SPT Networks at tender stage. Works scheduled for 2011-12.

Electricity Grid Reinforcements: Upgrade East Coast Transmission Line - SHETL is working on all pre-construction aspects, including detailed design, environmental impact and consultations with statutory bodies. Environmental surveys are underway. Scoping document outlining the project was submitted to the Scottish Government in March 2010. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

Electricity Grid Reinforcements: Upgrade Bealy- Transmission Line - Regulatory approval from Ofgem to proceed to construction was secured March 2010. SHETL has developed and type tested a new conductor specific to this line. Environmental reports have been produced for the SSSIs/SPAs/SACs within the area of the existing line and agreements in principle reached with SNH on mitigation requirements during construction. The contract will be placed in June 2010 for line work, commencing in summer 2010. Completion scheduled for October 2012. The contractor for the Dounreay substation works is scheduled to be appointed in July 2010, with completion in December 2012. Interest in potential onshore and marine renewable generation developments is sufficient to justify SHETL examining further reinforcement options in Caithness and the North West.

Electricity Grid Reinforcements: Reinforce Beauly-Keith Transmission Line - Two reinforcements currently underway – a new substation at Knocknagael and replacement of conductors on the existing Beauly-Blackhillock overhead line. Ofgem approval to proceed on both projects was secured in March 2010.

4 LGC/S3/10/18/1

Electricity Grid Reinforcements: reinforce the sub-sea cable link between Orkney and the Scottish mainland - SHETL taking part in a pilot project led by Orkney Islands Council which will examine the further extension of the network management options pioneered on Orkney by SSE, formulate reinforcement options.

Electricity Grid Reinforcements – New Sub-Sea Cable for Outer Hebrides and Shetland Islands - Consent is in place for 450MW link between Grabhair on Lewis and Beauly. An inquiry into the convertor station at Beauly in scheduled for July 2010. SHETL submitted a project funding request to Ofgem in May 2010. Consent has also been sought for 600MW link between Upper Kergord on Shetland and Blackhillock in Moray, and outline planning permission has been

secured for a convertor station at Blackhillock. In December 2009, the European Commission awarded €74m from the European Energy Programme for Recovery for the inclusion of an offshore hub in the Moray Firth on the route of the proposed Shetland link, allowing for connection of a new sub-sea cable to export electricity generated from renewable sources in Caithness, the Pentland Firth and Orkney, and earlier connection of potential offshore wind farm developments in the Moray Firth.

Central Scotland Green Network – the Chair and Board membership of CSGN were announced in February 2010. A draft Prospectus, Vision and Work Plan for 2010-15 were published for consultation in April 2010, and a series of consultation workshops for stakeholders were held in May and June 2010. In May 2010, Scottish Ministers announced the creation of a £500,000 Central Scotland Green Network Development Fund, which will be administered by Forestry Commission Scotland and aims to support the development of early projects delivering the Green Network on the ground.

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Scheme – Implementation of integrated drainage design has been progressed through the development of masterplans for Dalmarnock/Clyde Gateway and Commonwealth Games Village. Assessments and computer modelling are progressing to inform future flood mitigation proposals. A city-wide strategic surface water management study has been commissioned and is due for completion in 2011. The strategic capacity of the watercourses in the east end of Glasgow is being increased through the construction of a multi-million pound storm overflow culvert from Camlachie Burn to the River Clyde.

2014 Commonwealth Games Facilities – construction of the National Indoor Sports Arena and Velodrome is underway and planning permission has been granted for the Tolcross Pool facilities extension. The planning application for the Commonwealth Games village has been submitted. In May 2010, a £2.8 million investment from the European Regional Development Fund to support the redevelopment and refurbishment of Dalmarnock station was announced.

6. Considerable progress has been made with the National Developments in the last twelve months. The partner organisations have been working constructively

5 LGC/S3/10/18/1

together to achieve this progress, reflecting the importance of these developments to sustainable economic growth in Scotland.

Spatial Perspectives

7. The vision for Scotland’s development to 2030 has been related to each broad region of Scotland to provide spatial perspectives for the Central Belt, East Coast, Highlands and Islands, Ayrshire and the South-West and South of Scotland. These perspectives address spatial issues of national importance which cut across city-region and local authority boundaries. The Action Programme identified 29 actions across the five regions. Key elements of progress are set out below.

Central Belt • Clyde Waterfront regeneration - work on a new 12,500 seat arena at the SECC has started, land ownership consolidation is being progressed at Pacific Quay, and the business case for the development of Fastlink is being finalised. Improvements to junction 19 M8 to facilitate new riverside developments are being investigated. • Clyde Gateway regeneration - the site assembly programme is well advanced. Projects on site include a £35m business park and the redevelopment of B- Listed Olympia Building at Bridgeton, resourced from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund. Clyde Gateway URC is working in partnership to redevelop Dalmarnock Station and on the relocation of the Strathclyde Police Force HQ to the area. • Riverside Inverclyde regeneration - a Limited Liability Partnership has been created with Peel to redevelop 107 acre James Watt Dock Site. Riverside Inverclyde URC is currently working on Victoria & East India Harbours where new homes, retail and business space will be developed alongside Greenock Arts Guild Theatre.

• Strengthen Central Belt connectivity and Glasgow-Edinburgh collaboration – the Edinburgh Glasgow Collaboration Initiative (EGCI) is an established partnership between Edinburgh City Council, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise which works to facilitate action in support of economic development objectives. Transport Scotland is leading on the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Project (EGIP), which includes improvements to railway infrastructure, rolling stock and service provision. A new hourly service was introduced in December 2009 on the Edinburgh-Glasgow via Shotts line. EGIP is scheduled for completion by 2016. • Upper Forth development – Scottish Enterprise has completed a study into opportunities and challenges for the chemical sciences, renewable and logistics industries on the Upper Forth. • Edinburgh Waterfront regeneration - detailed planning applications for the first two phases of the Leith Docks development have been submitted. Pre- application consultation has been carried out in advance of an application for a biomass generating station. Some residential, commercial and retail

6 LGC/S3/10/18/1

developments including two supermarkets, a new College campus and a public park have been completed. • Edinburgh BioQuarter - the £59 million Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine will open in 2011. Significant progress is being made with the delivery of a flood management scheme, public transport link and landscape setting for the site. Funding has been secured for a specialist £24 million bioincubator facility. Further expansion land is being acquired by Scottish Enterprise for the long-term growth of the BioQuarter. • West Edinburgh –Scottish Enterprise is currently preparing a high level implementation plan for strategic infrastructure to unlock the full potential of the area. • Craigmillar regeneration – in May 2009, Craigmillar was identified as an exemplar project within the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative. Construction of a further phase of affordable homes started in November 2009 and a shared equity scheme for first time buyers was launched in February 2010. • Raploch regeneration - in May 2009, Raploch was identified as an exemplar project within the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative. A Green Arena project was launched in 2009 which aims to use sites awaiting redevelopment as temporary landscape and green spaces.

East Coast • Strengthen East Coast corridor connectivity and collaboration – an incremental approach to Aberdeen Crossrail has been agreed. Additional services are now operating across Aberdeen to Dyce and Inverurie, a new station opened at Laurencekirk in May 2009 and feasibility work is being carried out on reopening Kintore station. Nestrans published a draft rail action plan for consultation in February 2010. • Strengthen Aberdeen City and Shire’s role as Scotland’s northern gateway – Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Forum (ACSEF) is working with partner organisations to deliver the economic action plan for the area, which focuses on life sciences, tourism, energy and food and drink. • Regeneration and renewal in Dundee – the 15 year programme of regeneration at Dundee Waterfront aims to reconnect the city centre with the river. Initial road realignment, tunnel strengthening and development of a storm water tank have been completed. The next stage, involving the realignment of ramps to the Tay Road Bridge and construction of a northern boulevard, commenced in May 2010. Regeneration is being taken forward across the city, particularly focused on Whitfield, Hilltown and Lochee, with significant input from the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund and the Town Centre Regeneration Fund. • Develop the potential of the Dundee-Perth-Stirling strategic transport corridor – the Tayplan Main Issues Report was issued for consultation in March 2010, setting out options for development along this corridor. • Promote Fife as a key location for business and tourism activity – the Fife Economic Strategy commits to making Fife the easiest place to do business and a centre of excellence for renewable energy, manufacturing, research and services. An associated action plan has been approved by the Fife

7 LGC/S3/10/18/1

Economy Partnership. A draft tourism strategy is due to be published by the end of 2010.

Highlands and Islands • University of the Highlands and Islands Campus – planning permission for the initial phase of campus development was granted in May 2010. Highlands and Islands Enterprise has committed over £30m funding. • Improve connectivity between Perth and Inverness – Transport Scotland is working with Network Rail and First ScotRail to progress service frequency and journey time improvements between Inverness and Glasgow/Edinburgh. It is anticipated that the first phase of the project will be delivered in December 2011. • Develop role of Inverness as the Highland capital – Highland Council is working with Architecture + Design Scotland to prepare a new City Vision for Inverness. • Realise development potential of Inner Moray Firth and A96 corridor – Highland Wide Local Development Plan Main Issues Report was published for consultation in August 2009. • Realise potential of Stornoway’s Western Harbour as an Energy Portal – the focus of development potential for the Energy Portal has shifted to Arnish, which has potential to serve offshore renewable energy developments in the Minch and West of Hebrides. • Realise potential of Cromarty Firth and Nigg Fabrication Yard – the Scottish Government SNH, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Highland Council have agreed to gather evidence to support the assessment of the likely impacts of the development aspirations around the Moray Firth on Natura interests. In February 2010, the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan identified Nigg as a potential first phase site for the integrated manufacture of renewable energy devices. • Review the boundary of the Cairngorm National Park – the Scottish Government is pursuing the statutory process for modifying the Cairngorm National Park Designation Order to bring about the boundary change. Statutory public consultation on the draft order ended on 31 May 2010. • Tackle the challenges of the Highlands and Islands Fragile Areas programme – Highlands and Islands Enterprise has established Community Account Management, initially with 18 communities but expanding to 42 by 2012, and is working with communities and public agencies to develop and implement community growth plans. Since June 2009, HIE has invested £2.5m in fragile areas, including support for business expansion and the establishment and growth of social enterprises. This investment has levered over £14.6m from other sources. • Develop marine renewable resources in the Pentland Firth – in March 2010, the Scottish Government published a draft report on the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan Framework and Regional Locational Guidance for Marine Energy, which provides the basis for discussions with stakeholders.

Ayrshire and the South West

8 LGC/S3/10/18/1

• Strengthen the role of Ayrshire as Scotland’s Western Gateway – a Joint Ayrshire Economic Regeneration Group has been established to identify strategic inhibitors which need to be addressed to maximise sustainable economic growth. • Regeneration in Ayr, Irvine, Kilmarnock and former mining towns in East Ayrshire – an Integrated Regeneration Strategy for Kilmarnock was approved in May 2009. East Ayrshire Council is investing £21m in Kilmarnock town centre to create a new office campus, scheduled for completion in 2010. Cumnock town centre masterplan was agreed in November 2008 and is being implemented by East Ayrshire Council in partnership with a developer. A Town Regeneration Plan is in place for Irvine, produced by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company. • Develop Dumfries & Galloway’s role as regional centre for the south-west – implementation of the £2m Dumfries Town Centre Regeneration Fund project is underway.

South of Scotland • Develop the institutional framework, the economic potential of the M74 corridor and the gateway role of the South of Scotland – in November 2009, the South of Scotland Alliance published an updated competitiveness strategy and associated action plan. • Deliver water and drainage infrastructure to support the expanded communities served by the Borders rail line – many significant constraints to development have now been removed through Scottish Water and developer investment. The remaining constraints are being addressed by Midlothian Council and Scottish Borders Council working with Scottish Water to deliver infrastructure where and when required.

8. Significant progress is already being made across Scotland with many of the actions, demonstrating a cross sector commitment to sustainable economic growth. In addition to action on the ground, the new generation of strategic and local development plans which are emerging are taking forward the vision set out in the National Planning Framework.

Conclusion 9. The strategy for Scotland’s spatial development set out in NPF2 covers the period to 2030. The progress being made in implementing the strategy after only 12 months is already significant. This demonstrates both a commitment to increasing sustainable economic growth across Scotland and the relevance of the NPF strategy. The creation of the Action Programme has enabled a practical focus to be applied to the strategy, helped to provide clarity on milestones and delivery responsibilities and provided a useful method for monitoring progress. The Action Programme is a ‘live’ document and will therefore be adjusted and refined to ensure its continuing relevance and usefulness.

9 LGC/S3/10/18/3

Local Government and Communities Committee

18th Meeting, 2010 (Session 3), Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Subordinate Legislation

SSI title and The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and number: Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/draft)

Type of Instrument: Affirmative

Meeting: 23 June 2010

Date circulated to members: 8 June 2010

SSI drawn to Parliament’s No attention by Sub Leg Committee: These Regulations amend the Town and Purpose: Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (“the principal Regulations”). Paragraphs (1) to (4)(h) of regulation 2 remove redundant references to “deemed applications” where they appear in the principal Regulations. Where an appeal was made against an enforcement notice an application for planning permission was previously deemed to have been made by virtue of section 133(7) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. This section has been repealed by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006. Regulation 2(4)(i) makes minor changes to the table of fees set out in the Schedule to the principal Regulations.

1

LGC/S3/10/18/4

Local Government and Communities Committee

18th Meeting, 2010 (Session 3), Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Subordinate Legislation

SSI title and The Applications by Creditors (Pre-Action Requirements) number: (Scotland) Order 2010 (SSI 2010/draft)

Type of Instrument: Affirmative

Meeting: 23 June 2010

Date circulated to members: 17 June 2010

SSI drawn to Parliament’s No attention by Sub Leg Committee: This Order makes provision in relation to the Purpose: pre-action requirements set out in section 5B of the Heritable Securities (Scotland) Act 1894 (“the 1894 Act”) and section 24A of the Conveyancing and Feudal Reform (Scotland) Act 1970 (“the 1970 Act”), both Acts as amended by the Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act 2010.

1

LGC/S3/10/18/5

Local Government and Communities Committee

18th Meeting, 2010 (Session 3), Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Subordinate Legislation

SSI title and The Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act 2010 number: (Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 (SSI 2010/draft)

Type of Instrument: Affirmative

Meeting: 23 June 2010

Date circulated to members: 17 June 2010

SSI drawn to Parliament’s No attention by Sub Leg Committee: This Order makes consequential provisions in Purpose: connection with the Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 6).

1

LGC/S3/10/18/6

Local Government and Communities Committee

18th Meeting, 2010 (Session 3), Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Subordinate Legislation

SSI title and The Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and number: Investment of Funds) (Scotland) Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/233) Type of Instrument: Negative

Meeting: 23 June 2010

Date circulated to members: 17 June 2010

SSI drawn to Parliament’s The Subordinate legislation Committee will attention by Sub Leg consider this SSI at its meeting on 22 June. Committee: These Regulations consolidate the Local Purpose: Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 as amended. In addition to minor and drafting changes, changes of substance have been made.

1

LGC/S3/10/18/7

Local Government and Communities Committee

18th Meeting, 2010 (Session 3), Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Subordinate Legislation

SSI title and The Local Government Pension Scheme Amendment (Scotland) number: Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/234)

Type of Instrument: Negative

Meeting: 23 June 2010

Date circulated to members: 17 June 2010

SSI drawn to Parliament’s The Subordinate legislation Committee will attention by Sub Leg consider this SSI at its meeting on 22 June. Committee: These Regulations amend the Local Purpose: Government Pension Scheme (Administration) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 (“the Administration Regulations”) and the Local Government Pension Scheme (Benefits, Membership and Contributions) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 (“the Benefits Regulations”).

1

LGC/S3/10/18/8

Local Government and Communities Committee

18th Meeting, 2010 (Session 3), Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009

1. The Convener of the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee has written the attached letter regarding proposed parliamentary scrutiny of a report from the Scottish Government on its proposals and policies for meeting Scotland’s climate change targets.

2. As you will note from the letter, it is not yet clear what will be the precise format of the report (and therefore the extent to which its contents will relate to this Committee’s remit) nor what will be timetable for scrutiny as this is dependent on when the Scottish Government lays the report. However, at this stage, the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee is seeking confirmation as to whether, in principle, the Committee would be interesting in participating in the parliamentary scrutiny.

3. It is recognised that the format of the report and the scrutiny timetable will have a bearing on whether the Committee’s remit will be engaged and whether the Committee will have sufficient time to scrutinise the report. With these caveats, the Committee is invited to agree whether, in principle, it wishes to participate in the parliamentary scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s climate change report. This decision and, if appropriate, a potential approach to scrutiny can be further considered once the report is laid.

Susan Duffy Clerk to the Committee

1

LGC/S3/10/18/8

LETTER FROM THE CONVENER OF THE TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE

Dear Duncan

Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009

I am writing to let you know about proposed parliamentary scrutiny of a report from the Scottish Government on its proposals and policies for meeting Scotland's climate change targets.

This statutory report on proposals and policies (RPP) is required under section 36 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, and sets out how the Scottish Government intends to meet its annual climate change targets, the timescales of the proposals and policies, and an explanation of how these are expected to contribute towards the delivery of the interim target, the 2050 target, and in each target year, the domestic effort target.

Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act, Scottish Ministers must have regard to the views of Parliament, or committee(s) of the Parliament, on the draft version of the RPP before a final version of the report is laid. This scrutiny must take place within a “period for Parliamentary consideration” of 60 days.

The purpose of this letter is to alert you to the opportunity for your Committee to participate in the scrutiny of this important document.

I will be writing to the Conveners of each of the Committees which might have a particular interest in the subject matter of the RPP and may wish to take part in its scrutiny. I am also copying the letter to other relevant Committee Conveners for information on the basis that there may be elements of the document which are of interest to their Committees.

The precise format of the RPP is not yet clear, but it is anticipated that it may build upon the contents and structure of the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Delivery Plan, published in June 2009.1 The RPP must also, under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act, explain the proposals and policies regarding the respective contributions to meeting the annual targets that should be made by (a) energy efficiency, (b) energy generation, (c) land use, and (d) transport.

Format of parliamentary scrutiny of the RPP

During the passage of the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill, the provisions in section 36 were described as amounting to “NPF-style” scrutiny, and I

1 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/06/18103720/0 2

LGC/S3/10/18/8

therefore anticipate that parliamentary scrutiny may take a similar form to the scrutiny of the National Planning Framework 2 document in late 2008.

I anticipate that there would be committee scrutiny of the RPP, a committee report (or reports) published and that this would be followed by a debate in the chamber. Although it will be for the Parliamentary Bureau to decide, I anticipate that the RPP would be considered by the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee as the lead committee, with other committees with an interest in the RPP reporting to it. The TICC Committee would publish a report which would take into account the views of any other committee reports. I have written the Presiding Officer to invite the Parliamentary Bureau to consider this approach.

In relation to the timescales for parliamentary scrutiny, we anticipate that the draft RPP will be laid just after summer recess, although it is possible that this timetable may slip slightly, as a consequence of recent decisions by the Parliament on climate change SSIs.

If the RPP is laid in early September, the statutory timescales require that parliamentary scrutiny would need to be completed by early November.

Once the timescales and format of the parliamentary scrutiny become clearer, I will be in a position to outline the likely date by which the TICC Committee will request reports from other committees.

In the meantime, I would be grateful if you could let me know if, in principle, your committee would have an interest in participating in the parliamentary scrutiny of the RPP document.

Yours sincerely,

Patrick Harvie MSP Convener Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee

3