West Edinburgh Planning Framework

A framework to support increased sustainable economic growth in West Edinburgh has been published today by the Scottish Government.

Infrastructure Minister Stewart Stevenson said the West Edinburgh Planning Framework (WEPF) would help improve transport connections, stimulate investment and job creation. The WEPF:

• Supports the allocation of land for Edinburgh Airport's growth to 2020
• Supports the allocation of land for the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland's new showground on the opposite side of the A8 from Edinburgh Airport
• Reserves land for an International Business Gateway - for global, European or UK headquarters or high-value accommodation for internationally-recognised organisations

Mr Stevenson said:

"Scotland's planning system should be an aid to support sustainable economic growth while protecting the quality of the natural and built environment.

"A planning and development regime which is joined up, combining greater certainty and speed of decision making can benefit everyone in Scotland - not least the business community.

"West Edinburgh is a key area in helping to create a more successful country, providing opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish.

"The West Edinburgh Planning Framework recognises the need for Edinburgh Airport expansion, the importance of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society and the role of the International Business Gateway in helping to give Scotland a competitive edge and is consistent with our ambitious climate change targets.

"Individual planning applications will still have to be judged on their own merits, however, this framework supports the principle of these developments and recognises the associated benefits for the local and wider economies."

Jenny Dawe, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said:

"West Edinburgh is the principal gateway to Scotland's capital city. It is a top European investment location of increasing economic significance. It boasts a rapidly growing international airway, the global headquarters of major financial services and a high share of new technology and growth services.

"It is essential that the framework capitalises on West Edinburgh's success and provides for continued economic growth for the good of Scotland. The framework must further the competitive advantage of one of Scotland's key strategic economic development zones and maximise its national and international connections."

Martyn Day, Executive councillor for development and transport at West Lothian Council, said:

"We welcome the new West Edinburgh Planning Framework. Expansion of Edinburgh Airport will greatly benefit our own local economy and help attract more visitors to West Lothian. The creation of an International Business Gateway so close to West Lothian could also provide spin-off benefits for our own area."

Jack Perry, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said:

"The West Edinburgh Planning Framework is a key step towards the development of a wider east of Scotland economic zone that will provide an attractive location for companies seeking high quality accommodation in a high quality location. It will provide a vibrant hub which is expected to attract over a billion pounds of investment and thousands of new jobs over the next 20 years or so.

"Working closely with the Scottish Government, Edinburgh City and West Lothian Councils, Scottish Enterprise has been charged with establishing and leading a partnership which will turn the vision into reality. We are proud of this endorsement of Scottish Enterprise's role in delivering major economic development projects of national importance. It is a challenge we relish."

The West Edinburgh Planning Framework 2008 updates the previous framework, launched in 2003. WEPF has the status of a Scottish Planning Policy and will be a material consideration in development planning and development planning decisions. It has been prepared on a partnership basis with Scottish Enterprise, the City of Edinburgh Council and West Lothian Council.

A consultation on WEPF was launched in November 2006. More than 70 responses were received. All responses have been taken into consideration in preparing the final Framework.

The WEPF tasks Scottish Enterprise with facilitating the establishment of a Partnership of key public and private players to co-ordinate action and investment of the area.