Scotland planning news, March 2019

On 21 February, the Scottish Parliament approved the 2019-20 budget for Scotland, which is set to provide £42.5bn of investment in public services and economy.

The Scottish Budget was approved on the same day as the Scottish Government’s Chief Economist published a report highlighting the risk that a ‘No Deal’ Brexit would have on the Scottish Economy, such as a contraction of the national GDP by up to 7% and the potential loss of up to 100,000 jobs.

Amongst the measures included in the approved 2019-20 Scottish Budget there are £825m of further investment (part of a total investment in excess of £3bn) to support the delivery of 50,000 affordable homes; and £130m of initial funding to support the establishment of a Scottish National Investment Bank.

Scottish Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay, said:

“The passage of the budget provides £42.5 billion of investment in our public services and economy delivering for the people of Scotland today, whilst building for our future. This is a budget that ensures stability, sustainability and economic stimulus.”

Scottish Ministers have granted planning permission in principle for a proposal to develop onshore transmission works associated with the Inch Cape offshore wind farm at the former Cockenzie Power Station site in East Lothian.

The permission allows works which include the construction, operation and decommission of onshore substation electricity cables and associated infrastructure required to export electricity from the offshore wind farm (located around 15km off the Angus coast) to the national electricity transmission system at the site of the former Cockenzie Power Station, Prestonpans.

In 2018, East Lothian Council acquired the former Cockenzie Power Station site with the intention to promote economic growth in the local area, and create further employment opportunities as part of the East Lothian Economic Development Strategy.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development, commented:

“The council unanimously approved our statement recommending refusal, as submitted for the Minister’s consideration. We remain of the view that the substation does not need to be built as it is currently proposed, as this will diminish the ability to bring new jobs to the area. We want significant land to remain available for opportunities to boost the local economy and support employment, as well as meeting the aspirations of local communities.”

The Scottish Government has announced £40m of additional investment in charitable bonds for 2019/20. This investment is expected to generate £10m of donations which will provide funding for additional social rent homes (over 250 social rent homes have been funded by the programme to date).

Scottish Housing Minister, Kevin Stewart, said:

“To date, the government has invested £115 million in the charitable bonds programme which will provide development finance for over 1,000 affordable homes.”

Updated form and guidance for planning appeals

The Scottish Government has published updated guidance and form on planning appeals. Specifically, the document that has been updated in February 2019 are:

• The Appeal Form; and
• The Appeal notes for appellants.