Appendix B: Plans, Programmes and Strategies Review

Introduction

This appendix provides a review of national, regional and local Plans, Programmes and Strategies (PPS) of relevance to the A96 Corridor Review Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and assesses which SEA topics they are of relevance to.

National PPS have been grouped under the assessment criteria for the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) criteria to which they most directly relate. The list of regional and local PPS has been identified from a review of publications by the authority areas within the scope of the study area. A matrix of PPS shown in relation to relevant SEA topics is provided in Table B-1 to Table B-8.

Table B-1: National - Summary of Plans, Programmes and Strategies against SEA Topics
Plan/Strategy	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors	Population and Human Health	Biodiversity	Soils	Water Environment	Cultural Heritage	Landscape and Visual	Material Assets
National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) 2020	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
National Transport Strategy 2 Delivery Plan 2022 to 2023	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
Strategy Transport Projects Review 2 (2022)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) 2023	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Just Transition – A Fairer, Greener Scotland 2021	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
A National Mission with Local Impact – Infrastructure Investment Plan for Scotland 2021-22 to 2025-26	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
A Fairer, Greener Scotland: Programme for Government 2021-2022	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes

Table B-2: Environment - Summary of Plans, Programmes and Strategies against SEA Topics
Plan/Strategy	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors	Population and Human Health	Biodiversity	Soils	Water Environment	Cultural Heritage	Landscape and Visual	Material Assets
Scotland’s Third Land Use Strategy 2021-2026 – Getting the best from our land (2021)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
Scotland’s Biodiversity – It’s in Your Hands	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Post-2020: A Statement of Intent	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No
Delivering Scotland’s Ambition to Secure Positive Effects for Biodiversity 2020	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No
The UK Forestry Standard 2017	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
The Scottish Government’s Policy on Control of Woodland Removal 2009	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Historic Environment Policy for Scotland 2019	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Our Place in Time - The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland (2014)	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Visions and Outcomes 2020	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Scotland’s National Peatland Plan 2015	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Scottish Soil Framework (2009)	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No

Table B-3: Climate Change - Summary of Plans, Programmes and Strategies against SEA Topics
Plan/Strategy	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors	Population and Human Health	Biodiversity	Soils	Water Environment			Material Assets
Scotland’s Contribution to the Paris Agreement 2021	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Climate Change Plan – Third Report on Proposals and Policies 2018-2032	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Update to the Climate Change Plan 2018-2032 (2020)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Scotland’s Energy Strategy Position Statement 2021	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes
The Scottish Energy Strategy: The Future of Energy in Scotland (2017)	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes
Switched on Scotland Phase Two: An Action Plan for Growth (2013)	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Climate Ready Scotland: Second Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme 2019-2024	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-2022 (The Report on Proposals and Policies)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
A Route Map to Achieve a 20% Reduction in Car Kilometres by 2030 (2022	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Clean Air Strategy 2018 (DEFRA)	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Carbon Account for Transport No.12: 2020 Edition	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Cleaner Air for Scotland 2: Towards a Better Place for Everyone (2021)	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
UK Climate Projections 2018	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Decarbonising the Scottish Transport Sector 2019	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Scotland’s Climate Assembly: Recommend-ations for Action – Scottish Government Response	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Local Air Quality Management Policy Guidance 2016	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution (2020)	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No

Table B-4: Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Summary of Plans, Programmes and Strategies against SEA Topics
Plan/Strategy	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors	Population and Human Health	Biodiversity	Soils	Water Environment			Material Assets
Fairer Scotland Action Plan 2016	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Creating Places: A policy statement on architecture and place for Scotland (2013)	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Place Principle (2019)	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
People, Place and Landscape: A Position Statement (2019)	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Fitting Landscapes: Securing More Sustainable Landscapes 2014	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Covid Recovery Strategy: for a fairer future 2021	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Let’s Get Scotland Walking: The National Walking Strategy (2014)	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
A More Active Scotland: Scotland’s Physical Activity Delivery Plan	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
A Long-Term Vision for Active Travel in Scotland 2030	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	No
Active Travel Framework 2020	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 2017-2020 (2017)	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Scottish Trunk Road Network Asset Management Strategy (2018)	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	Yes

Table B-5: Economic - Summary of Plans, Programmes and Strategies against SEA Topics
Plan/Strategy	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors	Population and Human Health	Biodiversity	Soils	Water Environment					Material Assets
Economic Recovery Implementation Plan 2020	No	Yes	No	No	No		No		No	No
Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 2020	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes		Yes		Yes	Yes
Indicative Regional Spatial Strategies – Summary of Emerging Work 2020	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No		No		Yes	No
A Low Carbon Economic Strategy for Scotland (2010)	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes		No		No	No
Making Things Last: a circular economy strategy for Scotland (2016)	No	Yes	No	No	No		No		No	Yes
Scotland’s Economic Strategy 2015	No	Yes	No	No	No		No		No	Yes
Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation: Delivering Economic Prosperity (2022)	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No		No		Yes

Table B-6: Equality and Accessibility - Summary of Plans, Programmes and Strategies against SEA Topics
Plan/Strategy	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors	Population and Human Health	Biodiversity	Soils	Water Environment			Material Assets
Going Further – Scotland’s Accessible Travel Framework 2016	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
The Scottish Ferry Service: Ferries Plan (2013-2022)	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes
Smart and Integrated Ticketing and Payments – Delivering Strategy 2018	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
A Connected Scotland: our strategy for tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger social connections 2018	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Future Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy (2017)	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Union Connectivity Review: Final Report – November 2021	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes

Table B-7: Regional - Summary of Plans, Programmes and Strategies against SEA Topics
Plan/Strategy	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors	Population and Human Health	Biodiversity	Soils	Water Environment					Material Assets
HITRANS – Regional Transport Strategy 2017	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes		No		No	No
Nestrans – Regional Transport Strategy for the North East of Scotland 2021	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No		Yes		No
Regional Economic Strategy for the North East 2015	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No		No		Yes

Table B-8: Local - Summary of Plans, Programmes and Strategies against SEA Topics
Plan/Strategy	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors	Population and Human Health	Biodiversity	Soils	Water Environment			Material Assets
The A96 Growth Corridor Development Framework: Creating distinctive green Highland places 2007	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
The Highland Council Local Transport Strategy 2011-2014 (2010)	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Highland-wide Local Development Plan 2012	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Highland Historic Environment Strategy 2013	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan 2015	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: A96 Corridor Green Network 2011	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No
The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Green Networks 2013	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No
The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Trees, Woodlands & Development 2013	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Physical Constraints 2013	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Protected Species 2013	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Flood Risk & Drainage Impact 2013	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Sustainable Design Guide 2013	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2021	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2021 Non-Statutory Guidance: Policy 3 – Design and Placemaking	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Moray Local Transport Strategy 2011	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes
Moray Local Development Plan: Open Space Strategy 2018	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No
Moray Local Development Plan 2020	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Moray Council Active Travel Strategy 2022-2027 (Consultation Draft)	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Moray Woodland & Forestry Strategy Supplementary Guidance 2018	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No
Moray Local Development Plan 2020 Planning Policy Guidance, Part 1, 2 and 3	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Moray Onshore Wind Energy Non-Statutory Guidance 2020	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Moray Flood Risk and Drainage Impact Assessment for New Developments 2020	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2017	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan2023	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Aberdeenshire Council Local Transport Strategy 2012	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan Supplementary Guidance 5 2017: Local Nature Conservation Sites	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
Aberdeenshire Forestry and Woodland Strategy 2017	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2017	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Proposed Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2020	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Aberdeen City Local Transport Strategy 2016-2021	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	Yes
Aberdeen Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan 2019	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	Yes
Aberdeen Active Travel Action Plan 2021-2026	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No

National PPS

A range of related National PPS are displayed in Table B-9, with their corresponding document summaries and relevant SEA topics.

Table B-9: Related National PPS, Document Summaries, and Relevant SEA Topics.

All STAG Criteria

National

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) (2020) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	NTS2 sets out a vision for Scotland’s transport system for the next 20 years to protect the climate and improve lives through a sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport system. The strategy includes four priorities to support the vision: Reduces inequalities Takes climate action Helps deliver inclusive economic growth Improves our health and wellbeing NTS2 requires a Sustainable Travel Hierarchy, and Sustainable Investment Hierarchy to be used to inform investment decisions on transport which are integral to prioritising investments which support the transition to net zero and considering the whole lifecycle of transport.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Water Environment
National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) Second Delivery Plan 2022 to 2023 (2022) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	The Second NTS 2 Delivery Plan sets out the actions that Transport Scotland will take over the next two years, as part of delivering on their 20-year vision committed to in the NTS2 – to deliver a transport system that is sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible. The actions in the Delivery Plan reinforce the Sustainable Travel and Investment Hierarchies and promote walking, wheeling and cycling, and shared transport options in preference to private car use.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Water Environment
Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 2022 Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	The second strategic transport review will inform transport investment in Scotland and help to deliver the visions, priorities and outcomes set out in the NTS2. Covering a 20-year period (2022-2042), STPR2 takes into consideration the transport needs of communities across Scotland, examining provisions available for active travel (walking, cycling, wheeling) as well as bus, rail, road and ferry links for both commercial and personal use. STPR2 has five key objectives that it aims to address: Takes climate action Addresses inequalities & accessibility Improved health & wellbeing Supports sustainable economic growth Increases safety & resilience. Public consultation on the STPR2 Technical Report and its accompanying SEA (Jacobs/AECOM, 2022b) ended in April 2022. The final STPR2 SEA Environmental Report and Post Adoption Statement were published in December 2022.	All SEA topics
National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) (2023) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government highlights the significance of the National Planning Framework (NPF) to put planning at the heart of delivering green, inclusive and long-term sustainable development in Scotland. The NPF includes a long-term spatial strategy to 2045. This reflects the range of Scottish Government policies, including the Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) 2021-22 to 2025-26. It will guide spatial development, set out national planning policies, designate national developments and highlight regional spatial priorities. The National Planning Framework 4 was adopted in February 2023. NPF4 sets out a need to “embrace and deliver radical change to tackle and adapt to climate change, restore biodiversity loss, improve health and wellbeing, build a wellbeing economy and create great places.” The NPF4 recognises the need to plan our places in a way that reduces the need to travel, especially by unsustainable modes, and promotes a shift to active and sustainable travel. The Revised Draft NPF4 embeds, for the first time, the NTS2 Sustainable Travel Hierarchy and Sustainable Investment Hierarchy into planning decision making and development planning. The Revised Draft NPF4 spatial strategy sets out a local living approach whereby future places, homes and neighbourhoods will be connected, liveable, thriving places with sustainable travel options and where car dominance is reduced. To meet many of the future needs of society it is crucial that services and facilities are easily and affordably accessed. Therefore, Revised Draft NPF4 advocates the infrastructure-first approach in planning for future development to provide communities with the opportunity to travel sustainably from the outset. The STPR2 and the Islands Connectivity Plan represent the national transport investment needed to support NPF4.	All SEA Topics
Just Transition – A Fairer, Greener Scotland (2021) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	This document sets out the Scottish Government’s long-term vision for a just transition and provides details on the National Just Transition Planning Framework. It will inform the development of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, the refreshed Energy Strategy, the delivery of subsequent specific Just Transition Plans and the next Climate Change Plan. “A just transition is both the outcome – a fairer, greener future for all – and the process that must be undertaken in partnership with those impacted by the transition to net zero. Just transition is how we get to a net zero and climate resilient economy, in a way that delivers fairness and tackles inequality and injustice.” (p.5) Four overarching themes are: Planning for a managed transition Equipping people with the knowledge and skills they need, while putting in place safety nets to ensure no-one is left behind Involving those who will be impacted - co-design and collaboration Spreading the benefits of the transition widely, while making sure the costs do not burden those least able to pay.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health
A National Mission with Local Impact – Infrastructure Investment Plan for Scotland 2021-22 to 2025-26 (2021) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26, published on 4 February 2021, focuses on three core strategic themes for guiding investment decisions in Scotland: Enabling the transition to net zero emissions and environmental sustainability Driving inclusive economic growth Building resilient and sustainable places The IIP also introduces the Common Investment Hierarchy, which is aligned to Transport Scotland’s Sustainable Investment Hierarchy. This thereby provides overall alignment between the outcomes of the STPR2 and the Scottish Government’s investment priorities. The investment in infrastructure is targeted to maximise wider economic benefits and the delivery of the National Outcomes. The investment is often made by the Scottish Government or in partnership with local government. Where possible, however, the Scottish Government looks to create opportunities and the right conditions to leverage additional private sector investment across Scotland.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Material Assets
A Fairer, Greener Scotland: Programme for Government 2021-2022 (2021) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	Sets out the Scottish Government’s legislative programme and priorities for 2021-2022, guided by Scotland’s National Performance Framework. Drafted within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate emergency, and following the cooperation agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party, the programme is intended to advance the delivery of a fairer, greener and more prosperous Scotland. It commits to actions intended to: establish a caring nation (with a vision for health and social care) create opportunity, supporting young people and promoting a fair and equal society securing a net zero nation creating an economy that works for all Scotland’s people and places living better (supporting thriving, resilient and diverse communities) Establish Scotland in the world (with a referendum on independence). It follows from previous PfGs, in setting out a ‘Mission Zero’ for transport, with priorities related to decarbonising aviation and rail, £500m investment in bus priority infrastructure, investment in low emission vehicles, active travel, and introduction of Low Emission Zones in the four main cities.	All SEA topics

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority

Summary of Document

Relevant SEA Topics

National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) (2020)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

NTS2 sets out a vision for Scotland’s transport system for the next 20 years to protect the climate and improve lives through a sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport system. The strategy includes four priorities to support the vision:

Reduces inequalities
Takes climate action
Helps deliver inclusive economic growth
Improves our health and wellbeing

NTS2 requires a Sustainable Travel Hierarchy, and Sustainable Investment Hierarchy to be used to inform investment decisions on transport which are integral to prioritising investments which support the transition to net zero and considering the whole lifecycle of transport.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Water Environment

National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) Second Delivery Plan 2022 to 2023 (2022)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

The Second NTS 2 Delivery Plan sets out the actions that Transport Scotland will take over the next two years, as part of delivering on their 20-year vision committed to in the NTS2 – to deliver a transport system that is sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible. The actions in the Delivery Plan reinforce the Sustainable Travel and Investment Hierarchies and promote walking, wheeling and cycling, and shared transport options in preference to private car use.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Water Environment

Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 2022

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

The second strategic transport review will inform transport investment in Scotland and help to deliver the visions, priorities and outcomes set out in the NTS2. Covering a 20-year period (2022-2042), STPR2 takes into consideration the transport needs of communities across Scotland, examining provisions available for active travel (walking, cycling, wheeling) as well as bus, rail, road and ferry links for both commercial and personal use.

STPR2 has five key objectives that it aims to address:

Takes climate action
Addresses inequalities & accessibility
Improved health & wellbeing
Supports sustainable economic growth
Increases safety & resilience.

Public consultation on the STPR2 Technical Report and its accompanying SEA (Jacobs/AECOM, 2022b) ended in April 2022. The final STPR2 SEA Environmental Report and Post Adoption Statement were published in December 2022.

All SEA topics

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) (2023)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government highlights the significance of the National Planning Framework (NPF) to put planning at the heart of delivering green, inclusive and long-term sustainable development in Scotland. The NPF includes a long-term spatial strategy to 2045. This reflects the range of Scottish Government policies, including the Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) 2021-22 to 2025-26. It will guide spatial development, set out national planning policies, designate national developments and highlight regional spatial priorities.

The National Planning Framework 4 was adopted in February 2023. NPF4 sets out a need to “embrace and deliver radical change to tackle and adapt to climate change, restore biodiversity loss, improve health and wellbeing, build a wellbeing economy and create great places.” The NPF4 recognises the need to plan our places in a way that reduces the need to travel, especially by unsustainable modes, and promotes a shift to active and sustainable travel.

The Revised Draft NPF4 embeds, for the first time, the NTS2 Sustainable Travel Hierarchy and Sustainable Investment Hierarchy into planning decision making and development planning. The Revised Draft NPF4 spatial strategy sets out a local living approach whereby future places, homes and neighbourhoods will be connected, liveable, thriving places with sustainable travel options and where car dominance is reduced.

To meet many of the future needs of society it is crucial that services and facilities are easily and affordably accessed. Therefore, Revised Draft NPF4 advocates the infrastructure-first approach in planning for future development to provide communities with the opportunity to travel sustainably from the outset. The STPR2 and the Islands Connectivity Plan represent the national transport investment needed to support NPF4.

All SEA Topics

Just Transition – A Fairer, Greener Scotland (2021)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

This document sets out the Scottish Government’s long-term vision for a just transition and provides details on the National Just Transition Planning Framework. It will inform the development of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, the refreshed Energy Strategy, the delivery of subsequent specific Just Transition Plans and the next Climate Change Plan.

“A just transition is both the outcome – a fairer, greener future for all – and the process that must be undertaken in partnership with those impacted by the transition to net zero. Just transition is how we get to a net zero and climate resilient economy, in a way that delivers fairness and tackles inequality and injustice.” (p.5)

Four overarching themes are:

Planning for a managed transition
Equipping people with the knowledge and skills they need, while putting in place safety nets to ensure no-one is left behind
Involving those who will be impacted - co-design and collaboration
Spreading the benefits of the transition widely, while making sure the costs do not burden those least able to pay.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health

A National Mission with Local Impact – Infrastructure Investment Plan for Scotland 2021-22 to 2025-26 (2021)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26, published on 4 February 2021, focuses on three core strategic themes for guiding investment decisions in Scotland:

Enabling the transition to net zero emissions and environmental sustainability
Driving inclusive economic growth
Building resilient and sustainable places
The IIP also introduces the Common Investment Hierarchy, which is aligned to Transport Scotland’s Sustainable Investment Hierarchy. This thereby provides overall alignment between the outcomes of the STPR2 and the Scottish Government’s investment priorities.

The investment in infrastructure is targeted to maximise wider economic benefits and the delivery of the National Outcomes. The investment is often made by the Scottish Government or in partnership with local government. Where possible, however, the Scottish Government looks to create opportunities and the right conditions to leverage additional private sector investment across Scotland.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Material Assets

A Fairer, Greener Scotland: Programme for Government 2021-2022 (2021)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Sets out the Scottish Government’s legislative programme and priorities for 2021-2022, guided by Scotland’s National Performance Framework. Drafted within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate emergency, and following the cooperation agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party, the programme is intended to advance the delivery of a fairer, greener and more prosperous Scotland. It commits to actions intended to:

establish a caring nation (with a vision for health and social care)
create opportunity, supporting young people and promoting a fair and equal society
securing a net zero nation
creating an economy that works for all Scotland’s people and places
living better (supporting thriving, resilient and diverse communities)
Establish Scotland in the world (with a referendum on independence).

It follows from previous PfGs, in setting out a ‘Mission Zero’ for transport, with priorities related to decarbonising aviation and rail, £500m investment in bus priority infrastructure, investment in low emission vehicles, active travel, and introduction of Low Emission Zones in the four main cities.

All SEA topics

Environment

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
Scotland’s Third Land Use Strategy 2021-2026 – Getting the best from our land (2021) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	This sets out the Scottish Government’s long-term vision for sustainable land used in Scotland as well as the objectives and key policies for delivery. “This third Land Use Strategy is intended to help stimulate and inform the growing national, regional and local conversations on the future of our land, who it benefits and how it is used, managed and owned. It recognises that determining our national, regional and local priorities and delivering change at the scale required is, and will continue to be, grounded in social processes that will involve discussions by people with differing views and interests.” (p.7)	All SEA topics
Scotland’s Biodiversity: It’s in Your Hands (2004) Publishing Authority: Scottish Executive	Scotland’s Biodiversity is a 25-year strategy to conserve and enhance biodiversity in Scotland. Alongside implementation plans it seeks to address biodiversity themes such as: cross cutting issues; interpretation, communication and education; urban biodiversity; rural biodiversity; marine biodiversity and local delivery. Actions to meet this aim are grouped under the following five major strategic objectives: Species & Habitats: To halt the loss of biodiversity and continue to reverse previous losses through targeted action for species and habitats People: To increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment of biodiversity, and engage many more people in conservation and enhancement Landscapes & Ecosystems: To restore and enhance biodiversity in all Scotland’s urban, rural and marine environments through better planning, design and practice Integration & Co-ordination: To develop an effective management framework that ensures biodiversity is taken into account in all decision making Knowledge: To ensure that the best new and existing knowledge on biodiversity is available to all policy makers and practitioners.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Landscape and Visual
2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity (2013) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The 2020 Challenge accompanies Scotland’s Biodiversity: It’s in Your Hands and focuses on how the Scottish Government, its public agencies, Scottish business and others can contribute to the Strategy’s aims as well as supporting economic growth through protecting biodiversity and harnessing nature. Scotland’s 2020 Challenge aims to: Protect and restore biodiversity on land and in our seas, and to support healthier ecosystems Connect people with the natural world, for their health and wellbeing and to involve them more in decisions about their environment Maximise the benefits for Scotland of a diverse natural environment and the services it provides, contributing to sustainable economic growth. (p.6)	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Landscape and Visual, Material Assets
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Post-2020: A Statement of Intent (2020) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Biodiversity Strategy Statement of Intent provides high level detail on Scotland’s ambitions to tackling biodiversity loss and impacts of climate change. Detail is also provided on how these ambitions will be used to develop a post-2020 biodiversity strategy and delivery plan. The Statement of Intent outlines priorities for biodiversity in Scotland and the impact of climate change, including publishing a new high level strategy which takes account of the new global biodiversity framework, goals and targets; highlighting the need for new locally driven projects to improve ecological connectivity across Scotland, extending nature protected areas to at least 30% of Scotland by 2030, and securing positive effects for biodiversity through the National Planning Framework 4.	Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment
The UK Forestry Standard 5th Edition (2024) Publishing Authority: Forestry Commission	The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the standard for sustainable forest management within the UK. It outlines context related to forestry within the UK, the UK Government’s approach to sustainable forest management, outlines requirements and standards and monitoring. The UKFS is applicable to all forest management and to all forest types and management systems in the UK. The Forestry Standards requirements are split into legal requirements and good forestry practice requirements. These are then categorised into different elements of sustainable forest management, including: General Forestry Practice Biodiversity Climate Change Historic Environment Landscape People Soil Water.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual, Material Assets
Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 (2019) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Forestry Strategy for Scotland provides a 50-year vision for Scotland’s forests and woodlands and outlines priority areas over 10 years. The Strategy supports the aims of the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework and the Land Use Strategy in respect of valuing and enhancing Scotland’s environment and promoting responsible management of woodland resources. The vision set out by the Forestry Strategy is that: “In 2070, Scotland will have more forests and woodlands, sustainably managed and better integrated with other land uses. These will provide a more resilient, adaptable resource, with greater natural capital value, that supports a strong economy, a thriving environment, and healthy and flourishing communities.” (p.15). In order to achieve this vision, the following objectives are set out in the Strategy to be delivered over a 10-year period from 2019: Increase the contribution of forests and woodlands to Scotland’s sustainable and inclusive economic growth Improve the resilience of Scotland’s forests and woodlands and increase their contribution to a healthy and high quality environment Increase the use of Scotland’s forest and woodland resources to enable more people to improve their health, well-being and life chances. (p.16)	All SEA topics
The Scottish Government’s Policy on Control of Woodland Removal (2009) Publishing Authority: Forestry Commission	The Control of Woodland Removal document provides policy to assist in decisions regarding woodland removal in Scotland. It sets out guiding principles, where there is a strong presumption in favour of protecting woodland resources, and that removal should be allowed only where it would achieve significant additional public benefits, which may include consideration of proposals for compensatory planting.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual
Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS) (2019) Publishing Authority: Historic Environment Scotland	The policy statement replaces the Historic Environment Scotland Policy (HESPS) (2016) and provides direction on decision-making that affects the historic environment. There are six policies within the document which define how the historic environment should be managed including: Decisions affecting the historic environment should be informed by an inclusive understanding of its breadth and cultural significance. Decisions affecting the historic environment should ensure that its understanding and enjoyment as well as its benefits are secured for present and future generations. Plans, programmes, policies and strategies and the allocation of resources should protect and promote the historic environment. Where detrimental impacts on the historic environment arising from these are identified and unavoidable, steps should be taken to demonstrate that alternatives have been explored and mitigation measures put in place. When considering changes to specific assets and their context, detrimental impacts should be avoided. Where appropriate opportunities for enhancement should be sought. Where detrimental impacts on the historic environment are unavoidable, these should be minimised, and steps should be taken to demonstrate that alternatives have been explored and mitigation measures put in place. Decisions affecting the historic environment should contribute to the sustainable development of communities and places. Decisions affecting the historic environment should demonstrate how everyone has had the opportunity to enjoy it, to contribute to our shared knowledge and to influence decision-making.	Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual
Our Place in Time - The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland (2014) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	Scotland’s Historic Environment Strategy is a high-level framework which sets out a 10-year vision for the historic environment. The key outcome is to ensure that the cultural, social, environmental and economic value of Scotland’s historic environment continues to make a strong contribution to the wellbeing of the nation and its people. It was developed collaboratively and identified the need for strategic priorities to help align and prioritise sector activity towards a common goal.	Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual
The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Visions and Outcomes (2020) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Environment Strategy creates an overarching framework for Scotland’s existing environmental strategies and plans, including the Climate Change Plan. These will be reviewed over time, to reflect international targets and other policy developments. The vision and outcomes set out in this document will help to guide the future development and delivery of these strategies and plans by establishing the long-term direction and shared goals. “Our Vision – By 2045: By restoring nature and ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change, our country is transformed for the better – helping to secure the wellbeing of our people and planet for generations to come.” (p.3)	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment Landscape and Visual, Material Assets
Scotland’s National Peatland Plan (2015) Publishing Authority: NatureScot	The Plan recognises the wide range of benefits provided by healthy peatlands and sets out a number of aims to protect it. Principal aim: ‘Protect, manage and restore peatlands to maintain their natural functions, biodiversity and benefits.’ The supporting aims are to: Protect those areas of peatland currently in good condition and supporting their potential range of ecosystem functions Enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change through appropriate management Restore peatland ecosystem functions and biodiversity, evaluating and understanding the benefits to help inform future decisions Secure greater peatland restoration capabilities and understanding of these amongst land managers, developers, advisers and the public Ensure peatland values are reflected in the support given to those who manage and restore them; and Demonstrate and communicate the wider public benefits of healthy peatland landscapes and peatland restoration.	Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment
The Scottish Soil Framework (2009) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Scottish Soil Framework sets out the vision for soil protection in Scotland. It acknowledges the multiple functions of soils and includes a vision that soils be recognised as a vital part of our economy, environment, and heritage, and be safeguarded for existing and future generations. It notes that while Scotland’s soils are generally in good health, they face two significant pressures: climate change and the loss of organic matter. Aim: Promote the sustainable management and protection of soils consistent with the economic, social and environmental needs of Scotland. Vision: Soils are recognised as a vital part of our economy, environment and heritage, to be safeguarded for existing and future generations.	Soils

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority

Summary of Document

Relevant SEA Topics

Scotland’s Third Land Use Strategy 2021-2026 – Getting the best from our land (2021)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

This sets out the Scottish Government’s long-term vision for sustainable land used in Scotland as well as the objectives and key policies for delivery.

“This third Land Use Strategy is intended to help stimulate and inform the growing national, regional and local conversations on the future of our land, who it benefits and how it is used, managed and owned. It recognises that determining our national, regional and local priorities and delivering change at the scale required is, and will continue to be, grounded in social processes that will involve discussions by people with differing views and interests.” (p.7)

All SEA topics

Scotland’s Biodiversity: It’s in Your Hands (2004)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Executive

Scotland’s Biodiversity is a 25-year strategy to conserve and enhance biodiversity in Scotland. Alongside implementation plans it seeks to address biodiversity themes such as: cross cutting issues; interpretation, communication and education; urban biodiversity; rural biodiversity; marine biodiversity and local delivery.

Actions to meet this aim are grouped under the following five major strategic objectives:

Species & Habitats: To halt the loss of biodiversity and continue to reverse previous losses through targeted action for species and habitats
People: To increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment of biodiversity, and engage many more people in conservation and enhancement
Landscapes & Ecosystems: To restore and enhance biodiversity in all Scotland’s urban, rural and marine environments through better planning, design and practice
Integration & Co-ordination: To develop an effective management framework that ensures biodiversity is taken into account in all decision making
Knowledge: To ensure that the best new and existing knowledge on biodiversity is available to all policy makers and practitioners.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Landscape and Visual

2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity (2013)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The 2020 Challenge accompanies Scotland’s Biodiversity: It’s in Your Hands and focuses on how the Scottish Government, its public agencies, Scottish business and others can contribute to the Strategy’s aims as well as supporting economic growth through protecting biodiversity and harnessing nature.

Scotland’s 2020 Challenge aims to:

Protect and restore biodiversity on land and in our seas, and to support healthier ecosystems
Connect people with the natural world, for their health and wellbeing and to involve them more in decisions about their environment
Maximise the benefits for Scotland of a diverse natural environment and the services it provides, contributing to sustainable economic growth. (p.6)

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Landscape and Visual, Material Assets

Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Post-2020: A Statement of Intent (2020)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The Biodiversity Strategy Statement of Intent provides high level detail on Scotland’s ambitions to tackling biodiversity loss and impacts of climate change. Detail is also provided on how these ambitions will be used to develop a post-2020 biodiversity strategy and delivery plan.

The Statement of Intent outlines priorities for biodiversity in Scotland and the impact of climate change, including publishing a new high level strategy which takes account of the new global biodiversity framework, goals and targets; highlighting the need for new locally driven projects to improve ecological connectivity across Scotland, extending nature protected areas to at least 30% of Scotland by 2030, and securing positive effects for biodiversity through the National Planning Framework 4.

Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment

The UK Forestry Standard 5th Edition (2024)

Publishing Authority: Forestry Commission

The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is the standard for sustainable forest management within the UK. It outlines context related to forestry within the UK, the UK Government’s approach to sustainable forest management, outlines requirements and standards and monitoring. The UKFS is applicable to all forest management and to all forest types and management systems in the UK.

The Forestry Standards requirements are split into legal requirements and good forestry practice requirements. These are then categorised into different elements of sustainable forest management, including:

General Forestry Practice
Biodiversity
Climate Change
Historic Environment
Landscape
People
Soil
Water.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual, Material Assets

Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 (2019)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The Forestry Strategy for Scotland provides a 50-year vision for Scotland’s forests and woodlands and outlines priority areas over 10 years. The Strategy supports the aims of the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework and the Land Use Strategy in respect of valuing and enhancing Scotland’s environment and promoting responsible management of woodland resources.

The vision set out by the Forestry Strategy is that: “In 2070, Scotland will have more forests and woodlands, sustainably managed and better integrated with other land uses. These will provide a more resilient, adaptable resource, with greater natural capital value, that supports a strong economy, a thriving environment, and healthy and flourishing communities.” (p.15).

In order to achieve this vision, the following objectives are set out in the Strategy to be delivered over a 10-year period from 2019:

Increase the contribution of forests and woodlands to Scotland’s sustainable and inclusive economic growth
Improve the resilience of Scotland’s forests and woodlands and increase their contribution to a healthy and high quality environment
Increase the use of Scotland’s forest and woodland resources to enable more people to improve their health, well-being and life chances. (p.16)

All SEA topics

The Scottish Government’s Policy on Control of Woodland Removal (2009)

Publishing Authority: Forestry Commission

The Control of Woodland Removal document provides policy to assist in decisions regarding woodland removal in Scotland.

It sets out guiding principles, where there is a strong presumption in favour of protecting woodland resources, and that removal should be allowed only where it would achieve significant additional public benefits, which may include consideration of proposals for compensatory planting.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment, Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual

Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS)

(2019)

Publishing Authority: Historic Environment Scotland

The policy statement replaces the Historic Environment Scotland Policy (HESPS) (2016) and provides direction on decision-making that affects the historic environment. There are six policies within the document which define how the historic environment should be managed including:

Decisions affecting the historic environment should be informed by an inclusive understanding of its breadth and cultural significance.
Decisions affecting the historic environment should ensure that its understanding and enjoyment as well as its benefits are secured for present and future generations.
Plans, programmes, policies and strategies and the allocation of resources should protect and promote the historic environment. Where detrimental impacts on the historic environment arising from these are identified and unavoidable, steps should be taken to demonstrate that alternatives have been explored and mitigation measures put in place.
When considering changes to specific assets and their context, detrimental impacts should be avoided. Where appropriate opportunities for enhancement should be sought. Where detrimental impacts on the historic environment are unavoidable, these should be minimised, and steps should be taken to demonstrate that alternatives have been explored and mitigation measures put in place.
Decisions affecting the historic environment should contribute to the sustainable development of communities and places.
Decisions affecting the historic environment should demonstrate how everyone has had the opportunity to enjoy it, to contribute to our shared knowledge and to influence decision-making.

Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual

Our Place in Time - The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland (2014)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Scotland’s Historic Environment Strategy is a high-level framework which sets out a 10-year vision for the historic environment. The key outcome is to ensure that the cultural, social, environmental and economic value of Scotland’s historic environment continues to make a strong contribution to the wellbeing of the nation and its people. It was developed collaboratively and identified the need for strategic priorities to help align and prioritise sector activity towards a common goal.

Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual

The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Visions and Outcomes (2020)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The Environment Strategy creates an overarching framework for Scotland’s existing environmental strategies and plans, including the Climate Change Plan. These will be reviewed over time, to reflect international targets and other policy developments. The vision and outcomes set out in this document will help to guide the future development and delivery of these strategies and plans by establishing the long-term direction and shared goals.

“Our Vision – By 2045: By restoring nature and ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change, our country is transformed for the better – helping to secure the wellbeing of our people and planet for generations to come.” (p.3)

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health

Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment

Landscape and Visual, Material Assets

Scotland’s National Peatland Plan (2015)

Publishing Authority: NatureScot

The Plan recognises the wide range of benefits provided by healthy peatlands and sets out a number of aims to protect it.

Principal aim:

‘Protect, manage and restore peatlands to maintain their natural functions, biodiversity and benefits.’

The supporting aims are to:

Protect those areas of peatland currently in good condition and supporting their potential range of ecosystem functions
Enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change through appropriate management
Restore peatland ecosystem functions and biodiversity, evaluating and understanding the benefits to help inform future decisions
Secure greater peatland restoration capabilities and understanding of these amongst land managers, developers, advisers and the public
Ensure peatland values are reflected in the support given to those who manage and restore them; and
Demonstrate and communicate the wider public benefits of healthy peatland landscapes and peatland restoration.

Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment

The Scottish Soil Framework (2009)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The Scottish Soil Framework sets out the vision for soil protection in Scotland. It acknowledges the multiple functions of soils and includes a vision that soils be recognised as a vital part of our economy, environment, and heritage, and be safeguarded for existing and future generations. It notes that while Scotland’s soils are generally in good health, they face two significant pressures: climate change and the loss of organic matter.

Aim:

Promote the sustainable management and protection of soils consistent with the economic, social and environmental needs of Scotland.

Vision:

Soils are recognised as a vital part of our economy, environment and heritage, to be safeguarded for existing and future generations.

Soils

Climate Change

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
Scotland’s Contribution to the Paris Agreement (2021) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Scottish Government is committed to raising global climate ambition and action at all levels from all sections of society. As part of their commitment ahead of COP26 in Glasgow they published their indicative n nationally determined contribution in the spirit of the Paris Agreement to encourage others to similarly set out their climate change policies and plans and in order to support increased individual and collective ambition and action. “Our aim is that setting out our framework and commitments on climate mitigation and adaptation in this way can support the learning, openness and working alongside each other we all require, as together we can tackle those challenges and move to a Net Zero, fairer and more sustainable future.” (p.2)	All SEA Topics
Climate Change Plan – Third Report on Proposals and Policies 2018-2032 (2018) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Climate Change Plan (CCP) provides an update on previous targets and sets out ambitious decarbonisation plans up to 2032. The CCP sets out how Scotland will meet the emissions reduction targets under the current legislation. It should be noted that this plan was published prior to the current statutory target for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 being brought into legislation in 2019. The plan sets out how Scotland can deliver its target of 66% emissions reductions for the period 2018-2032. Part one sets out the context for the Scottish Government’s climate change proposals and policies. The Scottish Government’s statutory duties are covered in Part Two, alongside annual emissions targets to 2032. Part three provides detailed information on the emissions envelopes and emissions reduction trajectories for each sector. The overall vision for Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2018-2032 is that “by 2032, Scotland will have reduced its emissions by 66% against 1990 levels” (p.22). As part of the vision, the Plan states three main outcomes which should be achieved by 2032. These are: A healthier society An enhanced and protected natural environment A diversified, resilient and sustainable economy.	All SEA topics
Update to the Climate Change Plan 2018-2032 (2020) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The update to the climate change plan builds upon the work undertaken by the last two Programmes for Government (2020-2021 and 2019-2020) which have committed to delivering a Green New Deal, outlining how investments can help in reducing climate change. The update focuses on a Green Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and as such provides actions which align with the new emissions reductions targets up to 2032 since the previous plan. The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 received Royal Assent in October 2019 and set revised annual and interim emissions reduction targets to achieve the net zero by 2045 target set by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government’s vision for 2045 is “one of a society that prioritises the environment and the wellbeing of its people” (p.21). By 2045 the vision, in line with NTS2, includes “having a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system, helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, business and visitors ” (p.118).	All SEA topics
Scotland’s Energy Strategy Position Statement (2021) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Energy Strategy position statement provides an overview of our key priorities for the short to medium-term in ensuring a green economic recovery, whilst remaining aligned to our net zero ambitions, in the lead up to COP26. Key priorities for energy: Decarbonisation of Heat and Energy Efficiency Local Energy Energy Transition Renewables Consumers.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Material Assets
The Scottish Energy Strategy: The Future of Energy in Scotland (2017) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	Scotland’s Energy Strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for energy generation and consumption to 2050. The strategy centres around three themes: meeting our energy supply needs, transforming Scotland’s energy use and smart local energy systems. The Scottish Governments Vision for energy in Scotland is: “A flourishing, competitive local and national energy sector, delivering secure, affordable, clean energy for Scotland’s households, communities and businesses.”	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Material Assets
Switched on Scotland Phase Two: An Action Plan for Growth (2013) Publishing authority: Transport Scotland	The action plan outlines the activities that Transport Scotland will undertake in the second phase of implementing the Switched on Scotland Roadmap, which sets out a long-term vision and strategic approach to advance widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The plan defines 10 outcome-focused actions which will collectively deliver three positive impacts, namely: decreased costs, enhanced convenience, and a change in culture where electric vehicles are preferred to fossil fuelled vehicles.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors
Climate Ready Scotland: Second Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme 2019-2024 (2019) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The programme describes an ‘outcome-based’ approach. This includes: “Outcome 3: Our inclusive and sustainable economy is flexible, adaptable and responsive to the changing climate”. Part 3: Outcome 3 includes the following policies that relate to soil: Sub-outcome 3.1 Soil and Nutrient Network (p.96) Farming with Nature (p.96) Economy (p.115) The programme also includes various other policies that relate less directly to soil.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Biodiversity, Soils, Water Environment Landscape and Visual, Material Assets
Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-2022 (The Report on Proposals and Policies) (2011) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	This report sets out how Scotland can deliver annual targets for reductions in emissions to 2022, including a 42% reduction in emissions by 2020 compared to 1990. The report also outlines the essential elements for monitoring progress towards meeting targets, and monitoring progress on the implementation of proposals and policies (p.7). The vision set out in this report is for a low carbon society that will use less energy and fewer resources at home, at work, on the move and across the public sector.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Biodiversity, Water Environment
Clean Air Strategy 2019 (2019) Publishing Authority: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs	The Clean Air Strategy shows how the UK will tackle all sources of air pollution, making the air healthier to breathe, protecting nature and boosting the economy. It sets out a wide range of actions on which the UK Government is consulting and shows how devolved administrations intend to make their share or emissions.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors
Carbon Account for Transport No.12: 2020 Edition (2020) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	The Carbon Account for Transport (CAT) provides a balance sheet for Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions due to transport.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors
Cleaner Air for Scotland 2: Towards a Better Place for Everyone (2021) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 - Towards a Better Place for Everyone is Scotland's second air quality strategy, setting out how the Scottish Government and its partner organisations propose to further reduce air pollution to protect human health and fulfil Scotland’s legal responsibilities over the period 2021-2026. CAFS2 was published in July 2021, accompanied by a Delivery Plan, and replaces Cleaner Air for Scotland – The Road to a Healthier Future (CAFS) which was published in 2015. CAFS2 aims to achieve the ambitious vision for Scotland "to have the best air quality in Europe".	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health
UK Climate Projections (2018) Publishing Authority: MetOffice	Explores how the UK’s climate could change over the next 100 years under three different greenhouse gas emission scenarios and provides guidance for climate change risk assessments and adaptation plans.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors
A Route Map to Achieve a 20 Percent Reduction in Car Kilometres by 2030 (2022) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)	In January 2022 the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) developed a Route Map to deliver the shift in travel behaviours required to meet the 20% reduction target, recognising the need for ongoing collaboration and partnership working between national, regional and local government as well as public, private and third sector partners. The Route Map sets out the suite of policies from across Government that will be implemented to support car use reduction in order to both address climate change and deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland. Successful implementation of the actions set out in the Route Map are expected to lead to a transformational way of living in Scotland, where a new localism thrives in villages, towns and city neighbourhoods; where streets become places that are safe for people of all ages to travel by walking, wheeling and cycling whilst maintaining private vehicle access for those with disabilities; where longer journeys are made by convenient and affordable public or shared transport; and with greater use of online access to key services and opportunities. This future will both enable statutory climate change targets to be met, whilst at the same time creating better ways of living, improved health and wellbeing and the associated social and economic benefits of a society less dominated by private cars.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors
Decarbonising the Scottish Transport Sector (2021) Publishing Authority: Element Energy Ltd for Transport Scotland	In 2019, Scotland introduced a new set of economy wide emission targets to reflect the updated advice of the UK Committee on Climate Change. This led to Scotland setting a target to reduce emissions to net zero by 2045.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors
Scotland’s Climate Assembly: Recommend-ations for Action – Scottish Government Response (2021) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The document is structured to mirror the Assembly’s Full Report – Recommendations for Action. This document provides Scottish Government response to the 16 identified goals and the subsequent 81 recommendations that underpin them. Both the scale and urgency of the climate emergency is recognised as the driving force for this report. It is also noted that where required Scottish Government will work collaboratively with the UK Government to achieve action or suggest alternative options that are believed to meet the aim of the recommendation.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors
Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: Volume 1 (2011) Publishing Authority: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs	Areas in which measured levels of airborne pollutants exceed the objectives set out in the Air Quality Strategy are designated as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). Local authorities have a duty to develop and implement Air Quality Action Plans in these locations in order to improve air quality to an acceptable level.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health
Local Air Quality Management Policy Guidance (2022) Publishing Authority: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs	Explains the objectives for improving air quality and provides a framework for activities in Local Air Quality Management Areas.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health
The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution (2020) Publishing Authority: UK Government	A plan which sets out the UK Government’s priorities for starting a ‘Green Industrial Revolution’, written within the context of securing a recovery from COVID-19 and working to meet the legislative obligation for net zero carbon emissions. Many of the actions which are highlighted in the plan are devolved matters, so within the Scottish context the Economic Recovery Implementation Plan 2020, and the Climate Change Plan Update 2021 set out the Scottish Government’s proposals and investments to meet net zero emissions and achieve sustainable and inclusive economic recovery and growth; but the 10-point plan is useful in understanding how these fit within the wider UK context.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
Fairer Scotland Action Plan (2016) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Fairer Scotland Action Plan is a summary of the key discussions surrounding social justice which also seeks to address key themes highlighted. These include: Work and living standards Homes and communities Early years, education and health; Community participation and public services Respect and dignity. The plan sets 50 Fairness actions for this parliamentary term which will help in achieving the ambitions set (refer to 1.2.82). In relation to travel, the Scottish Government committed to publishing “Scotland’s first accessible travel framework to help disabled people enjoy the same travel rights as everyone else” before the end of 2016 (p.31). The plan outlines five ambitions that the Scottish Government will focus on until 2030: A fairer Scotland for all Ending child poverty A strong start for all young people Fairer working lives A thriving third age.	Population and Human Health
Fairer Scotland Action Plan: progress report 2020 (2020) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	This Fairer Scotland Action Plan Progress Report provides an update on the actions within the Fairer Scotland Action Plan, and also includes an update on the recommendations in the two reports produced by the Independent Advisor on Poverty and Inequality.	Population and Human Health
Creating Places: A policy statement on architecture and place for Scotland (2013) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The policy statement sets out the Scottish Government’s position on architecture and place. It emphasises the important relationship between architecture and place which contribute to the government’s National Outcomes. The statement sets out six qualities of successful places which the government consider in delivering good places: distinctive safe and pleasant easy to move around welcoming adaptable resource efficient.	Population and Human Health, Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual, Material Assets
Place Principle (2019) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Scottish Government’s Place Principle promotes a shared understanding of place, and the need to take a more collaborative approach to a place’s services and assets to achieve better outcomes for people and communities. The principle encourages and enables local flexibility to respond to issues and circumstances in different places. The Place Principle supports the National Performance Framework’s collective purpose for Scotland.	Population and Human Health
People, Place and Landscape: A Position Statement (2019) Publishing Authority: Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland	The Position Statement sets out the vision and approach of NatureScot (SNH) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) for managing change in Scotland’s landscapes in more detail. The Statement includes the following vision: “All Scotland’s landscapes are vibrant and resilient. They realise their potential to inspire and benefit everyone. They are positively managed as a vital asset in tackling climate change. They continue to provide a strong sense of place and identity, connecting the past with the present and people with nature, and fostering wellbeing and prosperity.” To deliver this vision, the following actions are proposed: Talking about landscape and its range of benefits. Engaging more local communities and other stakeholders in helping shape future landscape change. Strengthening the role of landscape approaches in the planning, management and design of built development and other land uses. Progress on these actions will be measured against the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework.	Population and Human Health, Cultural Heritage Landscape and Visual
Fitting Landscapes: Securing More Sustainable Landscapes (2014) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	This document provides the Scottish Government’s policy statement on addressing the landscape design and management of transport corridors, which should meet functional objectives but also fit with the landscape through which they pass, protect landscape quality and reflect local distinctiveness. It provides four key aims to: ensure high quality of design and place enhance and protect natural heritage use resources wisely build in adaptability to change. It identified that the consideration of active travel opportunities and facilitating connections with paths, cycleways and other Non-motorised User (NMU) provision is considered and committed to early in the design process. It provides guidance throughout the stages of projects from setting objectives, concept solutions, detailed design, implementation, maintenance and management. It provides examples and guidance on objectives including minimising adverse environmental effects; protecting species, habitats and ecosystems; using natural characteristics in design; native planting and biodiversity; retaining features and re-using materials; low maintenance and management design; integration with landform; and distinctive place quality.	Population and Human Health, Biodiversity, Landscape and Visual
Covid Recovery Strategy: for a fairer future (2021) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Covid Recovery Strategy acknowledges the hardship experienced during the global pandemic was not felt evenly, it has both highlighted the inequalities in society and made them worse. This strategy focuses on the efforts required to tackle inequality and disadvantage. If people are secure and have firm foundations then communities, businesses, economy and society will be more resilient. This strategy makes clear that a thriving economy underpins a successful recovery and requires urgent action from government, local and national, from community groups, charities and voluntary organisations and from businesses large and small. The strategy aims to: address the systemic inequalities made worse by Covid make progress towards a wellbeing economy accelerate inclusive person-centred public services.	Population and Human Health
Let’s Get Scotland Walking: The National Walking Strategy (2014) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The strategy sets the vision of creating a Scotland where everyone benefits from walking as part of everyday journeys, enjoys walking the in the outdoors and where places are well designed to encourage walking. It has three strategic aims: create a culture of walking where everyone walks more often as part of their everyday travel and for recreation and wellbeing. better quality walking environments with attractive, well designed and managed built and natural spaces for everyone. enable easy, convenient and safe independent mobility for everyone.	Population and Human Health
A More Active Scotland: Scotland’s Physical Activity Delivery Plan (2018) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The plan sets out a commitment to increase physical activity in Scotland. Focus is given to supporting an increased uptake in active travel, including a commitment to invest in active travel infrastructure. Vision: “A Scotland where more people are more active, more often.”	Population and Human Health
Active Travel Framework (2020) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	Sets out key policy approaches to improving the uptake of walking and cycling in Scotland for travel.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Landscape and Visual
A Long-Term Vision for Active Travel in Scotland 2030 (2014) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	Aims to encourage more people to walk and cycle for shorter everyday journeys. Focus on areas such as infrastructure, transport integration, cultural and behaviour change, community ownership and planning.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Landscape and Visual
Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 2017-2020 (2017) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	The aim of the third iteration of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland was to gauge progress since the previous editions in 2010 and 2013 and to develop a robust set of actions that will help achieve the shared vision of “10% of everyday journeys to be made by bike, by 2020”. The action plan outlines 19 actions of how the Scottish Government, local authorities and all key partners will achieve Scotland’s active travel commitments. Actions include Transport Scotland holding an Annual Active Travel Summit, continuing to deliver and maintain high quality local infrastructure, improve integration with public transport, increase levels of access to bikes through projects that support inclusive cycling initiatives and increasing participation for young people of all abilities.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors , Population and Human Health
Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 (2021) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	The Road Safety Framework to 2030 sets out a long-term vision for road safety, Vision Zero, where there are zero fatalities and injuries on Scotland’s roads by 2050. The journey to achieving this vision will also include interim targets where the number of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads will be halved by 2030.	Population and Human Health
Scottish Trunk Road Network Asset Management Strategy (2018) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Policy reaffirms their commitment to ensure that Scotland’s transport network is able to serve its function in addition to being safe, resilient and in the best condition. Related to the environment, the policy seeks to “Reduce carbon and waste and enhance environments”. In addition, the policy document outlines how Transport Scotland is protecting Scotland’s transport assets from the environment, including developing its Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plans and that activities are carried out in line with the current and future Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Plan (SCCAP).	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors Population and Human Health

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority

Summary of Document

Relevant SEA Topics

Fairer Scotland Action Plan (2016)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The Fairer Scotland Action Plan is a summary of the key discussions surrounding social justice which also seeks to address key themes highlighted. These include:

Work and living standards
Homes and communities
Early years, education and health;
Community participation and public services
Respect and dignity.

The plan sets 50 Fairness actions for this parliamentary term which will help in achieving the ambitions set (refer to 1.2.82). In relation to travel, the Scottish Government committed to publishing “Scotland’s first accessible travel framework to help disabled people enjoy the same travel rights as everyone else” before the end of 2016 (p.31).

The plan outlines five ambitions that the Scottish Government will focus on until 2030:

A fairer Scotland for all
Ending child poverty
A strong start for all young people
Fairer working lives
A thriving third age.

Population and Human Health

Fairer Scotland Action Plan: progress report 2020 (2020)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

This Fairer Scotland Action Plan Progress Report provides an update on the actions within the Fairer Scotland Action Plan, and also includes an update on the recommendations in the two reports produced by the Independent Advisor on Poverty and Inequality.

Population and Human Health

Creating Places: A policy statement on architecture and place for Scotland (2013)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The policy statement sets out the Scottish Government’s position on architecture and place. It emphasises the important relationship between architecture and place which contribute to the government’s National Outcomes.

The statement sets out six qualities of successful places which the government consider in delivering good places:

distinctive
safe and pleasant
easy to move around
welcoming
adaptable
resource efficient.

Population and Human Health, Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual, Material Assets

Place Principle (2019)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The Scottish Government’s Place Principle promotes a shared understanding of place, and the need to take a more collaborative approach to a place’s services and assets to achieve better outcomes for people and communities. The principle encourages and enables local flexibility to respond to issues and circumstances in different places.

The Place Principle supports the National Performance Framework’s collective purpose for Scotland.

Population and Human Health

People, Place and Landscape: A Position Statement (2019)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland

The Position Statement sets out the vision and approach of NatureScot (SNH) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) for managing change in Scotland’s landscapes in more detail. The Statement includes the following vision:

“All Scotland’s landscapes are vibrant and resilient. They realise their potential to inspire and benefit everyone. They are positively managed as a vital asset in tackling climate change. They continue to provide a strong sense of place and identity, connecting the past with the present and people with nature, and fostering wellbeing and prosperity.”

To deliver this vision, the following actions are proposed:

Talking about landscape and its range of benefits.
Engaging more local communities and other stakeholders in helping shape future landscape change.
Strengthening the role of landscape approaches in the planning, management and design of built development and other land uses.

Progress on these actions will be measured against the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework.

Population and Human Health, Cultural Heritage

Landscape and Visual

Fitting Landscapes: Securing More Sustainable Landscapes (2014)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

This document provides the Scottish Government’s policy statement on addressing the landscape design and management of transport corridors, which should meet functional objectives but also fit with the landscape through which they pass, protect landscape quality and reflect local distinctiveness. It provides four key aims to:

ensure high quality of design and place
enhance and protect natural heritage
use resources wisely
build in adaptability to change.

It identified that the consideration of active travel opportunities and facilitating connections with paths, cycleways and other Non-motorised User (NMU) provision is considered and committed to early in the design process.

It provides guidance throughout the stages of projects from setting objectives, concept solutions, detailed design, implementation, maintenance and management.

It provides examples and guidance on objectives including minimising adverse environmental effects; protecting species, habitats and ecosystems; using natural characteristics in design; native planting and biodiversity; retaining features and re-using materials; low maintenance and management design; integration with landform; and distinctive place quality.

Population and Human Health, Biodiversity, Landscape and Visual

Covid Recovery Strategy: for a fairer future (2021)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The Covid Recovery Strategy acknowledges the hardship experienced during the global pandemic was not felt evenly, it has both highlighted the inequalities in society and made them worse. This strategy focuses on the efforts required to tackle inequality and disadvantage.

If people are secure and have firm foundations then communities, businesses, economy and society will be more resilient. This strategy makes clear that a thriving economy underpins a successful recovery and requires urgent action from government, local and national, from community groups, charities and voluntary organisations and from businesses large and small.

The strategy aims to:

address the systemic inequalities made worse by Covid
make progress towards a wellbeing economy
accelerate inclusive person-centred public services.

Population and Human Health

Let’s Get Scotland Walking: The National Walking Strategy (2014)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The strategy sets the vision of creating a Scotland where everyone benefits from walking as part of everyday journeys, enjoys walking the in the outdoors and where places are well designed to encourage walking. It has three strategic aims:

create a culture of walking where everyone walks more often as part of their everyday travel and for recreation and wellbeing.
better quality walking environments with attractive, well designed and managed built and natural spaces for everyone.
enable easy, convenient and safe independent mobility for everyone.

Population and Human Health

A More Active Scotland: Scotland’s Physical Activity Delivery Plan (2018)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The plan sets out a commitment to increase physical activity in Scotland. Focus is given to supporting an increased uptake in active travel, including a commitment to invest in active travel infrastructure.

Vision:

“A Scotland where more people are more active, more often.”

Population and Human Health

Active Travel Framework (2020)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Sets out key policy approaches to improving the uptake of walking and cycling in Scotland for travel.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Landscape and Visual

A Long-Term Vision for Active Travel in Scotland 2030 (2014)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Aims to encourage more people to walk and cycle for shorter everyday journeys. Focus on areas such as infrastructure, transport integration, cultural and behaviour change, community ownership and planning.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Landscape and Visual

Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 2017-2020 (2017)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

The aim of the third iteration of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland was to gauge progress since the previous editions in 2010 and 2013 and to develop a robust set of actions that will help achieve the shared vision of “10% of everyday journeys to be made by bike, by 2020”. The action plan outlines 19 actions of how the Scottish Government, local authorities and all key partners will achieve Scotland’s active travel commitments. Actions include Transport Scotland holding an Annual Active Travel Summit, continuing to deliver and maintain high quality local infrastructure, improve integration with public transport, increase levels of access to bikes through projects that support inclusive cycling initiatives and increasing participation for young people of all abilities.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors , Population and Human Health

Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 (2021)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

The Road Safety Framework to 2030 sets out a long-term vision for road safety, Vision Zero, where there are zero fatalities and injuries on Scotland’s roads by 2050. The journey to achieving this vision will also include interim targets where the number of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads will be halved by 2030.

Population and Human Health

Scottish Trunk Road Network Asset Management Strategy (2018)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Policy reaffirms their commitment to ensure that Scotland’s transport network is able to serve its function in addition to being safe, resilient and in the best condition. Related to the environment, the policy seeks to “Reduce carbon and waste and enhance environments”. In addition, the policy document outlines how Transport Scotland is protecting Scotland’s transport assets from the environment, including developing its Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plans and that activities are carried out in line with the current and future Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Plan (SCCAP).

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors

Population and Human Health

Economy

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
Economic Recovery Implementation Plan (2020) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	This plan provides the Scottish Government’s response to the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, established to consider how Scotland can recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is built on Scotland’s National Performance Framework and is founded on three pillars of inclusion, growth and sustainability. It states we will “Begin building a greener, fairer and more equal society: a wellbeing economy". It consolidates actions which have been undertaken with new and planned additional measures to secure a jobs-focused and socially just economic recovery, including: Supporting business recovery and sustainable green growth. Creating jobs and a Just Transition through investment-led sustainable growth.	Population and Human Health
Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) (2014) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) describes the relationship between Plans, Policies and Strategies (PPS), from national to local level and illustrates how these are related to the Scottish Government’s vision. SPP contains subject based national planning policy which provides direction to planning authorities on the preparation of development plans and development management decisions. SPP and NPF3 share a vision for the planning system in Scotland: “We live in a Scotland with a growing, low-carbon economy with progressively narrowing disparities in well-being and opportunity. It is growth that can be achieved whilst reducing emissions and which respects the quality of environment, place and life which makes our country so special. It is growth which increases solidarity – reducing inequalities between our regions. We live in sustainable, well-designed places and homes which meet our needs. We enjoy excellent transport and digital connections, internally and with the rest of the world.” (p.6) In achieving this vision, SPP sets the following outcomes: Outcome 1: A successful, sustainable place – supporting sustainable economic growth and regeneration, and the creation of well-designed, sustainable places Outcome 2: A low carbon place – reducing our (Scotland’s) carbon emissions and adapting to climate change Outcome 3: A natural, resilient place – helping to protect and enhance our (Scotland’s) natural and cultural assets, and facilitating their sustainable use Outcome 4: A more connected place – supporting better transport and digital connectivity.	All SEA Topics
A Low Carbon Economic Strategy for Scotland (2010) Publishing Authority: APS Group Scotland for the Scottish Government	The Low Carbon Economic Strategy is an integral part of the Government’s Economic Strategy (GES) to secure sustainable economic growth in addition to being key in the Scottish Government’s approach to meeting Scotland’s climate change targets and the transition to a low carbon economy. The strategy identifies decarbonising and improving the efficiency of transport as a key enabler for enhanced productivity and increasing sustainable economic growth.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors Population and Human Health, Biodiversity, Water Environment
Making Things Last: a circular economy strategy for Scotland (2016) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	This strategy sets out our priorities for moving towards a more circular economy - where products and materials are kept in high value use for as long as possible. It builds on Scotland's progress in the zero waste and resource efficiency agendas. A more circular economy will benefit: the environment - cutting waste and carbon emissions and reducing reliance on scarce resources the economy - improving productivity, opening up new markets and improving resilience communities - more lower cost options to access the goods we need with opportunities for social enterprise.	Population and Human Health, Material Assets
Scotland’s Economic Strategy (2015) Publishing Authority: APS Group Scotland for the Scottish Government	The strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s approach, focus on outcomes and commitment to partnership working. Scotland’s Economic Strategy sets out an overarching framework for a more competitive and fairer Scotland and sets out the strategic direction for current and future Scottish Government policy. It is noted in the document that “Our approach to delivering Scotland’s Economic Strategy is underpinned by four priorities for sustainable growth: Investing in our people and our infrastructure in a sustainable way. Fostering a culture of innovation and research and development. Promoting inclusive growth and creating opportunity through a fair and inclusive jobs market and regional cohesion. Promoting Scotland on the international stage to boost our trade and investment, influence and networks. Each priority is critical to the delivery of our vision for Scotland. Our policies and resources will be aligned to deliver our purpose of increased sustainable growth, with opportunities for all to flourish” (p.13).	Population and Human Health, Material Assets
Delivering for Today, Investing for Tomorrow – The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2018-19 (2018) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The programme sets out a plan that will deliver for people, communities and businesses now and make the investments that will benefit future generations. The government’s plan of action from 2018-19 aims at: building a globally competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy a healthy and active nation the best place to grow up and learn an empowered, equal and safe Scotland a creative, open and connected nation.	Population and Human Health
Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation: Delivering Economic Prosperity (2022) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	This strategy was published in March 2022, and it sets out the Scottish Government’s ambition for a successful Scotland by 2032. This success is characterised in the strategy as meaning “a strong economy where good, secure and well-paid jobs and growing business have driven a significant reduction in poverty and, in particular child poverty” (p.1). Over the next 10 years the vision is to create a wellbeing economy and navigate the economic and social impacts that Brexit will have on the country. It is noted that the strategy intentionally focuses on a small number of priorities and does not seek to do everything instead focusing on six policy programmes of action: Entrepreneurial People and Culture New Market Opportunities Productive Businesses and Regions Skilled Workforce A Fairer and More Equal Society A Culture of Delivery	Population and Human Health

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority

Summary of Document

Relevant SEA Topics

Economic Recovery Implementation Plan (2020)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

This plan provides the Scottish Government’s response to the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, established to consider how Scotland can recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is built on Scotland’s National Performance Framework and is founded on three pillars of inclusion, growth and sustainability. It states we will “Begin building a greener, fairer and more equal society: a wellbeing economy".

It consolidates actions which have been undertaken with new and planned additional measures to secure a jobs-focused and socially just economic recovery, including:

Supporting business recovery and sustainable green growth.
Creating jobs and a Just Transition through investment-led sustainable growth.

Population and Human Health

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) (2014)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) describes the relationship between Plans, Policies and Strategies (PPS), from national to local level and illustrates how these are related to the Scottish Government’s vision. SPP contains subject based national planning policy which provides direction to planning authorities on the preparation of development plans and development management decisions.

SPP and NPF3 share a vision for the planning system in Scotland:

“We live in a Scotland with a growing, low-carbon economy with progressively narrowing disparities in well-being and opportunity. It is growth that can be achieved whilst reducing emissions and which respects the quality of environment, place and life which makes our country so special. It is growth which increases solidarity – reducing inequalities between our regions. We live in sustainable, well-designed places and homes which meet our needs. We enjoy excellent transport and digital connections, internally and with the rest of the world.” (p.6)

In achieving this vision, SPP sets the following outcomes:

Outcome 1: A successful, sustainable place – supporting sustainable economic growth and regeneration, and the creation of well-designed, sustainable places
Outcome 2: A low carbon place – reducing our (Scotland’s) carbon emissions and adapting to climate change
Outcome 3: A natural, resilient place – helping to protect and enhance our (Scotland’s) natural and cultural assets, and facilitating their sustainable use
Outcome 4: A more connected place – supporting better transport and digital connectivity.

All SEA Topics

A Low Carbon Economic Strategy for Scotland (2010)

Publishing Authority: APS Group Scotland for the Scottish Government

The Low Carbon Economic Strategy is an integral part of the Government’s Economic Strategy (GES) to secure sustainable economic growth in addition to being key in the Scottish Government’s approach to meeting Scotland’s climate change targets and the transition to a low carbon economy.

The strategy identifies decarbonising and improving the efficiency of transport as a key enabler for enhanced productivity and increasing sustainable economic growth.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors

Population and Human Health, Biodiversity, Water Environment

Making Things Last: a circular economy strategy for Scotland (2016)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

This strategy sets out our priorities for moving towards a more circular economy - where products and materials are kept in high value use for as long as possible. It builds on Scotland's progress in the zero waste and resource efficiency agendas.

A more circular economy will benefit:

the environment - cutting waste and carbon emissions and reducing reliance on scarce resources
the economy - improving productivity, opening up new markets and improving resilience
communities - more lower cost options to access the goods we need with opportunities for social enterprise.

Population and Human Health, Material Assets

Scotland’s Economic Strategy (2015)

Publishing Authority: APS Group Scotland for the Scottish Government

The strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s approach, focus on outcomes and commitment to partnership working. Scotland’s Economic Strategy sets out an overarching framework for a more competitive and fairer Scotland and sets out the strategic direction for current and future Scottish Government policy.

It is noted in the document that “Our approach to delivering Scotland’s Economic Strategy is underpinned by four priorities for sustainable growth:

Investing in our people and our infrastructure in a sustainable way.
Fostering a culture of innovation and research and development.
Promoting inclusive growth and creating opportunity through a fair and inclusive jobs market and regional cohesion.
Promoting Scotland on the international stage to boost our trade and investment, influence and networks. Each priority is critical to the delivery of our vision for Scotland.
Our policies and resources will be aligned to deliver our purpose of increased sustainable growth, with opportunities for all to flourish” (p.13).

Population and Human Health, Material Assets

Delivering for Today, Investing for Tomorrow – The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2018-19 (2018)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

The programme sets out a plan that will deliver for people, communities and businesses now and make the investments that will benefit future generations. The government’s plan of action from 2018-19 aims at:

building a globally competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy
a healthy and active nation
the best place to grow up and learn
an empowered, equal and safe Scotland
a creative, open and connected nation.

Population and Human Health

Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation: Delivering Economic Prosperity (2022)

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

This strategy was published in March 2022, and it sets out the Scottish Government’s ambition for a successful Scotland by 2032. This success is characterised in the strategy as meaning “a strong economy where good, secure and well-paid jobs and growing business have driven a significant reduction in poverty and, in particular child poverty” (p.1).

Over the next 10 years the vision is to create a wellbeing economy and navigate the economic and social impacts that Brexit will have on the country. It is noted that the strategy intentionally focuses on a small number of priorities and does not seek to do everything instead focusing on six policy programmes of action:

Entrepreneurial People and Culture
New Market Opportunities
Productive Businesses and Regions
Skilled Workforce
A Fairer and More Equal Society
A Culture of Delivery

Population and Human Health

Equality and accessibility

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
Going Further – Scotland’s Accessible Travel Framework (2016) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The first national Accessible Travel Framework for Scotland. It provides a national vision and outcomes for accessible travel, new ways of working to include disabled people and a high-level action plan to tackle issues. The purpose of the framework is to: support disabled people’s rights by removing barriers and improving access to travel ensure disabled people are fully involved in work to improve all aspects of travel.	Population and Human Health
The Scottish Ferry Service: Ferries Plan 2013-2022 (2012) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	The plan sets out strategic guidance for the provision of ferry services in Scotland between 2013-2022. It aims to maximise the economic and social potential of remote rural and island communities in Scotland. Achieving economic prosperity for Scotland’s island communities requires a high-quality, reliable and affordable service to promote growth in sectors such as tourism, whisky, fishing and renewable energy. The Ferries Plan makes recommendations regarding: where investment should be focused to make improved connections for island and remote rural communities improving reliability and journey times seeking to maximise the opportunities for employment, business, leisure and tourism promoting social inclusion.	Population and Human Health, Water Environment Material Assets
Smart and Integrated Ticketing and Payments – Delivering Strategy (2024) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	The Scottish Government has an ambition to roll out smart and integrated ticketing and payment across Scotland, aligning with the Scottish Government Digital Strategy. The strategy intends to support public transport operators to modernise their services through multi-modal, smart ticketing and electronic payment systems to make travel easier, more accessible, and sustainable for the public.	Population and Human Health
A Connected Scotland: our strategy for tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger social connections (2018) Publishing Authority: Scottish Government	The Scottish Government’s first national strategy to tackle social isolation and loneliness and build stronger connections. The role of the transport network in building social connections and importance of physical activity is noted in the strategy.	Population and Human Health
Future Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy (2017) Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland	The core aim of the Future ITS Strategy is to provide clarity on Transport Scotland’s priorities of Intelligent Transport Systems to contribute to the safe and efficient operation of Scotland’s trunk roads and motorways and meet the needs of customers. The strategy identifies six strategic themes which provide a starting point for the development of action plans and delivery programmes. Theme 3: Environment and Sustainability comprises using ITS to contribute to improved air quality, lower noise levels and reduce the adverse effects of heavy traffic. In addition, it seeks to determine how best to support a low carbon economy through the selection and use of ITS technology and greener travel choices, including low carbon and electric vehicles and supporting active travel.	Population and Human Health, Landscape and Visual, Material Assets
Union Connectivity Review: Final Report (2021) Publishing Authority: Department for Transport	The report provides a breakdown of current road, rail, air and sea connectivity within the UK, and sets out the economic context for better connectivity. It outlines a number of existing transport projects that, according to the evidence submitted so far, should be considered for future investment, as well as the potential development of a new UK strategic transport network. The report also assesses the current environmental impact of transport within the UK.	Population and Human Health, Landscape and Visual, Material Assets

Regional

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
HITRANS – Regional Transport Strategy Draft (2017) Publishing Authority: The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership	The strategy looks to support and promote the approach that transport services in any given area will be determined by the needs of that community and focus should be given to addressing these needs with a locality-based approach. The dualling of the A96 is listed amongst others as an already committed project and is noted that the project must deliver a transport corridor that enhances connectivity between and within many large communities that will be impacted by the project (p.35). The vision of the strategy is set out as being “To deliver connectivity across the region which enables sustainable economic growth and helps communities to actively participate in economic and social activities” (p.5).	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors Population and Human Health, Water Environment
Nestrans 2040 – Regional Transport Strategy for the North-East of Scotland (2021) Publishing Authority: Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire	Nestrans is the Regional Transport Partnership for the North East of Scotland with a statutory duty to produce and deliver a Regional Transport Strategy. This RTS is a long-term strategy for the areas of Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, which sets the vision and direction for transport in the region for the next 20 years. The A96 is noted amongst a list of already committed projects in the pipeline for development and says the following: “Improvements to the A96 support the objectives of the Regional Economic Strategy and Nestrans will continue to work closely with both Transport Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council to ensure improvements deliver the intended benefits for the North East, promote facilities for non-motorised users along the corridor as well as effective future integration with the public transport network (bus and rail)” (p.70). The strategy looks to prioritise sustainable transport, promoting modes of active transport such as walking and cycling as most favourable followed by public transport and discouraging the need for private cars where possible. “Our Vision: To provide a safer, cleaner, more inclusive, accessible and resilient transport system in the North East, which protects the natural and built environment and contributes to healthier, more prosperous and fairer communities” (p.22).	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Landscape and Visual
Regional Economic Strategy Securing the future of the north east economy (2015) Publishing Authority: Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire and Opportunity North East	This document provides a vision and strategy for the future of the North East of Scotland’s economy. It will act jointly as an economic strategy for the region and ensure a long term commitment to a range of priorities and objectives across partner organisations to maintain and grow our economy. There are four key strands: Investment in Infrastructure, Innovation, Inclusive Economic Growth and Internationalisation. Focusing on these areas, the strategy outlines a long-term plan for investment to boost the economic development of the North East.	Population and Human Health
Regional Economic Strategy – A sustainable economic future for the North East Of Scotland (2023) Publishing Authority: Aberdeen City Council	This document provides an overview of Aberdeen City’s strategic vision for the year 2035, outlining key initiatives and goals aimed at sustainable development, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life for its residents.	Population and Human Health

Local

The Highlands

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
The A96 Growth Corridor Development Framework: Creating distinctive green Highland places 2007 Publishing Authority: The Highland Council	This document was created following the proposals of the A96 dualling and explores the opportunities that this development could provide to accommodate the levels of anticipated growth in the region. Creating meaningful Highland places and reinforcing the landscape and its assets is the focus of this framework and seeks to explore the benefits that the A96 can bring in achieving this. “The Vision: A masterplan for the A96 Corridor should provide for distinctive ‘green’ Highland places where people can choose to live, learn and earn successfully. Collaboratively, all stakeholders will endeavour to deliver the masterplan through pioneering governance and commercial astuteness.” “The A96 Growth Corridor Development Framework provides a context for creating attractive places to live, learn and earn. A choice of living and working environments will be fashioned to meet the needs of a diverse community. This will provide for a high quality of life, sustainable and accessible places, the creation of identifiable places reflecting Highland vernacular and community investment.”	All SEA topics
The Highland Council Local Transport Strategy 2025 – 2035 (2010) Publishing Authority: The Highland Council	The Highland Council is in the process of developing a new Local Transport Strategy (LTS) for the next 10-year period from 2025 to 2035. Its purpose is to guide policy and investment on transport within Highland Council and partner bodies involved in the delivery of transport infrastructure and transport services throughout the Highland area. The A96 is noted as a key travel corridor for Highland settlements and communities and the strategy seeks to improve transport links at key junctions and promote the A96-A9 link. Draft themes: Maintenance of the existing transport system. Targeted road infrastructure improvements. Safety of the transport system. Resilience of the transport system. Climate change adaptation. Strengthening consideration of maintenance needs and costs in design Supporting access needs for economic growth.	Population and Human Health, Landscape and Visual, Material Assets
Highland Wide Local Development Plan (2012) Publishing Authority: The Highland Council	The plan sets out the overarching spatial planning policy for the whole of the Highland Council area except the area covered by the Cairngorms National Park Local Plan. The document provides a vision statement and spatial strategy for the area and replaces The Highland Structure Plan (2001): ‘By 2030, Highland will be one of Europe’s leading regions. We will have created sustainable communities, balancing population growth, economic development and the safeguarding of the environment across the area and have built a fairer and healthier Highlands.’	All SEA topics
Highland Historic Environment Strategy (2013) Publishing Authority: The Highland Council	This strategy has been prepared as supplementary guidance to the Highland-wide Local Development Plan, with specific interest in the natural, built and cultural heritage. “The purpose of this strategy is to define Highland Council’s approach to the protection of the historic environment through the planning process. This document will, through the implementation of the strategic aims, ensure that there is a proactive and consistent approach to the protection of the historic environment. The Historic Environment Strategy is a material consideration when proposals for development are being considered” (p.2).	Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Visual
Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan 2015 Publishing Authority: The Highland Council	“The Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan (IMFLDP) is the first of three new area local development plans that, along with the Highland-wide Local Development Plan (HwLDP) and Supplementary Guidance, will form The Highland Council’s Development Plan that guides future development in the Highlands. The IMFLDP focuses on where development should and should not occur in the Inner Moray Firth area over the next 10-20 years” (p.2). It is thought that the delivery of the A96 dualling and bypasses will address concerns regarding capacity of the road networks and will contribute and complement the employment and settlement growth planned. The vision set out is that by 2030, the Inner Moray Firth LDP will: have increased the number of jobs, people and facilities have a growing city have safeguarded and enhanced its special places have made it easy for people and wildlife to move about through a green network have more efficient forms of travel have resolved its infrastructure constraints have diversified its economy be regenerated and renewed.	All SEA topics

Supplementary Guidance – Highlands

Supplementary guidance that supports the implementation of the policies, plans and strategies relevant to the SEA are:

The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Managing Waste in New Developments 2013

The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Physical Constraints 2013

The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Protected Species 2013

The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Flood Risk & Drainage Impact Assessment 2013

The Highland Council Supplementary Guidance: Sustainable Design Guide 2013

The Cairngorms

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan (2021 ) Publishing Authority: Cairngorms National Park Authority	The plan will influence future built development in the National Park focusing on the five-year period until 2025. The plan also includes development proposals for the 10-year period until 2030, as well as providing a general indication of the likely scale and location of development as far as 20 years into the future. The plan has four statutory aims to: conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public promote sustainable economic and social development of the area’s communities.	All SEA topics

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority

Summary of Document

Relevant SEA Topics

Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan (2021 )

Publishing Authority: Cairngorms National Park Authority

The plan will influence future built development in the National Park focusing on the five-year period until 2025. The plan also includes development proposals for the 10-year period until 2030, as well as providing a general indication of the likely scale and location of development as far as 20 years into the future.

The plan has four statutory aims to:

conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area
promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area
promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public
promote sustainable economic and social development of the area’s communities.

All SEA topics

Supplementary Guidance - Cairngorms

Supplementary guidance that supports the implementation of the policies, plans and strategies relevant to the SEA are:

Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2021 Non-Statutory Guidance: Policy 3 – Design and Placemaking

Moray

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
Moray Local Transport Strategy Part 2 (2011) Publishing Authority: Moray Council	This is the second Local Transport Strategy for the Moray area and its purpose is to set out a framework for taking forward transport policy and infrastructure within Moray. The strategy is split into two parts. Part One – provides information on the main strategy, outlines the key and secondary objectives together with action plans and information on committed schemes Part Two – summarises the background information, achievements to date, key issues, linkages with other National, Regional and Local policies guidance and also the relationships with other key agencies.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Water EnvironmentMaterial Assets
Moray Local Development Plan: Open Space Strategy 2018 Publishing Authority: Moray Council	The strategy provides a strategic vision for the provision, development, maintenance and management of open space with Moray. It will be used to inform decision making on existing open space and open space provision within new development. Open space is important for a number of reasons highlighted by the strategy: health and wellbeing sustainable economic growth climate change environment placemaking	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors Population and Human Health, Biodiversity, Landscape and Visual
Moray Local Development Plan 2020 Publishing Authority: Moray Council	The plan aims to direct the right development to the right place and takes a more “place, infrastructure first and delivery” focus than the previous Local Development Plan. The document has been split into five volumes which should be read in its entirety. The five volumes are: 1. Vision, spatial strategy and policies 2. City, town and village settlements 3. Rural groupings 4. Action/delivery programme 5. Supplementary guidance It is noted in the plan that the dualling of the A96 “will bring significant economic benefits to Moray, reducing travel times, helping to sustain, grow and attract new businesses and should reduce the rate and severity of accidents. The Moray Local Development Plan 2020 is required to set out a vision. The vision is set out opposite, supported by a series of objectives. Plan Aims/Objectives Apply a placemaking approach to development to create sustainable, welcoming, well connected and distinctive places that are safe, healthy and inclusive. Provide a generous supply of housing land to meet the needs of various sectors of the market. A strong framework for investment that provides sufficient land for development and supports sustainable economic growth (including the tourism economy). Identify and provide for new or upgraded social and physical infrastructure to support the expanding population whilst safeguarding existing infrastructure. Promote the vitality and viability of town centres. Encourage efficient use of land and promote low carbon and sustainable development. Protect and enhance the built and natural environment. Improve resilience of the natural and built environment to climate change” (p.7).	All SEA topics
Moray Council Active Travel Strategy 2022-2027 Consultation Draft (2021) Publishing Authority: Moray Council	The strategy aims to make active travel “the natural choice for short, everyday journeys across all our communities”. It builds on the previous active travel strategy and keeps walking, wheeling and cycling at the forefront of projects being delivered in Moray. It is noted in the strategy that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact of active travel as large increases in cycling and walking were seen both locally and nationally, a trend this strategy wishes to continue encouraging.	Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority

Summary of Document

Relevant SEA Topics

Moray Local Transport Strategy Part 2 (2011)

Publishing Authority: Moray Council

This is the second Local Transport Strategy for the Moray area and its purpose is to set out a framework for taking forward transport policy and infrastructure within Moray. The strategy is split into two parts.

Part One – provides information on the main strategy, outlines the key and secondary objectives together with action plans and information on committed schemes

Part Two – summarises the background information, achievements to date, key issues, linkages with other National, Regional and Local policies guidance and also the relationships with other key agencies.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health, Water EnvironmentMaterial Assets

Moray Local Development Plan: Open Space Strategy 2018

Publishing Authority: Moray Council

The strategy provides a strategic vision for the provision, development, maintenance and management of open space with Moray. It will be used to inform decision making on existing open space and open space provision within new development.

Open space is important for a number of reasons highlighted by the strategy:

health and wellbeing
sustainable economic growth
climate change
environment
placemaking

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors

Population and Human Health, Biodiversity, Landscape and Visual

Moray Local Development Plan 2020

Publishing Authority: Moray Council

The plan aims to direct the right development to the right place and takes a more “place, infrastructure first and delivery” focus than the previous Local Development Plan. The document has been split into five volumes which should be read in its entirety. The five volumes are:

1. Vision, spatial strategy and policies

2. City, town and village settlements

3. Rural groupings

4. Action/delivery programme

5. Supplementary guidance

It is noted in the plan that the dualling of the A96 “will bring significant economic benefits to Moray, reducing travel times, helping to sustain, grow and attract new businesses and should reduce the rate and severity of accidents.

The Moray Local Development Plan 2020 is required to set out a vision. The vision is set out opposite, supported by a series of objectives.

Plan Aims/Objectives

Apply a placemaking approach to development to create sustainable, welcoming, well connected and distinctive places that are safe, healthy and inclusive.
Provide a generous supply of housing land to meet the needs of various sectors of the market.
A strong framework for investment that provides sufficient land for development and supports sustainable economic growth (including the tourism economy).
Identify and provide for new or upgraded social and physical infrastructure to support the expanding population whilst safeguarding existing infrastructure.
Promote the vitality and viability of town centres.
Encourage efficient use of land and promote low carbon and sustainable development.
Protect and enhance the built and natural environment.
Improve resilience of the natural and built environment to climate change” (p.7).

All SEA topics

Moray Council Active Travel Strategy 2022-2027 Consultation Draft (2021)

Publishing Authority: Moray Council

The strategy aims to make active travel “the natural choice for short, everyday journeys across all our communities”. It builds on the previous active travel strategy and keeps walking, wheeling and cycling at the forefront of projects being delivered in Moray. It is noted in the strategy that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact of active travel as large increases in cycling and walking were seen both locally and nationally, a trend this strategy wishes to continue encouraging.

Air Quality/ Climatic Factors, Population and Human Health

Supplementary Guidance - Moray

Sets of supplementary guidance that are considered to support the implementation of the policies, plans and strategies those that are relevant are:

Moray Woodland & Forestry Strategy Supplementary Guidance 2018 Moray Local Development Plan 2020 Planning Policy Guidance

Moray Wind Energy Landscape Sensitivity Study 2023

Moray Flood Risk and Drainage Impact Assessment for New Developments 2020

Aberdeenshire

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority

Summary of Document

Relevant SEA Topics

Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 Publishing Authority: Aberdeenshire Council

This plan is part of a set of documents which make up the statutory development plan for the area. The local development plan sets out the policies that will be used for assessing planning applications and is reviewed alongside other documents that consider development.

This plan has the following aims:

Economic Growth
Sustainable Transport
Quality Places
Green- Blue Networks
Environmental Protection

All SEA topics

Proposed Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2020

Publishing Authority: Aberdeenshire Council

The plan sets out exactly where development is expected to take place over the next five years and beyond up to 2031. It encourages and promotes the efficient use of land to deliver long-term benefits for the public, while protecting and improving natural heritage, built heritage and local culture. “Policies and development land allocations must deliver successful, sustainable, low-carbon, better connected and resilient places, linked by accessible and natural spaces” (p.12).

All SEA topics

Supplementary Guidance - Aberdeenshire

Supplementary guidance supports the implementation of the policies, plans and strategies relevant to the SEA are:

Aberdeenshire Council Local Transport Strategy 2012 Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan Supplementary Guidance 5 2017: Local Nature Conservation Sites

Aberdeenshire Forestry and Woodland Strategy 2017

Aberdeen City

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority	Summary of Document	Relevant SEA Topics
Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2023 Publishing Authority: Aberdeen City Council	The Local Development Plan provides a land use framework within which Aberdeen aims to be a sustainable city as the heart of a vibrant and inclusive city region. Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city and plays an important role in many aspects of the life of the country which was reflected in Scotland’s Third National Planning Framework (NPF3).	All SEA topics
Proposed Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2020 Publishing Authority: Aberdeen City Council	This plan represents Aberdeen City Council’s land-use strategy for the city covering a 10-year period from 2022. It aims to support the council’s vision of creating a sustainable and socially equitable future for the city as a home to its residents, regional centre of the North East and as one of Scotland’s most important economic engines. As Scotland’s third largest city it remains an important regional centre for culture, retailing and leisure which must be reflected in the development and investment decisions made.	All SEA topics

PPS/Year/ Publishing Authority

Summary of Document

Relevant SEA Topics

Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2023

Publishing Authority: Aberdeen City Council

The Local Development Plan provides a land use framework within which Aberdeen aims to be a sustainable city as the heart of a vibrant and inclusive city region. Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city and plays an important role in many aspects of the life of the country which was reflected in Scotland’s Third National Planning Framework (NPF3).

All SEA topics

Proposed Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2020

Publishing Authority: Aberdeen City Council

This plan represents Aberdeen City Council’s land-use strategy for the city covering a 10-year period from 2022. It aims to support the council’s vision of creating a sustainable and socially equitable future for the city as a home to its residents, regional centre of the North East and as one of Scotland’s most important economic engines.

As Scotland’s third largest city it remains an important regional centre for culture, retailing and leisure which must be reflected in the development and investment decisions made.

All SEA topics

PPS Supplementary Guidance – Aberdeen City

Supplementary guidance that supports the implementation of the policies, plans and strategies relevant to the SEA are:

Aberdeen City Local Transport Strategy 2016-2021

References

< Previous | Contents | Next >

Appendix B: Plans, Programmes and Strategies Review

Introduction

National PPS

National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) (2020)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) Second Delivery Plan 2022 to 2023 (2022)

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Executive

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Forestry Commission

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Forestry Commission

Publishing Authority: Historic Environment Scotland

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: NatureScot

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: MetOffice

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)

Publishing Authority: Element Energy Ltd for Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Publishing Authority: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Publishing Authority: UK Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: APS Group Scotland for the Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: APS Group Scotland for the Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Scottish Government

Publishing Authority: Transport Scotland

Publishing Authority: Department for Transport

Publishing Authority: The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership

Publishing Authority: Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire

Publishing Authority: Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire and Opportunity North East

Publishing Authority: The Highland Council

Publishing Authority: The Highland Council

Publishing Authority: The Highland Council

Publishing Authority: The Highland Council

Publishing Authority: The Highland Council

Publishing Authority: Cairngorms National Park Authority

Publishing Authority: Moray Council

Publishing Authority: Moray Council

Publishing Authority: Moray Council