Annex B - Parent Policies
Climate Change Plan Update
The Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan update 2020 outlines a pathway to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. This update, covering the period from 2018 to 2032, emphasizes a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes ambitious targets set by the Climate Change Act 2019 and focuses on transforming sectors such as electricity, transport, buildings, and agriculture. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate economic recovery, and create jobs through strategic investments in innovation and technology.
The update emphasises the expansion of EV charge point networks as a key component of its strategy to achieve net – zero emissions, outlining the goal of installing approximately 24,000 additional charge points by 2030, leveraging both public and private financing, with particular support for the transition for those in rural areas and among lower-income groups, ensuring equitable access to sustainable transport options.
Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR 2)
STPR2 is a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of Scotland’s strategic transport network, covering the period from 2022 to 2042. It aims to inform future transport investment decisions to support the National Transport Strategy’s priorities. STPR2 evaluates various transport modes, including walking, cycling, bus, rail, and car, as well as island and rural connectivity. The review’s recommendations focus on enhancing accessibility, promoting sustainable and smart transport options, and contributing to Scotland’s net-zero emissions target.
STPR 2 also highlights the importance of expanding the EV charge point network as part of its broader strategy to enhance Scotland’s transport infrastructure, including the need to integrate charging infrastructure with renewable energy sources.
National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS 2)
Transport Scotland’s National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) outlines a vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible transport system that promotes economic growth, reduces inequalities, and tackles climate change. The strategy focuses on four key priorities: reducing inequalities, taking climate action, helping deliver inclusive economic growth, and improving health and well-being. It emphasises the importance of transitioning to low-emission vehicles, enhancing public transport, and promoting active travel options like walking and cycling.
National Planning Framework (NPF4)
NPF 4 sets out how we will work together in the coming years to improve people’s lives by making sustainable, liveable and productive places. The Planning (Scotland) Act requires the NPF4 to contribute to six outcomes, amongst which the most important for this integrated assessment is the meeting of any targets relating to the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases, within the meaning of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (covered in section 3.1.1 of the National Planning Framework 4). Transport is a key policy area within NPF4 and as adopted will support developments that prioritise walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport for everyday travel and reduce the need to travel unsustainably.
NPF4 focuses on four key outcomes: net-zero emissions, a wellbeing economy, resilient communities, and better, greener places. Through Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), it promotes the consistency in application of policies across Scotland and relates to the preparation of development plans, the design of development, and the determination of planning applications and appeals.