NPF4 call for ideas: analysis of responses - executive summary

Infrastructure needed to realise our long-term aspirations

Infrastructure that will be needed in the future

There were calls for an infrastructure first approach and for prioritising investment decisions based on their contribution to meeting net-zero targets, in line with the recommendations of the Scottish Infrastructure Commission. Specific infrastructure projects were often proposed as National Priorities or National Developments.

In general, it was argued that a more strategic or joined-up approach is required to ensure infrastructure delivery is less fragmented. The need for alignment of NPF4 with other strategies and for improved collaboration between local authorities, developers and infrastructure providers was suggested. Issues associated with funding were also raised, including concerns with respect to loss of EU funding post Brexit.

Energy generation, transmission and storage

There were calls for NPF4 to recognise that Scotland requires a significant increase in generation of renewable energy if carbon emissions targets are to be met, and it was argued that the planning system should do more to support this. Improvements to the electricity grid were also suggested to be needed to facilitate more dispersed generation and greater capacity. As well as infrastructure required for electricity from onshore wind, solar and hydro, the need for onshore infrastructure associated with electricity from offshore wind, tidal or wave energy was also highlighted.

Increased capacity for energy storage was also identified as a priority with battery storage and pumped hydro both argued to be important. Co-location of compatible technologies – typically wind, solar and battery storage was suggested.

The need for appropriate infrastructure associated with hydrogen production, storage and distribution was also noted.

Carbon capture and storage infrastructure

Infrastructure to support carbon capture and storage was proposed, including new or refurbished pipelines for transportation of captured CO₂.

Transport and active travel

Improved public transport was seen as key to reducing car use and associated carbon emissions and it was suggested services need to be both of better quality and better integrated. Transport hubs allowing transfer between different modes of transport, including active travel options, were advocated. With respect to active travel there were calls for a better network of good quality footpaths and cycle paths, not only linking housing developments with town centres but also connecting to longer distance paths and cycle routes. A requirement for secure cycle storage was highlighted.

Elements of blue/green infrastructure

It was argued that there should be a blue/green infrastructure first approach, with provision of elements of blue/green infrastructure considered an integral part of the design process for any new development, and with consideration of blue/green infrastructure running throughout planning policy in other areas.

The multifunctional nature of blue/green infrastructure was highlighted with the important contribution to surface water and flood management often referenced. The importance of green space as part of active travel networks was also noted, as was the extent to which green space is an integral element of place, placemaking and sustainable development.

Other infrastructure needed

Other elements of infrastructure suggested to require improvement included:

• Mains water supply and sewerage.
• Road and rail networks.
• Digital infrastructure.
• Waste management infrastructure, including facilities to support development of more of a circular economy.

Making better use of existing infrastructure capacity, including through innovation

Several respondents commented on the Infrastructure Commission's recommendation with respect to making use of existing assets. It was suggested that a whole-life based approach should be a key consideration in the creation of new infrastructure and that there should be a strong presumption for reuse and repurposing over new build.

Consenting repowered onshore wind developments was suggested as an example of making use of existing assets, as was use of the existing canal network as a component of 'smart' water management systems.

Where transport connections will be needed to support future development

There were calls for improvement to both road and rail networks, with works to several individual roads or rail lines suggested to merit National Development status. Increased rail freight capacity and further electrification of freight routes were also proposed, as were improved road and rail connections to both ports and airports.

It was also argued that rather than taking infrastructure to development sites, development should be focused around existing infrastructure – for example building housing near to existing transport hubs.

How digital connectivity could change the way we live and work

The COVID-19 emergency was suggested to have demonstrated that many people can work from home if adequate digital connectivity is provided and that, if sustained, this could reduce the amount of commuting necessary in the future. This could both reduce the carbon emissions associated with transport and also allow people a greater choice of where they want to live.

However, poor digital connectivity in many rural areas was highlighted and it was argued that investment in fixed and mobile digital infrastructure should be supported post COVID-19, recognising its importance as the fourth utility.

Emerging and future technologies we will need to plan for

The future importance of carbon capture and storage was suggested. Also highlighted were the requirements for energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and infrastructure for use of hydrogen as a fuel for transport.

There were calls for NPF4 and LDPs to take account of emerging technologies and be flexible in how these might be delivered in the future.