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Spatial policy review and appraisal
Plan review
A strategic spatial plan identifies the vision, and measurable goals and objectives, which translate into policies and actions. However as actions are implemented, political climates change or other unforeseen influences have an effect on the region this vision, and strategic objectives may no longer reflect the priorities. In addition, to stay aligned with the strategic objectives of other sectors and the policy makers above and below, spatial plans need to be reviewed and rewritten on a regular basis. Whist a typical time scale for setting strategic visions and objectives may be 20 years, a typical time scale for planned review of a spatial plan is around 5 years. This is enough time to gather sufficient data on the performance of the plan, and enough time so as to give a break between finishing one plan and starting straight away on the next as typically spatial plans may take up to 2 years to write!), but yet the plan will not become to out of date as circumstances change.
Plan appraisal
During the plan making process there are a number of mechanisms were by policies can be reviewed in the context of the current and predicted available data to ensure that they will have the desired effect .
EU legislation requires all plans and strategies to under go Strategic Environmental Assessment. This is a systematic process for assessing the likely significant environmental effects of public sector strategies, plans and programmes. In addition to this there are a number of other policy appraisal processes that have been voluntarily adopted across the NPP. These include:
Sustainability appraisal - Sustainability appraisal (SA) has been adopted by the English planning system to promote sustainable development through the integration of social, environmental and economic considerations into the preparation of revisions of Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) and for new or revised Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs).
Rural proofing - Rural proofing involves a commitment to developing and implementing policies in ways that are sensitive to the different impact of policy in rural areas, and adjusting accordingly for the distinctive circumstances of rural communities. Rural proofing is also important for Local Strategic Partnerships, as engaging with local communities is vital to effective service delivery and area-based regeneration.
Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) is the Scottish Executive’s appraisal methodology for all transport projects. It sis based on the belief that good planning and appraisal result in good outcomes. It advises that plan development should be objective led, open minded, pragmatic, auditable and inclusive. STAG is designed to ensure that a wide range of important public policy considerations are taken into account during the appraisal process.
Recommended further reading
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy/downloads/survivalguide/dev/index.htm
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/Envir_Quality_supp.pdf
