Councillors at today's Planning Committee agreed Fife Council's formal response to the Government's consultation on the National Planning Framework for Scotland.

The draft framework gives a clear picture for Scotland under the headings of a Growing Economy, a Greener Scotland and Stronger, Healthier and Safer Communities and includes the development strategy and infrastructure provision that will be required to achieve this.

Cllr. John Beare Chair of the Planning Committee said: "Our comments are vital in shaping the future of the national land use strategy for the next 20 years and need to be made with the forthcoming City Regions in mind. As the framework will impact on future Local Development Plans it is essential that we include in our response, points which will help the development of Fife.

"The framework for example identifies nine developments as being of national importance which reflects their crucial role in achieving the vision for Scotland. Two of these have a direct impact on Fife, the new Forth crossing and the Rosyth International Container Terminal. However, there is also a need to identify infrastructure proposals which are linked to the nine national projects and whose implementation will be important in achieving their success, examples include projects such as the Rosyth bypass and A92 upgrades and the extension of rail links to the area.

He continued: "We believe that recognition also needs to be given to projects beyond the nine, which will have a significant effect on their delivery and on promoting sustainable economic growth. While the strategy identifies the east coast as a main economic development corridor we think it is relevant to highlight the specific developments such as the St Andrews science park proposal, the Redhouse roundabout and Levenmouth Rail Link in assisting the framework's goal."