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INTRODUCTION
1. This Scottish Planning Policy ( SPP) sets out the Executive's policy for town centres and the key uses, particularly retailing, which contribute to their economic growth and enhancement. It replaces NPPG 8 Town Centres and Retailing, published in October 1998. The review of this policy accompanies the measures in the Planning etc (Scotland) Bill (2006) to establish a more fit-for-purpose and efficient planning system. This SPP re-emphasises the Executive's support for town centres, and acknowledges their role as locations for a broad range of land uses. The content of the SPP takes account of the findings of research into the operation of NPPG 8 1 and, in particular, the need for development plan policies to better reflect local circumstances when interpreting national policy. Advice on the handling of particular types of development is set out in the annex, to enable planning applications to be determined on a consistent basis.
2. The key focus of this SPP is town centres, how to plan for their development and how to respond to development proposals for town centre uses wherever they are proposed. The policy is intended to be applied broadly, to the range of uses that together make a town centre. It applies to all retail and commercial uses, including leisure, entertainment and recreation uses (such as cinemas, casinos and food and drink establishments). It also applies to other uses that contribute to the vitality and viability (see paragraph 35) of a particular centre, such as community facilities, civic space, culture and tourism, residential and business uses. The focus will be on establishing a mix of uses and activities in town centres, whilst recognising that town centres may not always be the best place to locate certain forms of retail and related development. Therefore, this SPP also establishes the methods for treating proposals for development outside town centres.
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