Commercial and industrial developments in national parks in England and Wales: lessons for the Scottish Agenda

The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 provides the legislative framework for the creation of new national parks in Scotland. The Act sets out four aims for the Scottish National Parks, one of which is the promotion of sustainable economic and social development in the parks. This aim is particularly important as it reflects a contemporary view of national parks as working areas. In order to inform the evolving policy debate, the Scottish Executive commissioned research to review best practice with respect to the provision of new industrial and commercial facilities in national parks in England and Wales. This article considers the findings of the research and highlights lessons that can be drawn in order to inform the on-going national parks debate in Scotland. It concludes that positive and assertive planning and management policies are entirely appropriate in order to promote the provision of high quality and innovative industrial and commercial premises in the Scottish National Parks so as to meet the objectives relating to the sustainable economic and social development of the designated areas.