Scottish planning policy
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
In Scotland, the main primary legislation setting the structure of the planning system is the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 as amended by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. Local authorities and the national park authorities are responsibility for delivering planning services.
Scottish Planning Policy is the Scottish government’s national policy for future development and the use of land. Following a review of planning policy, the latest version was published in June 2014, replacing the 2010 version and the Designing Places (2001) statement.
The policy document promotes a consistent approach in its application across Scotland, whilst allowing some flexibility in relation to the local environment. It is focused on:
- Preparation of development plans.
- Development design from conception to delivery.
- Determination of planning applications and appeals.
In addition to the planning policy document, there are a number of supplementary planning policy documents:
- National Planning Framework (NPF). This sets the context for development planning in Scotland and provides a framework for the spatial development of Scotland as a whole. For more information see: National Planning Framework
- Creating Places policy statement.
- Designing Streets policy statement.
- Circulars.
See Scottish planning and architecture documents for more information.
[edit] Policies
The principal policies covered include:
- Sustainability – a strong focus for the government to create a more successful country through increasing sustainable economic growth.
- Delivery – focusing on development planning and development management.
- Placemaking – with an emphasis on places creating better places.
Key subjects have specific policies, including:
- A successful, sustainable place:
- Promoting town centres.
- Promoting rural development.
- Supporting business and employment.
- Enabling delivery of new homes.
- Valuing the historic environment.
- A low carbon place:
- Delivering heat and electricity.
- Planning for zero waste.
- · A natural, resilient place:
- Valuing the natural environment.
- Maximising the benefits of green infrastructure.
- Supporting aquaculture.
- Managing flood risk and drainage.
- A connected place:
- Promoting sustainable transport and active travel.
- Supporting digital connectivity.
NB Glasgow City Development Plan, Published by Glasgow City Council in 2016, states: ‘Published on 23 June 2014, SPP (Scottish Planning Policy) sets out national planning policies for operation of the planning system and for the development and use of land. The SPP promotes consistency in the application of policy across Scotland whilst allowing sufficient flexibility to reflect local circumstances. It directly relates to, amongst other things, the preparation of development plans.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Achieving net zero in social housing.
- Assignation.
- Building safety in Wales.
- Devolution.
- Drying room - Scotland.
- National Planning Framework.
- National planning policy framework.
- Placemaking.
- Planning permission.
- Planning (Wales) Bill.
- Scotland publishes plans to reach net zero targets with Heat in Buildings Strategy.
- Scotland reaches homebuilding milestone in 2021.
- Scottish building standards.
- Scottish Government urged to review infrastructure.
- Scottish housing standard.
- Scottish planning and architecture documents.
- The future infrastructure of Scotland.
- UK.
- UK construction industry.
- Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
AI and automation in 3D modelling and spatial design
Can almost half of design development tasks be automated?
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
The maintenance challenge of tenements.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.
Shortlist for the 2025 Roofscape Design Awards
Talent and innovation showcase announcement from the trussed rafter industry.
OpenUSD possibilities: Look before you leap
Being ready for the OpenUSD solutions set to transform architecture and design.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2025
Highlighting the continuing threat to trades persons.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Now available in Arabic and Chinese aswell as English.
The context, schemes, standards, roles and relevance of the Building Safety Act.
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.