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INTRODUCTION
1. The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 requires that functions relating to the preparation of the National Planning Framework and development planning should be exercised with the objective of contributing to sustainable development. This guidance is designed to help meet this requirement. It describes the main principles of sustainable development, as agreed by the Scottish Executive and the rest of the United Kingdom ( UK), and provides specific guidance on how planning, in particular development plans, can contribute to this wider objective.
2. The guidance also advises on ways in which the statutory planning system can address climate change. Increasing demands for transport and energy in industrialised countries such as Scotland are largely responsible for the increases in greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change. Long-life development will need to cope effectively with expected climate changes and impacts (see below). Development plans have a key role to play in ensuring that sustainable development principles, including those which address the challenges of climate change, are applied in relation to the location and design of new development.
3. The guidance sits alongside the Scottish Planning Policy series and, for most issues raised, further detailed and technical guidance is available to support planning authorities. Key references and links are identified in the document.
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