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Development Planning

Related Planning Information

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Stephen Hall
0131 244 0626
Stephen.hall@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

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Policy Subject - Development Planning

Development Planning

Scottish Ministers are responsible for the National Planning Framework (NPF) which sits at the top of the policy hierarchy and is the long term strategy for the development of Scotland over the next 25 years. It is supported by Scottish Planning Policies (SPP) and Planning Advice Notes (PAN).

At local government level, development plans lie at the heart of the planning system. They are intended to provide a clear vision of how our places should develop, and are the core documents against which planning applications are assessed for determination. Development planning is a consultative process which involves a range of interests, includes strategic environmental assessment and results in a plan for local development.

Policy summary

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 1: The Planning System sets the policy context for development planning. This is supported by Planning Advice Note 37: Structure Planning and PAN 49: Local Planning. The future aim is to make development plans:

  • contain a spatial strategy consisting of clear policies and proposals which set out a long term vision for an area.
  • identify the types of development that will, and will not, be permitted in specified locations.
  • be produced quickly and remain up-to-date (the 2006 Planning Act requires plans to be reviewed on a five-yearly basis).
  • ensure delivery (the Planning Act requires plans to be accompanied by action programmes setting out who needs to do what, and when, in order to deliver the development envisaged by the plan).

Latest

Latest
  • Fife Structure Plan 2006-2026 - the next steps and proposed timing for approving the finalised Fife Structure Plan 2006-2026 and the Housing Land Requirement Re-appraisal.
  • The development planning system is currently under review. Commencement of development planning provisions of 2006 Planning Act, and associated designation orders and regulations will begin by the end of 2008.
  • Circular 2/2008 published 23 April 2008, contains guidance for planning authorities on strategic development planning authorities (SDPAs). SDPAs will be groupings of planning authorities tasked in law to prepare strategic development plans (SDPs) under the modernised planning system. The guidance is issued under section 4(7) of the 2006 Planning Act, and planning authorities will be legally obliged to have regard to it. It advises on governance issues, including the setting up of joint committees and the establishment of dedicated teams of officials to service them. It also provides guidance on how and where SDP area boundaries should be drawn.
Consultations
Publications
  • Final Strategic Development Planning Authority Designation Orders and Statutory Guidance
    Due: Summer 2008
  • Final Regulations on Development Planning
    Due: Autumn 2008
  • Final Regulations on Development Plan Examinations
    Due: Autumn 2008
  • New PAN on development planning
    Due: December 2008
  • New Code of Practice for development plan examinations
    Due: Januray 2009

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Page updated: Thursday, August 14, 2008