Scotland 's countryside is an exceptional asset, in terms of its value for people's quality of life, its economic potential and its natural heritage. The planning system has a significant role in supporting rural communities and enabling sustainable economic growth in rural areas.
Policy Aims
National planning policy on rural development is set out in Scottish Planning Policy ( SPP), and is supported by Planning Advice Note ( PAN) 72 Housing in the Countryside and PAN 73 Rural Diversification.
Key elements of the policy include:
- The planning system has a significant role in supporting sustainable economic growth in rural areas. The aim is to enable development in all rural areas which supports prosperous and sustainable communities whilst protecting and enhancing environmental quality.
- The strategy for rural development set out in the development plan should respond to the specific circumstances in an area whilst reflecting the overarching aim of supporting diversification and growth of the rural economy.
- Development plans should support more opportunities for small scale housing development.
- Development on prime agricultural land should not be permitted unless it is an essential component of the settlement strategy or is necessary to meet an established need, for example for major infrastructure development, where no other suitable site is available Publications
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