The Scottish Government

Rural development

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 vital role in supporting rural communities and enabling sustainable economic growth in rural areas.

Policy summary

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 15 Planning for Rural Development sets out an aspirational planning vision for rural Scotland:

• A positive approach to providing land, and a welcoming stance to rural development, is required.

• A wide range of economic development in rural areas should be supported, and diversification of the rural economy embraced.

• In most rural areas, innovative and flexible approaches will be required to provide affordable houses in suitable numbers.

• Most new development in accessible rural areas will be in or adjacent to exiting settlements.

• There will be scope for flexible planning policies in more remote and less populated rural areas.

• New rural development should be planned, sited in sustainable locations which respect natural heritage and the character of the countryside.