The National Planning Framework and development plans are obliged by law to be prepared with the objective of contributing to sustainable development. Legislation also requires planning authorities to consider guidance on sustainable development issued by Scottish Ministers. The planning system influences where development is located, how the development performs in terms of need for heat and power, and how reliant the occupants of the development are on walking, cycling, public transport and private cars.
Sustainable development is a very broad topic area that includes climate change, flooding, waste, energy, transport, place people and health.
Policy
The aim is to achieve the right development in the right place and the five principles of sustainable development for the UK are:
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Living within environmental limits;
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Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society;
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Achieving a sustainable economy
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Promoting good governance; and
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Using sound science responsibly.
Those principles are expressed in 21 criteria in Scottish Planning Policy for the planning system to put into action through development plans and development management
Understanding Emissions from Spatial Planning Policy - SPACE
The Scottish Government and Scottish Environment Protection Agency have together released the Spatial Planning Assessment for Climate Emissions (SPACE) tool. SPACE is designed as a straightforward means of informing development planners of the likely relative emissions that will arise as a result of their spatial policies and guidance. SPACE is available to download, and more information is available at the SPACE launch pad site.
Also Worth Seeing
The following links direct you to web sites or documents which influence or are influenced by the Scottish Government's approach to sustainable development in the built environment