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A Spatial Planning Framework for Scotland

The Review of Strategic Planning demonstrated widespread support for the preparation by the Scottish Executive of a National Planning Framework. Work began on the framework in the summer of 2002 and it was published on 1 April 2004.

The framework is a non-statutory planning policy document which looks at Scotland from a spatial perspective and sets out an achievable long-term vision. It provides a view of Scotland as a place and identifies likely change to 2025 to ensure different areas can develop to their full potential. It also identifies key strategic infrastructure needs so that we can plan for the right investment in the right places. The framework provides a national context for development plans and planning decisions and will inform the ongoing programmes of the Executive, public agencies and local government. It is one of the factors the Executive will take into account in coming to decisions on policy and spending priorities.

The framework describes Scotland as it is in 2004, identifies key issues and drivers of change, sets out a vision to 2025 and identifies priorities and opportunities for different parts of the country. The final section sets out the action which will be taken by the Executive and public agencies to progress the framework.

Environmental Assessment Report

The publication of the National Planning Framework marks the start of a process of engagement and debate on Scotland's long term spatial development. We intend to update the framework every 4 years. In the meantime the framework will be taken forward through:

• The statutory planning system, community planning and the programmes of the Enterprise Networks;
• Factoring strategic spatial development considerations into the future spending priorities of the Executive, Communities Scotland and Scottish Water and the work of the Ministerial Group on Regeneration;
• Taking spatial issues into account in policies and strategies such as the updated Framework for Economic Development in Scotland;
• Investing in transport, water and drainage and telecommunications infrastructure;
• Strengthening the grid, setting targets and preparing action plans to support renewable energy development;
• Implementation of the National Waste Plan;
• Progressing the West Edinburgh Planning Framework and the regeneration of the Clyde Waterfront and Clyde gateway; and
• The review of strategic transport projects and the use of modelling and other appraisal tools to assess policy and project options.