Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate

What we do

The Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate (PARD) delivers Ministers' statutory responsibilities and policies. Ensuring Scotland:

• has a high-performing planning system
• supports sustainable land use
• supports regeneration
• promotes architecture and urban design

PARD helps create thriving communities and contributes to all First Minister priorities and national outcomes. It does this by applying professional expertise and operational experience. 

We are responsible for:

• making Scotland the most attractive part of the UK to invest in by improving planning systems and performance
• tackling the climate and nature crises by streamlining consenting
• responding to the housing emergency by working with partners to maximise opportunities to build the right houses in the right places in the numbers required
• sponsorship and oversight of Architecture & Design Scotland (A&DS), a non-departmental public body who deliver programmes to maximise the benefits of good quality design delivering place-based-regeneration, town centre revitalisation and community led investment to help enable disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life and support a wellbeing economy

Who we are

Cabinet Secretary and Ministers

Management