Planning and architecture
-
Protection afforded to certain Ramsar features - policy amendment proposals: consultation
Consultation paper seeking views on proposals to treat Ramsar sites and natural features in the same way as European sites, for the purposes of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal process.
-
More support for the delivery of new homes
New Housing Planning Hub to unlock development sites.
-
Planning and the housing emergency: delivery plan
The Planning and the Housing Emergency Delivery Plan sets out actions we will be taking in planning to tackle the housing emergency.
-
Biodiversity - strategic framework: consultation analysis
A summary and analysis of responses received to our public consultation on Scotland’s strategic framework for biodiversity 'Tackling the nature emergency', which ran from September to December 2023.
-
Planning Applications Statistics 2023/2024: Annual and Quarterly (October 2023 to March 2024) Official Statistics
This official statistics publication provides data on the number, type and decision times of planning applications made to Scottish Planning Authorities during 2023/24. It consists of a pdf and HTML publication, tables and charts.
-
National Planning Framework 4: delivery programme - third update
The third annual update to the National Planning Framework 4 delivery programme outlines actions for the year ahead to be taken by the Scottish Government to support implementation of NPF4. This includes collaborative activity supported by cross-sector stakeholders.
-
National Planning Framework 4
National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) is our national spatial strategy for Scotland. It sets out our spatial principles, regional priorities, national developments and national planning policy. It should be read as a whole and replaces NPF3 and Scottish Planning Policy.
-
Single Building Assessment Task and Finish Group: final output and recommendations - December 2023
The Single Building Assessment (SBA) Task and Finish Group was created to address the outstanding issues around the SBA process. This December 2023 report sets out outstanding issues, where resolution has been agreed, and recommendations for progress and next steps.
-
Single Building Assessment Specification Task and Finish Group: final output and recommendations - March 2024
Following the first Single Building Assessment (SBA) Task and Finish Group, a successor group was established. This March 2024 report sets out the issues the successor group discussed, where resolution was agreed, and recommendations for progress and next steps.
-
Improving the Lives of Scotland's Gypsy/ Travellers 2: action plan 2024-2026 - easy read
Easy read version of the second joint action plan by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
-
Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers 2: action plan 2024-2026
Second joint action plan by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
-
Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
-
Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: children's version
Children's version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029. This version can be used to support learning and sets out the actions the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
-
Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 - 2029 - easy read
Easy read version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29. The Adaptation Plan sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
-
Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment
Joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment undertaken for Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
-
Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029
Sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change. This Adaptation Plan sets out actions from 2024 to 2029.
-
Masterplan Consent Area Regulations: consultation responses summary
Summary of the responses to the Masterplan Consent Area Regulations consultation.
-
Development plan amendment regulations: consultation response summary
Summary of responses to our consultation related to proposals for regulations on the processes for amending the Development Plan. This report provides a summary of common themes submitted to this consultation and some key points raised.
-
Boosting Scotland’s planning system
Supporting the drive to net zero.
-
Investing in Planning – A consultation on resourcing Scotland's planning system Summary of responses to the consultation
This is a summary of the responses to the consultation 'Investing in Planning – A consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system'.
-
Waste heat recovery: introductory guide
Information about waste heat recovery and its potential as a low carbon heat source, as well as the process of capturing and utilising heat from industrial and commercial processes. The recovered heat can be used in a range of applications including heat networks.
-
Planning and environmental appeals: quarterly performance statistics
Quarterly performance statistics for Planning and Environmental Appeals.
-
Planning and climate change guidance: research report issue 3
Research comprising a desk-based study and stakeholder engagement with developers and decision-makers to develop understanding of the approaches currently being used to both assess and minimise lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of development proposals. This research is to inform National Planning Framework 4.
-
Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2023
The Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS) is a data collection to establish the extent and state of vacant and derelict land in Scotland.
-
Planning for housing: Chief Planner letter – June 2024
Chief Planner letter to stakeholders on planning for housing.
-
Cladding Remediation Programme: Single Building Assessment specification
Sets out the methodology for the proper carrying out of a Single Building Assessment (SBA). This forms part of the standards specified in Section 25(1)(c) of the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill and for the carrying out of an Additional Work Assessment (AWA) as specified by Section 26A of the Bill.
-
Infrastructure levy for Scotland: discussion paper
This paper is to support discussion on options for an Infrastructure Levy for Scotland, to help fund infrastructure that supports wider growth.
-
Planning circular 2/2024: non-domestic permitted development rights
Guidance on non-domestic permitted development rights (PDR). It explains what works people can carry out without an application for planning permission.
-
Planning circular 1/2024: householder permitted development rights
Guidance on householder permitted development rights (PDR). It explains what works people can carry out to alter or improve their home without an application for planning permission.
-
Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
-
Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods - planning guidance: final impact assessment report update
This impact assessment report update relates to our planning guidance on local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods which was produced to support the implementation of the policy framework within the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
-
Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods: planning guidance
The guidance on local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods aims to encourage, promote and facilitate the application of the Place Principle and create connected and compact neighbourhoods which prioritise environmental, social and economic sustainability.
-
Planning system - mandatory training for elected members: consultation analysis
Analysis of the responses from the public consultation on mandatory training in planning for elected members
-
Chief Planning Officers: guidance
This guidance is to be taken into consideration by local authorities when appointing the role of Chief Planning Officer. It provides clarity on the role and responsibilities of the Chief Planning Officer, and how it contributes to the wider aims of the National Planning Framework.
-
Climate Change Act – Section 72: fourteenth annual report
Information and conclusions fulfilling annual reporting requirements on the operation of Section 3F of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (introduced by Section 72 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009).
-
Heat Networks Delivery Plan: review report 2024
The Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021 requires that the Heat Networks Delivery Plan (HNDP) is reviewed every two years, and that Scottish Ministers prepare a report of our progress towards meeting the provisions of the Act and other supporting policies. This report fulfils the requirement to review and report on the HNDP.
-
Simplifying the planning process
Updating permitted development rights in response to cost and climate challenges.
-
Permitted Development Rights review - phase 3: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to a public consultation on phase 3 of our programme to review and extend permitted development rights (PDR).
-
Local planning projects recognised
Minister announces award winners and launches skills platform.
-
Masterplan Consent Areas - draft regulations: consultation
This consultation relates to proposed regulations on the procedures to prepare Masterplan Consent Areas (MCA). It sets out the proposed procedures and includes two sets of regulations: covering the main process for making MCA schemes and relating to environmental impact assessment.
-
The Town and Country Planning (Masterplan Consent Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 and The Masterplan Consent Area Scheme (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024: impact assessments
Impact assessments to accompany consultation on The Town and Country Planning (Masterplan Consent Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 and The Masterplan Consent Area Scheme (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024.
-
Investing in planning - resourcing Scotland's planning system: consultation
This consultation sets out a range of options which have the potential to improve the capacity of the Scottish planning system, in particular in planning authorities, in the coming years.
-
Investing in planning - resourcing Scotland's planning system consultation: impact assessments
This consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system responds to current resourcing challenges. It builds on ideas generated in a stakeholder workshop held in November 2023, and sets out a series of proposals which aim to improve capacity and build resilience.
-
The Town and Country Planning (National Planning Framework and Local Development Plan Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 - Impact Assessments
These impact assessments relate to the proposed procedures for preparing amendments to National Planning Framework and Local Development Plans. The plans prepared using those procedures will themselves be subject to assessments of the impact of their content.
-
National Planning Framework and local development plans - proposals for amending regulations: consultation
Consultation covering proposals for the regulations on procedures to amend the National Planning Framework and Local Development Plans. We aim to ensure the planning system is more responsive and streamlined, whilst balancing the need for robust justification, engagement and scrutiny.
-
Planning Applications Statistics 2023/24: Quarterly (April 2023 to September 2023)
Statistics on planning applications and decision-making timescales for the first two quarters of 2023-2024. Data are collected as part of the Planning Performance Framework from local and planning authorities.
-
CO2 mine gas - site investigation and risk assessment: best practice
Report collating current practice in local authorities and provide a summary assessment of options to deliver a standardised ‘good practice’ approach to risk assessment, reporting, mitigation and verification of mitigation measures for mine gas.
-
Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
-
Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.
-
National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
-
National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
-
National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
-
Digital telecommunications: planning guidance
Guidance explaining the supporting key role the land use planning system has in the delivery and enhancement of digital telecommunications infrastructure across Scotland. It explains the roles and processes involved, provides good practice and a summary of the technical and operational features.
-
Housing Cladding Remediation (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment - easy read
Easy read version of the business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill.
-
Play Sufficiency Assessment Regulations 2023: planning guidance
This guidance sets out the explanations and expectations of the provisions in the Play Sufficiency Assessment Regulations 2023. It supports the implementation of the Regulations, bringing together requirements from the Act and advice with regard to the preparation of the Play Sufficiency Assessment.
-
Biodiversity: draft planning guidance
Sets out expectations for implementing and delivering National Planning Framework (NPF) 4 policies which support the cross-cutting NPF4 outcome 'improving biodiversity'.
-
Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhood - draft planning guidance: consultation analysis
We consulted on the Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhood: draft planning guidance between 27 April and 20 July 2023. The 10 consultation questions aimed to gather a broad range of public and stakeholder views on each element of the guidance.
-
Planning Applications Statistics, 2022/23: Annual and Quarterly (October 2022 to March 2023)
Statistics on planning application decision-making timescales for 2022-2023. Historic annual statistics back to 2018-2019 are also presented.
-
Short term lets: planning guidance for hosts and operators
Guidance to assist operators and prospective operators of short-term let accommodation in understanding the planning requirements that may apply to their property.
-
Building standards - building warrant fees: consultation
We are seeking views on proposed changes to the building warrant fees required to strengthen the building standards system in Scotland.
-
Planning system - mandatory training for elected members: consultation
Mandatory training for elected members was included in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, alongside a package of measures to improve the performance of the planning system. This consultation is seeking views on how this could be implemented.
-
National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023
Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.
-
Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: programme pipeline update - March 2023
This pipeline provides information relating to key major infrastructure programmes with an investment of £20 million or more included at Annex D of our Infrastructure Investment Plan, published in February 2021.
-
Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: progress report 2022 to 2023
Second annual progress report relating to the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26 which outlines the progress made in relation to the Plan’s three themes during the last year as well as key delivery achievements and activity planned for the coming year.
-
Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: major capital projects progress update - March 2023
The following information relates to projects with a capital value of £5 million or more which are at the outline business case (or equivalent) approved stage or beyond.
-
Just transition for the built environment and construction sector: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the built environment and construction sector. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition for the sector.
-
New Build Heat Standard: consultation - part two analysis
The New Build Heating Standard (NBHS) consultation: Part II was an opportunity for the Scottish Government to understand a wide variety of stakeholders’ views on a number of specific proposals. This independent analysis presents a report on these views both quantitively and qualitatively.
-
New Build Heat Standard 2024: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) owing to the proposals in the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) with the move toward zero direct emissions heating systems as a standard in all new buildings. Assessing the particular realities of island communities.
-
New Build Heat Standard 2024: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) considering the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) proposals and implications of moving away from direct emissions heating systems in new buildings. Considering in detail the impacts and potential for increasing equality as a result of introducing these regulations.
-
New Build Heat Standard 2024: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) in consideration of the introduction of the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS). Looking in detail at the economic impacts of moving to Zero Direct Emissions heating systems in all new buildings.
-
New Build Heat Standard 2024: fairer Scotland duty assessment
Fairer Scotland duty assessment for the New Build Heat Standard looking into the socio-economic impact of moving forward with zero direct emissions heating systems in all new buildings and in helping reduce inequalities in Scotland.
-
New Build Heat Standard 2024: children’s rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Children’s rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) in consideration of the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS). Looking at the implications of moving away from Direct Emissions Heating Systems in new buildings with particular regard for children and young people.
-
Permitted Development Rights review - phase 3: consultation
We are currently conducting a substantial review of permitted development rights (PDR). Phase 3 focusses on renewable energy equipment, replacement windows, electricity network infrastructure, reverse vending machines and temporary use of land for shooting ranges.
-
New proposals to enable renewables for business
Planning changes to reduce bills and cut carbon emissions.
-
Effective community engagement in local development planning guidance: impact assessments
These impact assessments have informed the preparation the effective community engagement in local development planning consultation draft guidance. The assessments are being made available for comment in advance of their finalisation and finalisation of the guidance.
-
Effective community engagement in local development planning guidance: consultation
This consultation is about guidance on effective community engagement in the local development planning process. It is for planning authorities and communities. It supports the local development planning approach of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, associated new regulations and guidance.
-
Local development planning guidance
Guidance setting out the Scottish Ministers' expectations for implementing the system of local development plans - so that they deliver new-style, place-based, people-centred and delivery-focussed plans. It brings together requirements from the Act and Regulations and advice in relation to National Planning Framework 4.
-
Planning circular 1/2023: short-term lets and planning
This circular provides guidance on the establishment of short-term let control areas and the need for planning permission for short-term letting.
-
Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2022
The Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS) is a data collection undertaken to establish the extent and state of vacant and derelict land in Scotland.
-
Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods - planning guidance: consultation
We are seeking views on this draft guidance on local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods to support the implementation of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).
-
Delivering thriving local communities
Consultation on planning guidance.
-
Climate Change Act – Section 72: thirteenth annual report
Information and conclusions fulfilling our annual reporting requirements on the operation of Section 3F of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (introduced by Section 72 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009).
-
Supporting outdoor play
Planning reforms to boost play provision.
-
Local Development Plan evidence report – defining Gypsies and Travellers: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the consultation 'Local development plan evidence report - defining Gypsies and Travellers' which ran from December 2022 to February 2023.
-
Flexible planning rules
New measures to boost hospitality and town centre recovery.
-
Planning for net zero
A plan for future developments will help combat climate change.
-
National Planning Framework 4: explanatory report
This explanatory report accompanies our National Planning Framework 4 revised draft. It provides a summary of the representations made through our consultation on Draft National Planning Framework 4 and sets out the changes made in response to those reviews.
-
Chief Planner Letter: stakeholder update - July 2022
Planning Minister Tom Arthur and Chief Planner Fiona Simpson have written to update stakeholders on aspects of the work programme, heading into the summer recess period.
-
Planning Circular 2/2022 The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2022
This Circular provides guidance on the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 and replaces Circulars 1/2004 and 2/2013
-
Streamlining planning processes
Consultation proposes changes to boost economy and help net zero transition.
-
Improving planning processes
New measures to help improve application process.
-
Making our homes cleaner and greener
Scotland’s heat in buildings strategy published.
-
Planning circular 2/2021 - planning system - promotion and use of mediation: guidance
Planning circular 2/2021 provides guidance on the promotion and use of mediation in the Scottish planning system.
-
Fourth National Planning Framework - position statement: consultation analysis
Independent analysis of the responses to our consultation paper on Scotland’s Fourth National Planning Framework Position Statement which ran from 26 November 2020 to 19 February 2021.
-
Conflict avoidance - early intervention to avoid disputes: CPN 2/2021
This Construction Policy Note (CPN) confirms our support for the principle of avoiding conflict in construction contracts and urges other contracting authorities to align their construction procurement policy likewise.
-
Planning performance statistics 2020/2021: quarterly (April 2020 to September 2020)
This report presents summary statistics on planning application decision-making timescales for April to September 2020, as well as historic data back to 2016/17. It is based on data collected from Local and Planning Authorities as part of the Planning Performance Framework (introduced in 2012).
-
Digital strategy for planning: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for Transforming Places Together - the digital strategy for planning in Scotland. The BRIA considers what the potential impact of the strategy may be businesses who are affected by it.
-
Digital strategy for planning: equalities impact assessment
Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) results summary for Transforming Places Together - the digital strategy for planning in Scotland. The EQIA considers the impact of the strategy on the protected characteristics.
-
Transforming Places Together: digital strategy for planning
This strategy defines a long-term strategic direction for how Scotland’s planning system will digitally transform, embracing the opportunities new digital technologies and data present. It sets out what we intend to deliver, why this is needed and the benefits this transformation will bring.
-
Transforming planning for the digital age
£35 million investment in technology.
-
Permitted development rights - phase 1 priority development types: consultation
Consultation on draft proposals for changes and extensions to Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in Scotland for the priority development types selected for inclusion in Phase 1 of our programme. Consultation closes on 12 November 2020.
-
Healthier, greener town centres
Optimising town centres for the aftermath of COVID-19.
-
Parliament asked to back emergency Coronavirus Bill
New powers outlined for justice, public services and the economy
-
Tenants to be given extra protection
Emergency Scottish legislation in response to coronavirus.
-
Local development plans - deliverability of site allocations: research
Research considering the types of proportionate information that will demonstrate a development site’s deliverability.
-
Planning performance and fees: consultation
Consultation on revising the planning performance and fees regimes.
-
Construction phase handbook
Guidance for contracting authorities on the construction phase of a built asset project
-
Rural planning to be prioritised
Review into planning underway.
-
Reviewing and extending permitted development rights: consultation
Consultation on our proposed work programme for reviewing and extending permitted development rights in Scotland.
-
Community-led design initiatives: evaluation
Findings from an evaluation of community–led design initiatives funded by the Scottish Government: the Charrette Mainstreaming Programme and the Making Places initiative.
-
Planning: post-bill work programme
Our proposed timetable for implementing the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 and taking forward other aspects of the reform of Scottish planning.
-
Building a zero carbon future
Climate change top of the agenda for new planning system.
-
Planning application decision times published
Official Statistics Publications for Scotland
-
Communities given more say in planning
Planning Bill supports a more inclusive and collaborative planning system.
-
Decrease in derelict and urban vacant land
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
-
Gypsy/Traveller Sites in Scotland
The report presents findings from a study collating data on Gypsy/Traveller sites in Scotland.
-
Delivering an improved planning system
Added costs threaten aims of new legislation.
-
Planning application decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
-
Planning application decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
-
Planning application decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
-
Transforming planning
Legislation to encourage development and improve community engagement.
-
Planning application decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
-
Help to build own home
£4 million self-build loan fund
-
Designing communities
People to have say in the design of their area.
-
Planning decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
-
Transforming planning
Changes to make planning system more effective.
-
Planning decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
-
Final say on Scotland's planning system
Consultation on significant changes enters final week.
-
Supporting urban regeneration
Milestone for SPRUCE fund.
-
Places, people and planning: community council briefing
A short guide for community councils on the key points in the consultation paper on the future of the Scottish Planning System.
-
Transforming the planning system
Views sought for planning modernisation.
-
New controls on pay day lending and betting shops
Planning permission required to open up on the high street.
-
Planning decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
-
Designing with the experts
£300k for local projects.
-
Scotland gets low-carbon cosy
More renewable heat than ever before.
-
Planning decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
-
Local design fund
Communities to have their say in the design of their area.
-
Review of planning welcomed by Scottish Ministers
Crucial actions to be taken as part of planning sector reform.
-
Scottish planning policy
Policy statement on how nationally important land use planning matters should be addressed across the country.
There is a problem
Thanks for your feedback