National Planning Framework 4: integrated impact assessment post adoption statement

1. Introduction

1.1.1 Following a review of Scotland's National Planning Framework (NPF), National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) was adopted and published by the Scottish Ministers on 13 February 2023.^[1]

1.1.2 NPF4 is a long-term spatial plan for Scotland. It sets out the key priorities for 'where' and 'what' development should take place at a national level and is combined with national planning policy on 'how' development planning should manage change. NPF4 replaces NPF3 and Scottish Planning Policy.

1.1.3 NPF4 has been informed by three rounds of wide ranging public consultation, beginning with a 'Call for Ideas'^[2] in early 2020. In November 2020 the Scottish Government published a Position Statement^[3] setting out an overview of key challenges, opportunities and potential policy changes, having reflected on the wealth of information and views received through the Call for Ideas. The Position Statement also reflected on the impacts of COVID-19 and what NPF4 could do to help societal and economic recovery. A draft NPF4^[4] was laid in the Scottish Parliament in November 2021 for 120 days of parliamentary scrutiny. Finally, a Revised Draft NPF4 was laid in the Scottish Parliament on 8 November 2022 and was approved by Parliament on 11 January 2023.

1.1.4 It is important to understand and take into account the impact of policies and proposals as they are developed. A range of Impact Assessments have informed the iterative development of NPF4. Where possible, these assessments have been integrated into the NPF4 preparation process. We have also co-ordinated evidence gathering and assessment stages where relevant, sharing information and links between the different assessment topics and making connections. This Post Adoption Statement sets out how the assessment findings and the consultation responses have been taken into account in finalising NPF4. It meets our statutory and other reporting obligations including those under the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.