National Planning Framework 4: integrated impact assessment post adoption statement

2. The Integrated Impact Assessment process

2.1. What Impact Assessments have been undertaken?

2.1.1 In January 2020 we published our Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) screening / scoping report, and published our initial evidence base^[5] and invited feedback. In November 2021 we published our IIA Reports for comment alongside 'Scotland 2045 - Our Fourth National Planning Framework - Draft'^[6].

2.1.2 Further information on the IIA Reports and supporting information which have informed NPF4 preparation is available online at Integrated Impact Assessment | Transforming Planning.

2.2. Post Adoption Statement Structure

2.2.1 This Post Adoption Statement sets out how the findings of the IIA and the views received have been taken into account as NPF4 was finalised. It incorporates the information required under Section 18(3) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and details:

• how the environmental, society & equalities, and business & regulatory considerations have been integrated into NPF4;
• how the IIA Report (including the Environmental Report) has been taken into account;
• how the opinions of consultees have been taken into account;
• the reasons for choosing the NPF4 as adopted, in light of the other reasonable alternatives considered; and
• the measures to be taken to monitor the effects of the implementation of NPF4.

2.3. Strategic Environmental Assessment

2.3.1 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 (the '2005 Act') requires public bodies in Scotland to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of certain plans, programmes and strategies. SEA is a way of examining plans, programmes and strategies as they develop, to identify any likely significant effects they may have on the environment. It also aims to identify opportunities to avoid or minimise any potentially significant adverse effects on the environment, and looks for opportunities to enhance a strategy's environmental performance.

2.3.2 The SEA was in turn supported and informed by early and emerging findings from a Habitats Regulations Appraisal^[7], and by research on the Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of NPF4's proposed national developments. The likely health effects of proposed national developments were also considered as part of the SEA process.

2.4. Society and Equalities Impact Assessment

2.4.1 NPF4 has been informed by a Society and Equalities impact assessment^[8] (SEQIA) incorporating:

• Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) – including human rights considerations: The public sector equality duty requires the Scottish Government to assess the impact of applying a proposed new or revised policy or practice. Equality legislation covers the characteristics of: Age, disability, gender reassignment, sex including pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, and sexual orientation. An EQIA aims to consider how policy may impact, either positively or negatively, on different sectors of the population in different ways.
• Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA): Used to identify, research, analyse and record the impact of proposed policy on children's human rights and wellbeing, CRWIA helps the Scottish Government consider whether it is advancing the rights of children in Scotland and protecting and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people.
• Fairer Scotland Duty (FSD): Aiming to help the public sector to make better policy decisions and deliver fairer outcomes, the duty focuses on socio-economic inequality issues such as low income, low wealth, and area deprivation. The duty is set out in legislation as Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, and came into force in Scotland in April 2018.
• Island Community Impact Assessment (ICIA): Tests any new policy, strategy or service which is likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from the effect on other communities. This became a legal duty in December 2020 under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.

2.5. Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment

2.5.1 Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) looks at the likely costs, benefits and risks of proposals or policy changes that may have an impact on the public, private or third sector.

2.5.2 The BRIA explains:

• the reason why the Scottish Government is proposing to intervene;
• options the Scottish Government is considering, and which one is preferred;
• how and to what extent new policies may impact on Scottish Government, businesses and on Scotland's competitiveness;
• the estimated costs and benefits of proposed measures.

2.5.3 It is considered best practice to complete a BRIA as part of the policy making process, with the content of a BRIA proportionate to the policy matters to be addressed.

2.5.4 The NPF4 Call for Ideas^[9] and subsequent consultation on the NPF4 Position Statement^[10] provided opportunities to build up an evidence base on the potential impacts of the draft NPF4^[11]. A Partial BRIA^[12] accompanied the draft NPF4 and formed part of the IIA published in November 2021, and highlighted some of the areas which were thought likely to be impacted. A finalised BRIA^[13] was published alongside the Revised Draft NPF4 on 8 November 2022.