Planning and architecture
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Planning obligations and good neighbour agreements: guidance
Guidance on the use of planning obligations under section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, and good neighbour agreements under section 75D.
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Planning Applications Statistics 2024/2025: Annual and Quarterly (October 2024 to March 2025)
The number of planning applications received by local authorities for quarters 3 and 4 (2024/25) and annually (2024/25). The type of application and decision times for them are also provided.
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Scotland's Learning Estate Strategy: "Connecting People, Places and Learning"
The Learning Estate Strategy and its guiding principles provide a platform for investment in the learning estate across Scotland and set out our strategic approach for managing the learning estate.
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Compulsory purchase reform in Scotland: consultation
We are seeking views on how to make the compulsory purchase system simpler, more streamlined, and fairer for all, to help deliver development and new homes. This consultation also includes questions on the possible benefits of introducing compulsory sale orders and compulsory lease orders.
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Reduction in vacant and derelict land
Scottish Government investment continues to help drive progress.
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Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Statistics (2024)
Accredited Statistics detailing the amount, characteristics and location of vacant and derelict land at Scotland and local authority area in 2024.
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Proposals to extend marine planning zones: updated data protection impact assessment
Updated data protection impact assessment following end of consultation on proposals to extend marine planning zones and subsequent enactment of the proposals
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Permitted development rights to support the provision of new homes: SEA Environmental Report
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report for the consultation on permitted development rights to support the provision of new homes.
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Proposals to support the provision of new homes
Views sought on changes to planning rules.
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Permitted development rights to support the provision of new homes: consultation
We are consulting on potential measures to simplify planning processes and encourage the provision of new homes in rural areas and town and city centers. The consultation also includes options related to domestic air source heat pumps and heat network connections.
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Tackling Scotland's Housing Emergency
Building on the significant progress made to date, the Housing Emergency Action Plan sets out new, enhanced and accelerated actions - reflecting our determination to go further and faster in our commitment to tackling the housing emergency in Scotland.
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Short Term Lets Control Area and Licensing: data protection impact assessment - June 2025 review
The purpose of this data protection impact assessment is to report and assess against any potential data protection impacts as a result of the Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2021, the Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland)
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Scotland's fourth land use strategy: consultation
This consultation paper sets out our proposed approach to the next Land Use Strategy. It seeks your views on the strategic direction and vision for sustainable land use in Scotland, and the objectives, policies and actions that will help deliver it.
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Planning Obligations and Good Neighbour Agreements: draft guidance
This draft guidance has been superseded by final guidance published in December 2025.
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Traditional stone walls in Scotland - validation of RdSAP U-value calculation methodology: research
Research looking at the practical performance of buildings around Scotland. Specific stone wall were identified to see if actual u-values measured showed significant improvement when compared with u-values used in RdSAP.
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Architecture and Design Scotland review: background report
A background report setting out the findings and recommendations for reform of the public body, Architecture and Design Scotland, following a review process by Scottish Government.
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Architecture and Design Scotland review: summary report
A summary of the key findings and recommendations for reform of the public body, Architecture and Design Scotland, following a review process by Scottish Government.
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Planning circular 2/2025: fees for applications
This circular provides guidance on the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 and replaces circulars 1/2004, 2/2013, 2/2022 and 3/2024.
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Planning circular 3/2025: fees for local reviews and appeals
This circular provides guidance on the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Local Reviews) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 and the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Appeals) (Scotland) Regulations 2025.
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NPF4 planning guidance: policy 2 - climate mitigation and adaptation
Planning guidance supporting the consistent, proportionate and effective application of National Planning Framework 4 Policy 2 on climate mitigation and adaptation.
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Planning circular 1/2025: notification to Ministers of Masterplan Consent Area Schemes
This circular contains and explains notification triggers and information requirements in the associated Town and Country Planning (Masterplan Consent Areas) (Scotland) Direction 2025, which will ensure appropriate Ministerial scrutiny of those MCA schemes that may raise issues of importance.
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Climate Change Act – Section 72: fifteenth 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).
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Planning Application Statistics 2024/25 (April 2024 to September 2024)
These statistics set out an analysis of planning applications processed by Planning Authorities including the number, and type of applications and the decision times for applications.
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Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase 2 report: Scottish Government response
The report provides an update on the work already underway in Scotland. It identifies where further action is required to support change to strengthen our systems across areas where responsibility is devolved and on reserved matters working with UK Government and other administrations.
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Play: vision statement and action plan 2025 to 2030
Vision statement and action plan designed to reflect the vision of play for Scotland for the next five years and the steps we will take within that time to achieve our vision and aim.
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Play: vision statement and action plan 2025 to 2030 - children's version
A children's version of Scotland's vision statement and action plan, designed to reflect the vision of play for Scotland for the next five years and the steps we will take within that time to achieve our vision and aim.
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National Flood Resilience Strategy - Gaelic version - Ro-innleachd Nàiseanta airson Seasmhachd an Aghaidh Thuiltean
Ro-innleachd Nàiseanta airson Seasmhachd an Aghaidh Thuiltean
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National Planning Skills Commitment Plan
Focus on skills and recruitment.
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Planning, Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group: annual report 2024
Annual report covering the activities of the Planning Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group in 2024. Prepared in Collaboration with Scottish Futures Trust.
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National Flood Resilience Strategy: consultation analysis
Analysis of the responses to the National Flood Resilience Strategy consultation exercise.
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Masterplan Consent Areas: guidance - impact assessments
Impact assessments of the guidance on Masterplan Consent Areas.
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Masterplan Consent Areas: guidance
This guidance is to help planning authorities prepare Masterplan Consent Area (MCA) schemes. To aid understanding it explains the intention of the provisions in the legislation and expands on Scottish Ministers’ expectations for implementation of MCAs.
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Housing Land Audit: guidance
Guidance for planning authorities to support preparation of Housing Land Audits.
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Housing Land Audit guidance: impact assessment summary
Summary of impact assessment of Housing Land Audit guidance.
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National flood resilience strategy: equality impact assessment and fairer Scotland duty assessment
The combined equality impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment for the National Flood Resilience Strategy.
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Flood Resilience Strategy: case studies
Examples of diverse initiatives around Scotland that are in some way contributing to our flood resilience.
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Effective community engagement in local development planning: guidance
Guidance to assist with engagement activities in the preparation of local development plans. It is part of measures introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 to put community voices at the heart of the planning system in Scotland.
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Effective community engagement in local development planning guidance: we asked, you said, we did statement
We sought views on draft planning guidance for the effective community engagement in local development planning in summer 2023. This report summarises the actions taken to address, within the finalised guidance, the key themes emerging from the consultation responses.
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National Flood Resilience Strategy: Easy Read
The easy read version of the National Flood Resilience Strategy.
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Effective community engagement in local development planning guidance: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
This impact assessment considers the likely effects of the effective community engagement in local development planning guidance on the rights and wellbeing of children.
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Effective community engagement in local development plans: consultation response summary
We consulted on guidance for effective community engagement in local development planning between 24 May and 13 September 2023. The 9 consultation questions aimed to gather a broad range of public and stakeholder views on the guidance.
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National Flood Resilience Strategy
Sets out a vision for a flood resilient Scotland through to 2045 and beyond.
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Compulsory purchase reform: progress report December 2024
This report recaps progress to date on the Scottish Government's comprehensive programme of work to reform and modernise the compulsory purchase system in Scotland. It summarises emerging proposals and sets out next steps heading into 2025.
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Planning circular 3/2024: The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024
This circular provides guidance on the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024 and replaces circulars 1/2004, 2/2013 and 2/2022.
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Infrastructure levy for Scotland: discussion paper - responses overview
This report summarises the general comments made in written responses to the discussion paper on an Infrastructure Levy for Scotland.
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Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Statistics: Scottish Local Authority Housing Income and Expenditure 2023-24 (near actuals) and 2024-25 (estimates)
These data show the amount and type of local authority council housing income and expenditure. They show actual values for 2023-24 and estimates for 2024-25. They consist of a short publication (HTML and Pdf) and Excel tables.
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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.
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More support for the delivery of new homes
New Housing Planning Hub to unlock development sites.
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Planning and the housing emergency: delivery plan
Sets out actions we will be taking in planning to tackle the housing emergency.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Masterplan Consent Area Regulations: consultation responses summary
Summary of the responses to the Masterplan Consent Area Regulations consultation.
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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.
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Boosting Scotland’s planning system
Supporting the drive to net zero.
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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'.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Planning for housing: Chief Planner letter – June 2024
Chief Planner letter to stakeholders on planning for housing.
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Cladding Remediation Programme: Single Building Assessment specification
Sets out the methodology for the proper carrying out of a Single Building Assessment (SBA). Please note that any references in the text or in supporting documents to “the Bill” should be read as references to the Cladding Remediation Act, which is in force from 6 January 2025.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
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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).
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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.
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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
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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.
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Simplifying the planning process
Updating permitted development rights in response to cost and climate challenges.
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Local planning projects recognised
Minister announces award winners and launches skills platform.
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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.
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New proposals to enable renewables for business
Planning changes to reduce bills and cut carbon emissions.
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Delivering thriving local communities
Consultation on planning guidance.
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Supporting outdoor play
Planning reforms to boost play provision.
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Flexible planning rules
New measures to boost hospitality and town centre recovery.
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Planning for net zero
A plan for future developments will help combat climate change.
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New Build Heat Standard: consultation - part two
We are seeking views on our detailed proposals for a New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) to prohibit the use of direct emissions heating systems in new buildings warranted from April 2024.
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Streamlining planning processes
Consultation proposes changes to boost economy and help net zero transition.
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Improving planning processes
New measures to help improve application process.
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Making our homes cleaner and greener
Scotland’s heat in buildings strategy published.
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Transforming planning for the digital age
£35 million investment in technology.
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Healthier, greener town centres
Optimising town centres for the aftermath of COVID-19.
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Parliament asked to back emergency Coronavirus Bill
New powers outlined for justice, public services and the economy
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Tenants to be given extra protection
Emergency Scottish legislation in response to coronavirus.
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Rural planning to be prioritised
Review into planning underway.
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Building a zero carbon future
Climate change top of the agenda for new planning system.
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Planning application decision times published
Official Statistics Publications for Scotland
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Communities given more say in planning
Planning Bill supports a more inclusive and collaborative planning system.
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Decrease in derelict and urban vacant land
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Delivering an improved planning system
Added costs threaten aims of new legislation.
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Planning application decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Planning application decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Planning application decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Transforming planning
Legislation to encourage development and improve community engagement.
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Planning application decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Help to build own home
£4 million self-build loan fund
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Designing communities
People to have say in the design of their area.
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Planning decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Transforming planning
Changes to make planning system more effective.
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Planning decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
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Final say on Scotland's planning system
Consultation on significant changes enters final week.
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Supporting urban regeneration
Milestone for SPRUCE fund.
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Transforming the planning system
Views sought for planning modernisation.
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New controls on pay day lending and betting shops
Planning permission required to open up on the high street.
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Planning decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Designing with the experts
£300k for local projects.
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Scotland gets low-carbon cosy
More renewable heat than ever before.
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Planning decision times published
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Local design fund
Communities to have their say in the design of their area.
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Review of planning welcomed by Scottish Ministers
Crucial actions to be taken as part of planning sector reform.