1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Planning and environmental appeals: quarterly performance statistics

    Quarterly performance statistics for Planning and Environmental Appeals.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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'.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023

    Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. New proposals to enable renewables for business

    Planning changes to reduce bills and cut carbon emissions.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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).

  43. Delivering thriving local communities

    Consultation on planning guidance.

  44. 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).

  45. Supporting outdoor play

    Planning reforms to boost play provision.

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. Flexible planning rules

    New measures to boost hospitality and town centre recovery.

  49. Planning for net zero

    A plan for future developments will help combat climate change.

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

  52. 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

  53. Streamlining planning processes

    Consultation proposes changes to boost economy and help net zero transition.

  54. Improving planning processes

    New measures to help improve application process.

  55. Making our homes cleaner and greener

    Scotland’s heat in buildings strategy published.

  56. 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.

  57. 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.

  58. 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.

  59. 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).

  60. 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.

  61. 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.

  62. 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.

  63. Transforming planning for the digital age

    £35 million investment in technology.

  64. 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.

  65. Healthier, greener town centres

    Optimising town centres for the aftermath of COVID-19.

  66. Parliament asked to back emergency Coronavirus Bill

    New powers outlined for justice, public services and the economy

  67. Tenants to be given extra protection

    Emergency Scottish legislation in response to coronavirus.

  68. Local development plans - deliverability of site allocations: research

    Research considering the types of proportionate information that will demonstrate a development site’s deliverability.

  69. Planning performance and fees: consultation

    Consultation on revising the planning performance and fees regimes.

  70. Construction phase handbook

    Guidance for contracting authorities on the construction phase of a built asset project

  71. Rural planning to be prioritised

    Review into planning underway.

  72. Reviewing and extending permitted development rights: consultation

    Consultation on our proposed work programme for reviewing and extending permitted development rights in Scotland.

  73. 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.

  74. 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.

  75. Building a zero carbon future

    Climate change top of the agenda for new planning system.

  76. Planning application decision times published

    Official Statistics Publications for Scotland

  77. Communities given more say in planning

    Planning Bill supports a more inclusive and collaborative planning system.

  78. Decrease in derelict and urban vacant land

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  79. Gypsy/Traveller Sites in Scotland

    The report presents findings from a study collating data on Gypsy/Traveller sites in Scotland.

  80. Delivering an improved planning system

    Added costs threaten aims of new legislation.

  81. Planning application decision times published

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

  82. Planning application decision times published

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

  83. Planning application decision times published

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  84. Transforming planning

    Legislation to encourage development and improve community engagement.

  85. Planning application decision times published

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

  86. Help to build own home

    £4 million self-build loan fund

  87. Designing communities

    People to have say in the design of their area.

  88. Planning decision times published

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

  89. Transforming planning

    Changes to make planning system more effective.

  90. Planning decision times published

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

  91. Final say on Scotland's planning system

    Consultation on significant changes enters final week.

  92. Supporting urban regeneration

    Milestone for SPRUCE fund.

  93. 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.

  94. Transforming the planning system

    Views sought for planning modernisation.

  95. New controls on pay day lending and betting shops

    Planning permission required to open up on the high street.

  96. Planning decision times published

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  97. Designing with the experts

    £300k for local projects.

  98. Scotland gets low-carbon cosy

    More renewable heat than ever before.

  99. Planning decision times published

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  100. Local design fund

    Communities to have their say in the design of their area.

  101. Review of planning welcomed by Scottish Ministers

    Crucial actions to be taken as part of planning sector reform.

  102. Scottish planning policy

    Policy statement on how nationally important land use planning matters should be addressed across the country.

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