Planning and architecture
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Delivering Scotland's circular economy - proposed Circular Economy Bill: consultation
This consultation seeks views on our proposals for legislation to develop Scotland’s circular economy. The consultation sets out a number of areas in which we are seeking views on whether to take powers within a new Circular Economy Bill.
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Scottish Vacant And Derelict Land Survey 2021
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.
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Streamlining planning processes
Consultation proposes changes to boost economy and help net zero transition.
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Planning - permitted development rights review - phase 2: consultation
We are seeking views on proposed changes to Permitted Development Rights (PDR), as well as the use classes order, which are being considered through phase 2 of the review.
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Climate Change Act - Section 72: twelfth 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.
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Improving planning processes
New measures to help improve application process.
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Planning performance statistics 2021/2022: Quarterly (April 2021 to September 2021)
This report presents summary statistics on planning application decision-making timescales for April to September 2021, as well as historic data back to 2017/18. It is based on data collected from Local and Planning Authorities as part of the Planning Performance Framework (introduced in 2012).
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Planning circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans
Planning circular 1/2022: Local Place Plan provides guidance to communities and planning authorities on the preparation, submission and registration of Local Place Plans.
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Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) pilot programme: synthesis evaluation
This report presents findings from a synthesis evaluation of Scotland’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) pilot programme, which involved pilot projects delivered by all 32 Scottish local authorities.
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Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments Regulations: consultation
This consultation paper discusses proposed provisions and seeks views on both sets of draft regulations on Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments.
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Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments Regulations: impact assessments
Impact assessment for the consultation paper on Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments, which discusses proposed provisions and seeks views on both sets of draft regulations.
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Local development planning - regulations and guidance consultation: part D - interim impact assessments
Part D of the local development planning - regulations and guidance consultation includes the following impact assessments: strategic environmental, business and regulatory, equalities, fairer Scotland duty, child rights and wellbeing and island communities.
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Local development planning - regulations and guidance consultation: part C - local development planning - draft guidance
Part C of the local development planning - regulations and guidance consultation sets out: (1) the overall aims and expectations for new style LDPs; (2) the process of how to achieve a new style plans; (3) and detailed thematic guidance on how new style plans are to implement policies in NPF4.
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Local development planning - regulations and guidance consultation: part A - introduction
Part A of the local development planning - regulations and guidance consultation provides an introduction and overview of the consultation, including context, structure, details of the consultation process and highlights the impact assessment work.
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Local development planning - regulations and guidance consultation: part B - proposals for development planning regulations
Part B of the Local Development Planning - regulations and guidance consultation sets out our proposals for secondary legislation and includes Draft Regulations.
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Scotland's Climate Assembly - recommendations for action: SG response
Scotland's Climate Assembly published their full report on 23 June 2021. It included 81 recommendations for the Scottish Government, who had six months to respond. This response sets out the existing and proposed actions that government will take in order to address their recommendations.
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Scotland 2045: fourth National Planning Framework - draft: integrated impact assessment - environmental report
Environmental report setting out the findings of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) undertaken to inform preparation of Scotland's draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).
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Scotland 2045: fourth National Planning Framework - draft: partial business and regulatory impact assessment
This report considers the likely cost and benefits to businesses and the third sector of introducing the draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).
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Scotland 2045: fourth National Planning Framework - draft: society and equalities impact assessment
This report considers the potential impacts of introducing the draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) including on protected characteristics.
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Scotland 2045: fourth National Planning Framework - draft: lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions - research
This report provides findings of a research project on lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of proposed national developments in the draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).
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Scotland 2045: fourth National Planning Framework - draft: integrated impact assessment - non-technical summary
Non-technical summary outlining the integrated impact assessment carried out for Scotland’s draft fourth National Planning Framework.
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Fire safety guidance - existing high rise domestic buildings and specialised housing and similar premises: research - SG response
The Scottish Government response to the recommendations of the independent evaluation of the practical fire safety guidance for existing high rise domestic buildings and the practical fire safety guidance for existing specialised housing.
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Fire safety guidance - existing high rise domestic buildings and specialised housing and similar premises: impact and effectiveness
Independent evaluation of the practical fire safety guidance for existing high rise domestic buildings and the practical fire safety guidance for existing specialised housing to determine whether the guidance is used by those it is intended for, is helpful, and what may be needed to strengthen it.
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Heat networks delivery plan - draft: consultation
This draft heat network delivery plan sets out how the provisions of the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021, and related policies, will contribute to increased heat networks across Scotland. It also outlines the proposed regulatory regime for the heat networks sector in Scotland.
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Scotland 2045 - fourth National Planning Framework - draft - national developments: assessment report
Report of assessment for the draft national developments as part of Scotland 2045 Our Fourth National Planning Framework.
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Scotland 2045 - fourth National Planning Framework - draft housing land requirement: explanatory report
Explanatory report for the draft housing land requirement as part of Scotland 2045 our fourth National Planning Framework.
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Scotland 2045 - fourth National Planning Framework - draft: consultation
Draft of Scotland 2045: Our Fourth National Planning Framework: consultation
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Transforming Planning in Practice: updated planning reform implementation programme
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 sets the future structure of Scotland’s planning system and forms an important part of our wider planning reforms. The 2019 Act includes a broad range of changes to be made across the planning system.
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National Planning Framework 4: participation statement
Participation statement outlining how we will conduct the consultation on Scotland’s draft fourth National Planning Framework.
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Making our homes cleaner and greener
Scotland’s heat in buildings strategy published.
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Heat in Buildings Strategy - achieving net zero emissions in Scotland's buildings
Sets out our vision for the future of heat in buildings, and the actions we are taking in the buildings sector to deliver our climate change commitments, maximise economic opportunities, and ensure a just transition, including helping address fuel poverty.
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Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy pilots: phase 3 - evaluation
Evaluation of the third, and final, phase of Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) pilots, which involved nine local authorities and took place between November 2019 and April 2021.
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Decarbonising heating - economic impact: report
This report considers the potential economic impacts arising from a shift towards low carbon heating technologies in Scotland, over the period to 2030.
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Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas)(Scotland) Act 1997: report to the Scottish Ministers
Report by David Buylla, a reporter appointed by the Scottish Ministers.
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Local Place Plans - proposals for regulations: consultation analysis
Independent analysis of responses to the public consultation on proposals for regulations for the preparation, submission and registration of Local Place Plans.
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Planning and environmental appeals: quarterly performance statistics
Quarterly performance statistics for Planning and Environmental Appeals.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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Scottish Planning Policy - amendments: housing land research paper - evidence
This report sets out evidence that has been taken into account to inform our finalised changes to the Scottish Planning Policy.
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Scottish Planning Policy - finalised amendments: impact assessments – December 2020
Impact assessments accompanying the Scottish Government’s response to our recent consultation on changes to the Scottish Planning Policy.
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Scottish Planning Policy - finalised amendments: December 2020
The Scottish Government’s response to our recent consultation on changes to the Scottish Planning Policy.
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Scottish Planning Policy
Policy statement on how nationally important land use planning matters should be addressed across the country.
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Fourth National Planning Framework: position statement
This Position Statement sets out the Scottish Government's current thinking on the issues that will need to be addressed when preparing Scotland's fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
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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.
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National Planning Framework 4 - improving air quality outcomes: research
Research findings on improving air quality outcomes that will help inform policy development for National Planning Framework 4.
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Transforming planning for the digital age
£35 million investment in technology.
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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.
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Reviewing and extending permitted development rights: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to a public consultation on reviewing and extending permitted development rights, which ran between 5 November 2019 and 28 January 2020.
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Electricity generation, transmission or distribution developments: notification direction - Chief Planner letter August 2020
Letter issued by Chief Planner on the direction regarding the notification to Scottish Ministers of applications made to authorities on battery storage consents and variations to planning permission for energy generating station ancillary uses. This comes into force on 28 August 2020.
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Battery storage consents: Chief Planner letter August 2020
Letter issued by Chief Planner regarding consents and variations to planning permission for energy generating ancillary uses on 27 August 2020.
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NPF4 call for ideas: analysis of responses - executive summary
Summary of responses to the call for ideas to inform the preparation of a new National Planning Framework (NPF), launched in January 2020.
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NPF4 call for ideas: analysis of responses
Independent analysis of responses to the call for ideas to inform the preparation of a new National Planning Framework (NPF), launched in January 2020.
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Proposed changes to pre-application consultation requirements: consultation
Consultation on proposed changes to the pre-application consultation (PAC) requirements in planning.
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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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Local development plans - deliverability of site allocations: research
Research considering the types of proportionate information that will demonstrate a development site’s deliverability.
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Rural Planning Policy to 2050: research findings
Findings from research commissioned to inform preparation of the next version of Scotland’s National Planning Framework, NPF4.
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Planning and Architecture business plan 2019 to 2020: in-year review
Sets out business priorities for Planning and Architecture Division and how they will deliver the vision for a world class planning system to support inclusive economic growth and create great places for people and communities.
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Planning performance and fees: consultation
Consultation on revising the planning performance and fees regimes.
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Construction phase handbook
Guidance for contracting authorities on the construction phase of a built asset project
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Rural planning to be prioritised
Review into planning underway.
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Reviewing and extending permitted development rights: consultation
Consultation on our proposed work programme for reviewing and extending permitted development rights in Scotland.
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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.
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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.
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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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Planning performance statistics: 2018-2019 yearend
Summary statistics on planning decision-making and timescales for October 2018 to March 2019 (quarters three and four), as well as historic data going back to quarter one of 2014-2015.
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Planning performance statistics: annual report 2018-2019
Annual statistics on planning decision-making and timescales for 2012-2013 to 2018-2019, based on quarterly data collected by the Scottish Government from Local and Planning Authorities as part of the Planning Performance Framework (introduced in 2012).
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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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Infrastructure Investment Plan 2015: progress report 2018-2019
Annual progress report on our Infrastructure Investment Plan outlines key achievements over the course of 2018 to 2019 and a sector by sector update on key infrastructure projects.
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Gypsy/Traveller Sites in Scotland
The report presents findings from a study collating data on Gypsy/Traveller sites in 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 performance statistics: 2018-2019 midyear
Latest statistics on planning decision-making and timescales for April to September 2018 (quarters one and two), as well as historic data going back to quarter one of 2014-2015.
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Housing land audits: research project
Assessment of housing land audits (HLAs) for consistency and compliance, their potential for standardisation and their role in development plan delivery.
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Planning, economy, place: literature review
Review of the publications and case studies regarding how planning can support the economy, and how the economy can support creating great places.
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Relationship between food environment and planning system: research summary
Summary of research responding to the question 'How can the planning system best support the creation of an improved food environment in Scotland?'.
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Monitoring the outcomes of planning: a research study
Discusses issues related to performance management and informs future work on developing new approaches to assessing performance in the planning system.
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Customer service and the planning system: a research study
The research follows on the back of the 2017 People, Places and Planning consultation and highlights examples of good practice and forward considerations for strengthening customer service within the planning system.
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Reasons for delays with planning applications for housing
Research identifying the main reasons for delay with applications for housing which have taken over one year to conclude.
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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 performance statistics: third quarter 2017-2018
This report presents the latest summary statistics on planning, decision-making, and timescales for October to December 2017 (quarter 3).
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Agent of change: Chief Planner letter February 2018
Letter from the Chief Planner providing advice about Agent of Change principle.
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Planning Advice Note 33: Development of contaminated land
Planning Advice Note (PAN) 33 provides advice on the implications of the contaminated land regime for the planning system.
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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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Permitted development rights: class 67 changes
A summary of changes to Class 67 Permitted development rights for electronic communications code operators.
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Raising planning fees: analysis of consultation responses
An independent analysis of the consultation on raising planning fees.
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Planning Review working groups: summary of workshops: March 2017
Summary of the discussions held during the planning review working groups in Edinburgh on 20 March 2017.
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Planning Review: Shared services in planning report
Paper exploring the potential of authorities sharing planning services commissioned from Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS) as a result of the planning review recommendations.
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Planning Review: Scottish planning graduate intern programme report
We commissioned the Royal Town Planning Institute to produce this paper exploring the implementation of a planning graduate intern programme - one of the recommendations contained in the recent planning review report.
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Planning Review: Developing skills, behaviours and knowledge report
We commissioned this paper from the Royal Town Planning Institute as a result of a recommendation contained in the planning review report.
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Planning performance statistics: third quarter, 2016-2017
Summary of statistics on planning decision-making and timescales, as well as historic data going back to 2012 to 2013.
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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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Children and young people consultation event: agenda March 2017
Agenda for the 30 March engagement event for the Places, People and Planning consultation on the future of the Scottish planning system.
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'First Mentor' opportunity launched
Applications open for chance to be mentored by the First Minister.
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Quarterly update on coal sites: January 2017
Reports from planning authorities on the status of operating and legacy surface coal sites.
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Supporting urban regeneration
Milestone for SPRUCE fund.
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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.
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Surface coal mines: monitoring fees
Consultation on planning authorities' powers to recover costs associated with monitoring surface coal mines.
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Planning decision: demolition and reconstruction at 184-188 High Street, Elgin
Planning proposal relating to demolition at 184-188 High Street, Elgin and reconstruction of existing building to form one retail unit and 15 serviced apartments (ref. NAL-MRY-001 ). This case is closed.
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Planning Bill: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment which accompanies the Planning Bill.
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Planning Bill: child rights and wellbeing
Impact assessment considering likely impacts of proposals in the Planning Bill
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Planning Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment which accompanies the planning bill.
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Places, people and planning: consultation on the future of the Scottish planning system
We are seeking views on proposals to strengthen the planning system.
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Transforming the planning system
Views sought for planning modernisation.
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Use of digital and 3D technology in planning: research report
Report examining the use of digital and 3D technology in the planning process in Scotland.
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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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Designing with the experts
£300k for local projects.
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Planning fees: consultation
We are seeking views on a proposed new maximum fee for major planning applications.
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Coal Restoration Working Group minutes: October 2016
Minutes of the Coal Restoration Working Group chaired by the Scottish Government.
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Planning Performance Framework Annual Report 2016-17
The Planning and Architecture division's Planning Performance Framework Report for 2016 to 2017.
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Planning decision: former Clansman Club, Abbotsinch Road, Paisley
Planning proposal relating to the former Clansman Club, Abbotsinch Road, Paisley application (ref. NOD-RFS-001). This case is closed.
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Quarterly update on coal sites: October 2016
Reports from planning authorities on the status of operating and legacy surface coal sites.
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Planning Review working groups: summary of workshops: September 2016
Summary of the discussions held during the planning review working groups in Edinburgh on 12 and 13 September 2016.
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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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Planning consultation participation statement
Participation Statement outlining how we will conduct the consultation on the future of the Scottish Planning System.
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Local design fund
Communities to have their say in the design of their area.
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Planning performance statistics: annual and quarterly reports, 2012-2016
Statistics on planning decision-making and timescales between the periods 2012 to 2013 and 2015 to 2016.
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Planning review: Scottish Government response
Ministers response to the report of the independent planning review panel.
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Review of planning welcomed by Scottish Ministers
Crucial actions to be taken as part of planning sector reform.
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Empowering planning to deliver great places: independent review report
An independent review report on the Scottish planning system by Crawford Beveridge, Petra Biberbach and John Hamilton.
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Designing Places for an Ageing Population: research report
Research report on designing places for an ageing population.
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Net economic benefit and planning: draft advice
Draft advice to support Scottish Planning Policy on giving due weight to net economic benefit.
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Planning review analysis of written evidence: report
A report produced by Kevin Murray Associates at the University of Dundee analysing the written evidence submitted to the planning review.
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