New planning framework can help build fairer, greener Scotland, minister claims

Changes to Scotland’s planning system, said to be the “most important” in 75 years, will be debated at Holyrood.

MSPs are being asked to approve the Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) – which ministers say can “help build a fairer, greener Scotland”.

The new framework seeks to prioritise projects that will help tackle the climate crisis or which regenerate local communities.

If approved, it will, together with local development plans, help determine decisions on planning applications for the next decade.

Speaking about it, planning minister Tom Arthur said: “The Fourth National Planning Framework represents a turning point for planning and is one of the most important changes since the modern planning system was introduced in 1948.

“It prioritises tackling the climate crisis and reaching net zero by supporting development, growth of communities and of the economy in ways that are both sustainable and fair.

“While we won’t compromise on addressing climate change, the system will allow planning authorities to bring forward locally tailored policies and proposals that meet their communities’ needs and circumstances.

“This framework can help build a fairer, greener Scotland to help transform the economy and benefit future generations.”

Campaigners insisted effective monitoring is needed to ensure the framework’s goals are delivered.

Developers can appeal when planning decisions go against them, and Clare Symonds of the group Planning Democracy saying such rights should be limited by the Scottish Government.

She said: “While we applaud the increased priority given to climate and nature in the new framework, these ambitions can easily be undermined, if decisions that take into account the climate and biodiversity impacts of proposed developments are routinely overturned at appeal.

“Too often communities report that the threat of appeals by developers leads to approval of environmentally damaging applications that would otherwise not be given permission.

“The Government needs to limit the rights of developers to appeal in these cases and ensure these laudable environmental policies are properly implemented.”