The Scottish Government published the draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) for consultation on the 10th November 2021. The consultation period will run until the 31st March 2022.
NPF4 combines the National Spatial Strategy with the Scottish Planning Policy to provide one single planning strategy and policy document. The document contains a number of new policy areas and provisions, as well as identifying new National development sites. NPF4 sets out the overarching spatial strategy for Scotland to 2045. It is no coincidence that this year is chosen as the end point for the strategy, as this is the year by which Scotland aims to achieve “net zero”. The transition to net zero is a prominent theme in the NPF4, with significant detail provided on how new development should be geared towards achieving this goal.
NPF4 is a critical document in shaping the spatial strategy for Scotland for the next 20+ years. This will guide the preparation of Regional Spatial Strategies, Local Development Plans, Local Place Plans and will be a material consideration in the determination of applications. We would therefore encourage participation in the consultation process.
We have provided a brief summary of the content of NPF4 above.
Graham + Sibbald’s Planning and Development Team can assist with any queries in relation to the draft NPF4 and the preparation of consultation responses.
