- A plan for future developments will help combat climate
change
Developments which reduce carbon emissions to tackle climate
change and restore nature would be promoted under finalised
proposals for long term planning reform.
The revised draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) sets out
sustainable policies against which planning applications would be
assessed for the next decade.
It has been tabled in the Scottish Parliament against the
backdrop of crucial intergovernmental climate talks at COP27 in
Egypt and seeks to deliver a new and bold direction, with a shift
in culture and approach to planning in Scotland.
Proposals in NPF4 include:
- enabling more renewable energy generation, outside National
Parks and National Scenic Areas, to support the transition
away from reliance on fossil fuels
- supporting emerging low-carbon and zero emissions
technologies – including hydrogen and carbon capture – and
developments on land that unlock the transformative potential of
offshore renewable energy, such as expansion of the electricity
grid. Waste incineration facilities would be highly unlikely to
receive permission
- facilitating creation of cycling or walking routes, low
carbon transport, more green spaces and opportunities for play,
culture and tourism
- helping rural communities grow by enabling more local homes
and encouraging a more diverse rural economy
- regenerating city and town centres to help them adapt to
economic change while enabling people to access shops, schools
and workplaces within a 20 minute walk or cycle
- adopting a planned and evidence-based approach to delivering
good quality and affordable homes that benefit communities.
Planning Minister said:
“The window of opportunity to act to reduce emissions and adapt
to already locked in changes is narrowing. Our statutory and
moral obligation to tackle climate change means change is
necessary and urgent.
“This final version of the Framework makes clear that we won’t
compromise on climate change. It also clarifies what is to be
delivered, and how. And it is now clear through the weighting to
be applied to different policies, that the climate and nature
crises are the priority.
“It is timely that we have tabled final proposals during COP27,
as we set out to do when Glasgow hosted COP26 last year. This
shows that Scotland’s ambition and commitment to delivering on
international calls for action is unwavering.
“There is now a clear expectation of the role that planning must
play in delivering the expansion of renewable energy needed to
realise the just transition from reliance on fossil fuels.
“This Framework creates the foundation upon which to build the
fairer, greener Scotland we want to see for the benefit of future
generations.”
Background
Read the Minister's
statement in full here
Fourth National Planning
Framework proposals
Extensive public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny of the
draft NPF4 was undertaken during 2022 and views have guided final
changes to the plan. It would embed the UN’s Sustainable
Development Goals in domestic planning standards.
The revised draft is now expected to be considered by the Local
Government, Housing and Planning Committee before being voted on
by Parliament.
A new Planning, Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group will be
established to identify barriers to delivery and strengthen the
alignment of NPF4 with plans and investment in places and
infrastructure.
The Framework could help meet National Strategy for Economic
Transformation net zero emissions goals while promoting
productive communities and regions.
