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Development Planning

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Stephen Hall
0131 244 0626
Stephen.hall@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

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Policy Subject - Development Planning

Development Planning

The Scottish planning system is 'plan-led'. Development plans are prepared by planning authorities (and strategic development planning authorities) and set out a vision for how areas will change. They describe where development will happen and where it will not. Planning applications must be determined in line with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

The development plan system is undergoing modernisation. In the new system the development plan will consist of strategic development plans (in the 4 biggest city regions only), nationwide coverage of local development plans, and supplementary guidance.

Policy summary

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) sets the policy context for development planning. This is supported by Planning Advice Note 37: Structure Planning and PAN 49: Local Planning. The future aim is to make development plans:

  • contain a spatial strategy consisting of clear policies and proposals which set out a long term vision for an area.
  • identify the types of development that will, and will not, be permitted in specified locations.
  • be produced quickly and remain up-to-date (the 2006 Planning Act requires plans to be reviewed on a five-yearly basis).
  • ensure delivery (the Planning Act requires plans to be accompanied by action programmes setting out who needs to do what, and when, in order to deliver the development envisaged by the plan).

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Latest

Latest

  • Scottish Ministers have published Planning Circular 3/2008 which constitutes their determination of the boundaries of the following strategic development plan areas:

    - Glasgow & the Clyde Valley;

    - Aberdeen City & Shire;

    - Dundee, Angus, Perth & North Fife; and

    - Edinburgh & South East Scotland.

  • Boundary proposals for the new Strategic Development Planning Authorities are also available in low and high resolution format from the table below. (Please note that high resolution files may be slow to open if viewed over the interent).
Strategic Development Planning AuthorityResolution

Aberdeen City and Shire

lowhigh

Glasgow and Clyde Valley

lowhigh

SESplan

lowhigh

Tayplan

lowhigh

  • Fife Structure Plan 2006-2026 - the next steps and proposed timing for approving the finalised Fife Structure Plan 2006-2026 and the Housing Land Requirement Re-appraisal.
  • The development planning system is currently under review. Commencement of development planning provisions of 2006 Planning Act, and associated designation orders and regulations will begin by the end of 2008.
  • Circular 2/2008 published 23 April 2008, contains guidance for planning authorities on strategic development planning authorities (SDPAs). SDPAs will be groupings of planning authorities tasked in law to prepare strategic development plans (SDPs) under the modernised planning system. The guidance is issued under section 4(7) of the 2006 Planning Act, and planning authorities will be legally obliged to have regard to it. It advises on governance issues, including the setting up of joint committees and the establishment of dedicated teams of officials to service them. It also provides guidance on how and where SDP area boundaries should be drawn.

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Page updated: Thursday, November 27, 2008