Planning and Architecture

  • National Planning Framework 4 Policy Overviews 23 to 33

    29th January 2026 by

    NPF4 policy overviews We have collated over three blogs, overviews of advice and guidance available for each of the 33 policies contained in National Planning Framework 4. The blogs contain the following policy split. blog 1 – policy 1 to 11 blog 2 – policy 2 to 22 blog 3 – policy 23 to 33...

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  • National Planning Framework 4 Policy Overviews 12 to 22

    29th January 2026 by

    NPF4 Policy overviews We have collated over three blogs, overviews of advice and guidance available for each of the 33 policies contained in National Planning Framework 4. The blogs contain the following policy split. blog 1 – policy 1 to 11 blog 2 – policy 2 to 22 blog 3 – policy 23 to 33...

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  • Publications declutter

    8th December 2025 by

    The 2025 Programme for Government contained a commitment to declutter the planning system by removing all dated national planning advice. This commitment continues our aim to reduce the volume of advice, to avoid confusion and reduce complexity. We consulted a number of stakeholders over the summer on a list of advice and other guidance that...

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  • The benefits of pre-application discussions and processing agreements

    24th April 2025 by

    This blog highlights the benefits of collaborative pre-application discussions and processing agreements. Both can help to provide greater clarity and certainty to prospective applicants and make the planning application journey smoother, quicker and potentially cheaper.  Pre-application discussions  Pre-application discussions are discussions between a prospective applicant and the relevant planning authority prior to the submission of...

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  • NPF4 Policy 16 Quality Homes – Statements of Community Benefit

    23rd December 2024 by

    New housing can bring benefits to an area, and NPF4 Policy 16 requires applications for 50 homes or more to explain some of these positive impacts. Representatives from planning authorities, the development industry and community sector met on 26 November 2024 to explore existing approaches to Statements of Community Benefit, and opportunities to refine practice....

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  • How can permitted development rights help address the housing emergency?

    21st November 2024 by

    Our Planning and the housing emergency: delivery plan sets out the actions we will take so that planning plays its full part in addressing the housing emergency. The delivery plan indicated that we would consider and engage widely on the potential scope for further permitted development rights which could support housing delivery in specific circumstances....

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  • Town Planning as a Green Career: Refreshing thoughts for young people

    8th November 2024 by

    This year World Town Planning Day coincides with Green Careers Week 2024. The Careers Week is a series of events aimed at supporting young people to consider the value of learning ‘green’ skills and considering future career path opportunities within the built and natural environments. By focusing on the ‘green’ sector, it highlights the value...

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  • Planning System – Mandatory Training for Elected Members: Consultation Analysis

    4th April 2024 by

    Mandatory training for elected members was included in the Planning Scotland Act 2019, alongside a package of measures to improve the performance of the planning system. From 13 July to 26 October 2023, we consulted on how this could be implemented. Following the public consultation last year, we have published an independent analysis of the...

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  • Guidance Published on Chief Planning Officers

    2nd April 2024 by

    A new duty for planning authorities to appoint a Chief Planning Officer has come into force on 1 April 2024, following the latest set of Commencement Regulations to implement parts of the 2019 Act, as we continue our ongoing planning reform work. Meeting part of this duty, the Scottish Government has issued and today published...

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  • Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2024

    14th March 2024 by

    The Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2024, supported by the Scottish Government, celebrate community-led built environment projects that have transformed their locality. The winning and commended entries were announced at a ceremony at The Trades Hall, Glasgow on 13th March. The winner of the My Place Awards 2024 Community-led Project category is The Corner,...

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