TNEI have prepared a briefing to detail the key national planning policy changes since the adoption of NPF4, with a particular focus on the Renewable Energy industry. The implications and consequences of these changes for how the planning system operates moving forward are also covered.
NPF4 is a long-term spatial plan for Scotland which sets out where development and
infrastructure is needed and provides land use policy for development and investment in
Scotland to assist in achieving net zero, sustainable development by 2045.
The first draft NPF4 was laid before Scottish Parliament in November 2021 and a revised
draft was presented in November 2022. The Scottish Parliament voted to approve the
revised NPF4 in whole on 11 January 2023 and on 13 February 2023 NPF4 was formally
adopted, superseding the SPP and becoming part of the statutory Development Plan. Thus
NPF4 exerts a profound influence on all planning matters within Scotland.
NPF4 constitutes one of the most significant changes in Scotland’s planning system since its
first implementation, both in terms of structural changes and in terms of policy context and
content.
If you would like to discuss this further with the planning team, please get in touch with us today.
