SPF Response to issues with implementation of NPF4

We responded to Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning committee's call for comments on issues in implementation of National Planning Framework 4.

Our response focuses on the issues highlighted by our members over the course of two years since NPF4 has come into force, and we have fed most of the issues mentioned in this response to the Scottish Government by various formal consultations, roundtables and meetings. Our response is categorised in 5 sections:

1. Policy Interpretation and Guidance
2. Standardisation of Applications and Fees
3. Resource Constraints in Planning Authorities
4. Housing Land Release and Policy Alignment
5. Balancing Development with Environmental Interests

Read our detailed response on these key issues that pose as limitations to our current planning system causing delays in processing applications and impacting development viability.