Another significant impact of NPF4 is around ‘National Developments’. For example, any site ‘up to around 500 metres’ from the River Clyde that is otherwise considered a ‘Major’ development will now be considered a ‘National Development’.
Scotland's Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4)... Two months in
25 Apr 23
We’ve long forgotten the cold and short days of February for the bright and long days of Spring. What remains from those dark days are the various impacts from the adopted NPF4.
There’s been a lot of commentary on what NPF4 could do for the planning system in Scotland (including our own Briefing Pack – available to download here) and we wanted to share our thoughts two months in.
Firstly, it’s here to stay as part of the statutory Development Plan, at least until someone in Government suggests another review of the planning system, which is not beyond the realms of possibility. Planning decisions will continue to be made in accordance with, and sometimes contrary to the Development Plan. As planning consultants, this is our bread and butter.
So, of all 162 pages of NPF4 and the 33 policies…what’s been the impact?
Everyone is finding their way and we’re experiencing different approaches across Local Planning Authorities, some re-examining applications at committee, whereby a decision had been taken pre-adoption of NPF4, others comfortable with their original decision-making process.
The transitional guidance that accompanied the adoption of NPF4 was helpful but raised as many questions as it did answers, with further guidance to follow on LDP preparation and other matters. Several Planning Authorities have already kicked off their new NPF4 compliant LDP process and everyone seems to be approaching it differently. Was this the intention of NPF4, or should it be more consistent across the board?
And likewise, some of our private sector clients have fully embraced NPF4, others perhaps still uncertain of the implications and finding their way.
Another significant impact of NPF4 is around ‘National Developments’. For example, any site ‘up to around 500 metres’ from the River Clyde that is otherwise considered a ‘Major’ development will now be considered a ‘National Development’. This covers a vast number of sites and has already had implications for live applications and appeals.
Across our team, we could all give some examples of the impact of NPF4, but there isn’t enough space in this article to cover them all. We haven’t attempted to cover Policy 16 and housing development. This policy is keeping everyone who works on housing delivery very engaged (especially the lawyers). Again, there has been an impact, but has it been the impact that was planned when NPF4 was introduced? That’s probably for another article…
What is clear is that NPF4 will take time to bed in, and questions remain over whether it should have been adopted while so much was still up for debate and with guidance to follow.
Whether we like it or not though, as sure as a sunny Spring or wet Summer in Scotland, NPF4 is here to stay for a good while yet.
Ian Gallacher
Director,Planning