Reforming the planning system

A high quality planning system is essential to create quality places with the homes, infrastructure and investment that people need.

We are improving Scotland's planning system, to strengthen the contribution planning can make to inclusive growth, to delivering housing and infrastructure and to empowering communities. We believe that the system needs to change to respond to a changing world. That includes the part planning must play in addressing climate change and ensuring we sustain and support communities across Scotland.

Transforming planning in practice

The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 was passed by the Scottish Parliament in June 2019. This will determine the future structure of the modernised planning system.

The detail of how the new Act’s provisions will work in practice will be contained within secondary legislation and guidance, which we will develop over the coming months.

This programme also includes our preparation of the fourth National Planning Framework, reviewing a range of permitted development rights and progressing the digital transformation of the planning system.

We want people to be involved as we develop and implement these crucial improvements to our planning system. We will engage widely and consult our stakeholders throughout to make sure everyone has the opportunity to influence the future of planning in Scotland.

You can find more information and resources about the planning transformation programme, including how to keep up-to-date and to be involved, at transformingplanning.scot.

Email Planning.reform@gov.scot or phone 0131 244 7076 with enquiries.