Survey: Rural Planning Policy to 2050

Rural scene with Mountains, loch and boats
Hannah Downey
Thursday 28 February 2019 - 14:16

The Inherit Institute are an organisation who use heritage to improve human welfare, address injustice and promote sustainable relationships between people and nature. They have been commissioned by the Scottish Government, along with the rural planning team at Savills Consultancy, to undertake research which will go on to inform the Government's National Performance Framework 'NPF4'.

The research is being undertaken to provide an evidence base to inform the future preparation of the NPF and Scottish Planning Policy (SPP). NPF is a long-term strategy of the Scottish Government that provides a framework for spatial developments and other strategically important development opportunities in Scotland. SPP is Scottish Government policy on how land use planning matters should be addressed across the country.
                                                     
The Planning (Scotland) Bill is currently being considered by parliament. It proposes that NPF and SPP are combined and have a statutory status in decision making on planning applications. Preparation of NPF4 will not begin until after the content of the Bill has been agreed by Parliament. At present, it is expected that NPF4 will look ahead to 2050.

At this early stage ahead of the review process commencing, to inform the evidence base for NPF4, Inherit and Savill are:

  • drawing together a national picture of communities across rural Scotland;
  • seeking to identify the future needs of rural communities and businesses, as relevant to planning;
  • exploring how these future needs are likely to translate into development on the ground over the next 30 years or so;
  • looking at future opportunities to support the diversification of land use in rural areas;
  • asking whether there are particular types of development that will act as a catalyst and generate wider positive change for rural communities and businesses.

It is important that the research is informed directly by rural communities and businesses, by the organisations that represent them and by others with a particular interest. As such, please take the time to complete this short online survey.