Development plans

On 11 January 2023, the Scottish Parliament gave its approval, as required by section 3CA(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, to the draft revised National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) laid in the Parliament by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022. On 13 February 2023, the Scottish Ministers formally adopted and published the NPF in accordance with the provisions of that Act.

The National Planning Framework 4 is a long term plan looking to 2045 that guides spatial development, sets out national planning policies, designates national developments and highlights regional spatial priorities. It replaces NPF3 and Scottish Planning Policy. 

NPF4 now forms part of the statutory development plan, along with South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 (SLLDP2) and supporting planning guidance. From 13 February planning applications will be assessed against these documents. Where there is incompatibility between policies in NPF4 and those in SLLDP2 and its associated Supporting Planning Guidance then NPF4, as the most recent plan, is to prevail. 

As a result of the adoption of NPF4, Clydeplan (the Strategic Development Plan for Glasgow City Region) will no longer have an effect and as such no longer be part of the development plan. 

Specific advice on the transition to the new development plan system and on some policy considerations can be found on the Scottish Government website.