Scottish planning and architecture documents
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The Scottish government has published a series of planning and architecture documents that are material considerations in planning decisions. The series falls into two broad categories:
[edit] Planning and architecture policy
A series of planning circulars contain guidance on the implementation of planning policy through procedural or legislative change:
- Airports.
- Applications and appeals.
- CCTV.
- Compulsory purchase.
- Conditions.
- Conservation area management.
- Consultation.
- Demolition.
- Development management.
- Development planning.
- Enforcement.
- Environmental Impact Assessment.
- Environmental protection.
- Fees.
- Fish farming.
- Hazardous materials.
- Heritage case studies from Scotland
- Housing.
- Local planning.
- Mineral workings.
- Open space.
- Permitted development.
- Planning obligations.
- Planning system.
- Planning zones.
- Renewable energy.
- Strategic development planning authorities.
- Telecommunications.
- Town and Country Planning.
- Transport.
- Tree preservation.
- Tribunals and inquiries.
- Use classes order.
- Value.
- Waste management.
The Planning Policy is the Scottish government’s policy on nationally important land use matters. The latest version was published in June 2014. See Scottish planning policy for more information.
The National Planning Framework (NPF) is a strategy for Scotland’s long-term spatial planning, highlighting the government’s development priorities for the next 20-30 years. National Planning Framework (NPF). It sets the context for development planning in Scotland and provides a framework for the spatial development of Scotland as a whole. The third National Planning Framework was laid in the Scottish Parliament on 23 June 2014.
The Creating Places policy statement was published in June 2013 and sets out the government’s position on architecture and place. It considers that successful places can provide opportunities, build vibrant communities and contribute to a flourishing economy. The statement outlines an action plan detailing action that will be taken to achieve positive change.
The Designing Streets policy statement was published in March 2010 and is the policy for street design focusing on place-making and moving away from the dominance of motor vehicles.
[edit] Planning and design advice and guidance
The government provides a advice on various technical planning matters through:
- Planning Advice Notes (PAN).
- Guides.
- Letters from the Chief Planner.
- Design guidance.
- Specific advice documents/sheets.
Detailed government advice is provided on a suite of topics on the government website:
- Economic development.
- Fish farming.
- Flooding.
- Green belts.
- Historic environment.
- Housing.
- Landscape and Natural Heritage.
- Minerals.
- Open space and physical activity.
- Renewable energy.
- Rural development.
- Sustainable development.
- Telecommunications.
- Town centres and retailing.
- Transport.
- Waste.
- Water and drainage.
General planning advice is available online from the government website:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- CIOB Value of Construction: Scotland report.
- Drying room - Scotland.
- Fire fatalities in Scotland.
- Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.
- National planning policy framework.
- Placemaking.
- Planning permission.
- Planning (Wales) Bill.
- Scotland’s new guide on managing climate-change risk to historic sites.
- Scottish planning policy.
- UK.
- UK construction industry.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.