Draft National Planning Framework 4

Draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) was published for consultation on 10 November 2021, seeking views and comments on a wide range of topics, including National Developments, our National Spatial Strategy and national planning policies.

We set out a series of 70 consultation questions to help focus on key areas of change, and included questions on the Draft NPF4: Integrated Impact Assessment Reports.

NPF4 will, when adopted, set out the Scottish Government’s priorities and policies for the planning system and how our approach to planning and development will help to achieve a net zero, sustainable Scotland. NPF4 differs from previous NPFs in two ways: it incorporates Scottish Planning Policy and the NPF into a single document, and will form part of the statutory development plan once approved and adopted.

The consultation closed on 31 March 2022, receiving over 760 responses from a broad range of stakeholders.

The independent analysis commissioned by the Scottish Government has been published.

The responses, along with accompanying open invitation events, roundtable discussions, engagement and other evidence, have informed the Revised Draft National Planning Framework 4, which was laid in the Scottish Parliament on 8^th November 2022.