Early engagement begins for the National Planning Framework 4
In preparation of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), the Scottish Government has now published its ‘programme for engagement’, setting out the different opportunities for the public to inform the draft NPF4.
The early engagement period is now underway, alongside a call for ideas “to help stimulate debate” for NPF4. To facilitate the process, a new website has been created which will be the hub for information regarding the development of the NPF4 and for public engagement.
Following this period of early engagement, a draft is expected to be presented to Parliament for consultation around September 2020, which will run alongside a public consultation. A final version of the Framework is expected to be adopted in 2021.
Scottish Government, NPF4: Programme of EngagementTransforming Planning
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Quote of the month
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The plan we finally publish will affect us all to some degree and it’s important that we hear from residents on this journey to accommodate future needs. The history of Edinburgh is about successfully adapting and evolving – now it’s our turn to come together to think about how we can plan most effectively for the future.
Cllr Neil Gardiner, Convener of the Planning Committee
Choices for a future generation: building a more sustainable Edinburgh |
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Edinburgh City Council begins consultation on Main Issues Report
Edinburgh City Council has now approved and published the consultation document ‘Choices for City Plan Edinburgh 2030’, its Main Issues Report that will inform the progress of its future local development plan.
The document has a strong focus on the Council’s aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, setting ambitious targets for future development in the city that will seek to lessen the impact of a rising population whilst supporting efforts to stymie the climate emergency.
The document sets out 16 choices for different changes to policy, grouped into four themes focusing on creating a sustainable city which supports physical and mental well-being; a city in which everyone lives in a home which they can afford; a city no reliant on car ownership; and a city where everyone shares in its economic success.
Overall, the plan aims to build 20,800 affordable homes and 22,600 market value homes across the plan period. Two key measures aimed at realising these proposals are to increase the affordable housing requirement to 35% from 25% and to require that half of commercial development sites over 0.25ha be developed for housing, in turn triggering affordable housing requirements.
The public consultation will begin on 31 January and run for a period of eight weeks, with a draft Plan expected to be published between August and October 2020.
City of Edinburgh Council, Choices for City Plan 2030
Rural Planning Policy to 2050
The Scottish Government has released the findings of research it commissioned regarding Rural Planning Policy in preparation for the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). The report makes 16 recommendations. One of the recommended changes is that there should be a more nuanced approach to typologies applied to different areas, such as islands or sparsely populated areas, to take account of the distinct challenges they face. This focus on avoiding holistic groupings is further evident in the recommendation that planning should rely more on fine grained approaches in rural areas which can identify housing demand locally and place less emphasis on traditional methods of identifying housing demand. There is also importance placed upon the environment and adapting to the recently declared Climate Emergency. It is recommended that NPF4 should provide clear guidance on developing policy regarding renewable energy as well as promoting planning that links the conservation of the historic and natural environment, responding to the climate emergency and building strong rural communities.
Rural Planning Policy to 2050: Research to Inform Preparation of NPF4
Scottish Government support for first time buyers
The Scottish Government is now receiving applications for its new “Help to buy a home” scheme. The programme is aimed at helping first time buyers save deposits for their first home. In total, £150 million will be provided by 2021 to help at least 6000 people in buying their first home.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon commented:
“The First Home Fund will provide first-time buyers with up to £25,000 towards the cost of buying a home that meets their needs and is located in the area where they want to live”.
Scottish Government, Help to buy a home
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The Lichfields perspective
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City of Edinburgh Council’s Main Issues Report presents some bold options for achieving reductions in carbon emissions as well as increasing the supply of housing across the city. What will be essential is that the final solutions that form part of the next local development plan are fully tested and are deliverable.
Gordon Thomson, Associate Director
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Disclaimer: This publication has been written in general terms and cannot be relied on to cover specific situations. We recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Lichfields accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication. Lichfields is the trading name of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Limited. Registered in England, no.2778116
