The Framework sets out a vision for growth and development throughout Scotland and will provide a context for development plans across the country over the next decades. It sets out proposals for two new national developments to deliver economic growth, including a pumped hydroelectric storage facility at Cruachan Argyll and a digital fibre network to connect the "most remote rural communities".
The Scottish Government also published a position statement on its review of the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP). It said that, following a consultation at the end of last year on the proposed introduction of a presumption in favour of sustainable development, it will carry out two further consultations to inform the revised SPP.
“Scotland’s planning system has an important and positive role to play in supporting sustainable economic growth," said Scottish Planning Minister Derek Mackay in a statement. “The consultation on the National Planning Framework attracted many responses from people and organisations throughout Scotland.”
“The proposed framework will benefit every part of Scotland and sets out our vision for where sustainable economic growth should take place over the next 20 to 30 years. I want future planning decisions to give due weight to the economic benefit of proposed developments, particularly the creation of new jobs,” Mackay said.
The draft Framework will now be considered by the Scottish Parliament for 60 days. The document is expected to be finalised and published in June alongside the revised SPP.
