New Long-Term Plan And Policy Comes Into Effect For Greener Communities
Projects returning former industrial or derelict sites to community use will be more likely to be approved following the introduction of long-term planning reforms.
Local authorities are encouraged to support proposals for development that will help restore green spaces under the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), as part of local development plans.
Planning Minister Tom Arthur visited the £4.2 million Lochshore development at the former Glengarnock Steelworks in Ayrshire to see progress in transforming a former heavy industry site into parkland for the benefit of local people and visitors, with Garnock rugby club (pictured) using the facility to train.
The policy against which planning applications will be assessed for the next decade comes into effect on 13th February 2023.
Policies in the NPF4 will also:
Enable more renewable energy generation, outside National Parks and National Scenic Areas, to support the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels
Regenerate city and town centres to help them adapt to economic change while restricting some out-of-town retail and drive-thru developments
Support the delivery of good quality, affordable homes in neighbourhoods where people can easily access shops, schools, and workplaces within a 20-minute walk or cycle.