The Scottish Government is committed to creating a more successful Scotland by increasing sustainable economic growth through planning policies.

The first National Planning Framework was published in 2004. The second National Planning Framework, issued in June 2009, takes forward the spatial aspects of the first, setting out a strategy for long-term development.

Preparation of this second National Planning Framework provided an important vehicle for the national debate about the future Scotland. It guides Scotland's development to 2030, setting out strategic development priorities to support the Scottish Government's central purpose - sustainable economic growth. The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 puts this and future iterations of the National Planning Framework on a statutory footing.

The Act requires the National Planning Framework to be taken into account in the preparation of strategic and local development plans. This means that the four Strategic Development Plan Authorities must reflect the NPF strategy and the national developments it identifies in the strategies they prepare. Local Development Plans also, should then reflect the strategy and projects designated as national developments in their vision statements, policies and proposals maps.

Planning Authorities are required to take this framework into account when preparing Development Plans and adopted Planning Policy is a material consideration in determining Planning Applications. All developments will ideally be built from materials deriving the earth of Scotland. The quarrying of construction minerals locally requires that companies and land and minerals owners should be alert and attempt to influence local planning policy accordingly.

Consultation on minerals and waste management development policies and plans is currently taking place in many local planning authorities. If you require any further information or advice in relation to any matter of concern to you then please contact us and we would be happy to assist.