National Planning Framework & Scottish Planning Policy
The Scottish Government provides a range of policy and guidance which shapes the planning system in Scotland.
The main legislation affecting planning in Scotland is the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, to which significant amendments have been made by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2006 and Planning (Scotland) Act 2019.
The National Planning Framework 3 (2014) sets out the Scottish Government’s long-term vision for development and investment across Scotland.
Scottish Planning Policy (2014) is the Scottish Government’s policy statement on how nationally important land use planning matters should be addressed across the country.
Other Scottish Government documents on the planning system include Circulars, advice, letters from the Chief Planners and design policy and guidance.
These documents are available on the Scottish Government website.