Our role in development planning

The National Planning Framework  , Scottish Planning Policy   and Development Plans are the cornerstones of the planning system. New style development plans will be crucial to the success of the reformed planning system. Scottish Natural Heritage is committed to helping the Scottish Government and planning authorities deliver these new plans. 

We will help the Scottish Government and planning authorities to plan for and deliver sustainable economic growth by:

• working jointly with other agencies as part of a collaborative process of plan-making;
• promoting the inclusion of Green Networks  in Development Plans;
• encouraging the consideration of Integrated Habitat Networks  in Development Planning;
• advising on the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Appraisal of development plans ;
• adopting a team approach to our involvement in each Plan, drawing on the expertise of a wide range of our staff;
• raising awareness of the importance of nature and landscapes to making good places for people to live and work in;
• providing map-based information on nature and landscapes;
• providing guidance and good practice on planning for nature;
• using Natural Heritage Futures to inform our input to development plans.

Find out more about Scotland's modernised planning system at the Scottish Government's Planning Webpages  .