Following the adoption of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) at the end of February, the Scottish planning system and planning services are dealing with transitioning to a development plan system without statutory supplementary guidance and where the relationship to current local development plans is untested.

Implementation of the policy intent of NPF4 will be monitored as part of the NPF4 Delivery Programme and future guidance and advice is expected to focus on new and developing policy areas. These are likely to include how the prioritisation of climate and nature crises in all decisions is applied in practice. There are also likely to be questions arising from the policies on climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity, and quality homes.

The Chief Planner has already noted in their letter to stakeholders in February that conflicts between policies are to be expected and that factors for and against development must be weighed up in the balance of planning judgement.

At such a busy time within the planning sector, a key resource for planners and planning lawyers is the Scottish Planning and Environmental Law Journal. Bringing together commentary and analysis from leading professionals, lawyers and academics, the journal explores current developments and case law, and is published every two months.

June 2023 issue

The June 2023 issue has just been published and includes articles focusing on:

• Reaching net zero: the difficult land-use planning choices
• The potential delivery challenges of policies for local living and 20-minute neighbourhoods
• The 2023 Development Planning Regulations
• Commentary on planning obligations appeals over the last year

Each issue of SPEL Journal includes comment on key court cases as well as recent developments in environmental planning, law and policy.

We have made the article by Stefano Smith FRTPI FRSA on 20-minute neighbourhoods from this issue available to all. Stefano Smith Planning is an independent planning and development consultancy. SPEL Journal is written by a diverse range of subject experts and academics.

A long tradition of supporting the professions

SPEL Journal (Scottish Planning & Environmental Law) launched over 35 years ago and is one of the leading information sources on land use planning and environmental legislation across the country.

SPEL Journal includes accessible commentary on topical subjects and current issues; details of new legislation and significant court cases; expert comment on key planning appeal decisions, government circulars and guidance; as well as notes about ombudsman cases and book reviews.

SPEL Journal is read by decision makers in Scottish planning authorities, planning law practices, planning consultancies, architects, surveyors, civil engineers, environmental managers and developers across Scotland. It is also valued by many outside of Scotland who wish to keep up-to-date with developments.

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SPEL Journal is published 6 times a year. An annual subscription is £200. For further details or a sample copy, please contact Heather Cameron at publications@idoxgroup.com.