Tag: npf4

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) adopted today by Scottish Ministers

Covers of Edinburgh LDP & NPF4 shown together in a circle. From today, they make up the Council’s development plan.

The National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) was adopted today by Scottish Ministers and becomes a key factor in determining planning applications and appeals in Edinburgh.  

NPF4 is now part of the Council’s development plan and – unless material considerations indicate otherwise – decisions on planning applications will need to be made in accordance with both:

This means that from today, the section of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 that sets out what happens when there is ‘any incompatibility’ between parts of a development plan will also come into force.

This means that some Local Development Plan policies will no longer be used to the same extent.

A report to Planning Committee on 18 January 2023 explains this in more detail and provides a list containing:  

  • NPF4 policies
  • Local Development Plan policies which are compatible with NPF4
  • Local Development Plan policies which are not compatible with NPF4 and will not be used to the same extent

View our Approved Policy Framework Quick Guide (PDF)

View our Policy Framework (PDF)

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4)

Covers of LDP & NPF4, shown together in a circle. After Feb 13, they together make up Edinburgh's new Development Plan.

The National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) was approved by the Scottish Parliament on 11 January 2023. It is expected that it will be adopted on 13 February 2023 at 9am.

Once adopted, NPF4 will become part of the Council’s development plan and – unless material considerations indicate otherwise – decisions on planning applications will need to be made in accordance with both:

When NPF4 is adopted, the section of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 that sets out what happens when there is ‘any incompatibility’ between parts of a development plan will also come into force.

This is likely to mean that some Local Development Plan policies will no longer be used to the same extent.

A report to Planning Committee (PDF) on 18 January 2023 explains this in more detail and provides a list containing:  

  • NPF4 policies
  • Local Development Plan policies which are compatible with NPF4
  • Local Development Plan policies which are not compatible with NPF4 and will not be used to the same extent

View our Approved Policy Framework Quick Guide (PDF)

View our Policy Framework (PDF)