Legalize / United Kingdom / Public General Act

Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997

Type Public General Act

Publication 1997-02-27

Last updated 2026-02-18

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

Part I — Administration

Planning authorities.

1

(1) The planning authority for the purposes of this Act shall be the local authority and the district of the planning authority shall be the area of the local authority.

(2) In any enactment or instrument made under or by virtue of an enactment, a reference to a planning authority shall, unless otherwise provided, or unless the context otherwise requires, be construed as a reference to a local authority.

(3) This section is subject to the provisions of this Act and of any other enactment.

Planning authorities: chief planning officer

1A

(1) Each planning authority must have a chief planning officer.

(2) The role of an authority's chief planning officer is to advise the authority about the carrying out of—

(a) the functions conferred on them by virtue of the planning Acts, and

(b) any function conferred on them by any other enactment, insofar as the function relates to development.

(3) The Scottish Ministers must issue guidance to planning authorities concerning the role of an authority's chief planning officer.

(4) A planning authority may not appoint a person as their chief planning officer unless satisfied that the person has appropriate qualifications and experience for the role.

(5) In deciding what constitutes appropriate qualifications and experience for the role of chief planning officer, a planning authority must have regard to any guidance on the matter issued by the Scottish Ministers.

Enterprise zones.

2

(1) An order under paragraph 5 of Schedule 32 to the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (designation of enterprise zone) may provide that the enterprise zone authority shall be the planning authority for the zone for such purposes of the planning Acts and in relation to such kinds of development as may be specified in the order.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 15(1) of that Schedule (modification of orders by the Secretary of State), an order under that paragraph may provide that the enterprise zone authority shall be the planning authority for the zone for different purposes of the planning Acts or in relation to different kinds of development.

(3) Where such provision as is mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) is made by an order designating an enterprise zone or, as the case may be, an order modifying such an order, while the zone subsists the enterprise zone authority shall be, to the extent mentioned in the order (as it has effect subject to any such modifications) and to the extent that it is not already, the planning authority for the zone in place of any authority who would otherwise be the planning authority for the zone.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make transitional and supplementary provision in relation to a provision of an order under paragraph 5 of that Schedule made by virtue of subsection (1).

(5) Such regulations may modify any provision of the planning Acts or any instrument made under any of them or may apply any such enactment or instrument (with or without modification) in making such transitional or supplementary provision.

Urban development areas.

3

(1) Where an order is made under subsection (6) of section 149 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (urban development corporation as planning authority), the urban development corporation specified in the order shall be the planning authority for such area as may be so specified in place of any authority who would otherwise be the planning authority for that area in relation to such kinds of development as may be so specified.

(2) Where an order under subsection (8)(a) of that section confers any functions on an urban development corporation in relation to any area the corporation shall have those functions in place of any authority (except the Secretary of State) who would otherwise have them in that area.

PART 1ZA — Purpose of planning

Purpose of planning

3ZA

(1) The purpose of planning is to manage the development and use of land in the long term public interest.

(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), anything which—

(a) contributes to sustainable development, or

(b) achieves the national outcomes (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015),

is to be considered as being in the long term public interest.

(3) This section applies only to the Scottish Ministers' and planning authorities' exercise of functions under Parts 1A and 2.

Part 1A — National Planning Framework

National Planning Framework

3A

(1) There is to be a spatial plan for Scotland to be known as the “National Planning Framework”.

(2) The National Planning Framework is to set out the Scottish Ministers' policies and proposals for the development and use of land.

(3) The National Planning Framework must contain—

(a) a strategy for Scotland's spatial development, ...

(b) a statement of what the Scottish Ministers consider to be priorities for that development,

(c) a statement about how the Scottish Ministers consider that development will contribute to each of the outcomes listed in subsection (3A),

(d) targets for the use of land in different areas of Scotland for housing, and

(e) an assessment of the likely impact of each proposed national development's lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions on achieving national greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets (within the meaning given in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009).

(3A) The outcomes are—

(a) meeting the housing needs of people living in Scotland including, in particular, the housing needs for older people and disabled people,

(b) improving the health and wellbeing of people living in Scotland,

(d) improving equality and eliminating discrimination,

(e) meeting any targets relating to the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases, within the meaning of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, contained in or set by virtue of that Act, and

(f) securing positive effects for biodiversity.

(4) The framework may—

(a) contain an account of such matters as the Scottish Ministers consider affect, or may come to affect, the development and use of land,

(aa) contain such maps, diagrams, illustrations and descriptive matter as may be prescribed of rural areas in relation to which there has been a substantial decline in population,

(b) describe—

(i) a development and designate it, or

(ii) a class of development and designate each development within that class,

a “national development”, and

(4A) The Scottish Ministers must have due regard to any National Scenic Areas report published by them under section 263B when preparing the framework.

(5) If the framework contains a designation under subsection (4)(b), the framework—

(za) must have regard to an infrastructure investment plan published by the Scottish Ministers and include a statement setting out the ways the plan has been taken into account in preparing the framework,

(a) must contain a statement by the Scottish Ministers of their reasons for considering that there is a need for the national development in question, and

(b) may contain a statement by the Scottish Ministers as regards other matters pertaining to that designation.

(5A) For the avoidance of doubt, this section does not prevent the Scottish Ministers from setting out policies or proposals that relate to the development or use of land outwith the National Planning Framework.

(5B) In this section, “biodiversity” has the same meaning as “biological diversity” in the United Nations Environmental Programme Convention on Biological Diversity of 5 June 1992 as amended from time to time (or in any United Nations Convention replacing that Convention).

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(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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(10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duty to review the National Planning Framework

3AA

(1) The Scottish Ministers are to keep the National Planning Framework under review.

(2) Without limit to subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers are to—

(a) review the framework no later than 23 June 2024 (being 10 years from the date on which the framework was last published before this section came into force), and

(b) thereafter, review the framework at least once in every period of 10 years beginning with the most recent date on which—

(i) a revised framework prepared under subsection (3)(a) was adopted and published under section 3CA, or

(ii) an explanation was published under subsection (3)(b) of this section.

(3) Following such a review, the Scottish Ministers are to—

(a) prepare a revised framework, or

(b) publish an explanation of why they have decided not to revise it.

Revising the framework: participation statement and considerations

3AB

(1) This section applies where a revised National Planning Framework is to be prepared following a review under section 3AA.

(2) Before preparing the revised framework, the Scottish Ministers must prepare and publish their participation statement.

(3) In preparing the revised framework, the Scottish Ministers must—

(a) have regard to relevant policies and strategies, including, in particular—

(i) any national strategy and action plan for housing prepared by the Scottish Ministers,

(ii) any infrastructure investment plan prepared by the Scottish Ministers to set out their priorities for the development of public infrastructure,

(iii) any national transport strategy prepared by the Scottish Ministers,

(iv) any strategic transport projects review prepared by the Scottish Ministers to set out their priorities for transport investment,

(v) the land use strategy prepared under section 57 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009,

(vi) the programme for adaptation to climate change prepared under section 53 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009,

(vii) any national strategy in respect of the improvement of air quality prepared by the Scottish Ministers,

(viii) any land rights and responsibilities statement prepared under section 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016,

(ix) any national strategy or action plan for the ownership or use of land prepared by the Scottish Ministers, and

(x) the national marine plan prepared under section 5 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, and

(b) have regard to the desirability of—

(i) resettling rural areas that have become depopulated,

(ii) preserving disused railway infrastructure for the purpose of ensuring its availability for possible future public transport requirements, and

(iii) preserving peatland.

(4) In this Part, “participation statement” means an account by the Scottish Ministers of—

(a) when consultation as regards the proposed revised framework is likely to take place,

(b) with whom they intend to consult, which must include—

(i) planning authorities,

(ii) key agencies (within the meaning of section 23D),

(iii) the appropriate body under subsection (5), and

(iv) such persons or bodies who the Scottish Ministers consider have a role in the delivery of the outcomes mentioned in section 3A(3A),

(d) the likely form of the review.

(5) For the purpose of subsection (4)(b)(iii), the “appropriate body” is—

(a) the advisory body designated by an order under section 24(1) of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, or

(b) if no such order has been made, the Committee on Climate Change established under section 32 of the Climate Change Act 2008.

Information to assist preparation of National Planning Framework

3AC

(1) For the purposes of assisting the Scottish Ministers in preparing or revising the National Planning Framework, the Scottish Ministers may direct a planning authority, or two or more planning authorities, to provide information about the matters set out in subsection (2) in relation to an area specified in the direction.

(2) The matters are—

(a) the principal physical, cultural, economic, social, built heritage and environmental characteristics of the area,

(b) the principal purposes for which land in the area is used,

(d) the housing needs of the population of the area,

(e) the capacity of education services in the area,

(f) the capacity of health services in the area,

(g) the health needs of the population of the area,

(h) the housing needs of older people and disabled people within the area,

(i) the desirability of allocating land for the purposes of resettlement,

(j) the infrastructure of the area (including communications, transport and drainage systems and systems for the supply of water and energy),

(k) how that infrastructure is used,

(l) any change which the planning authority or authorities think may occur in relation to any of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (k), and

(m) such other matters as are prescribed.

(3) In subsection (2)(j), references to systems for the supply of energy include in particular land available for the development and use of facilities for renewable sources of energy.

(4) Where a direction under this section requires two or more planning authorities to provide information in relation to the same area and the same matter, they are to co-operate with one another.

Proposals for National Planning Framework: Parliamentary consideration

3B

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National Planning Framework to be laid before Parliament

3C

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National Planning Framework: procedure

3CA

(1) The Scottish Ministers may not adopt a revised National Planning Framework until a draft of it has been approved by resolution of the Parliament.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may not lay a draft of the revised framework before the Scottish Parliament for approval unless—

(a) they have complied with section 3AB and subsections (3) to (5) of this section, and

(b) they have laid before the Scottish Parliament an explanatory document in accordance with subsection (6).

(3) The Scottish Ministers must—

(a) consult in accordance with their participation statement,

(b) lay before the Scottish Parliament a copy of the draft of the revised framework,

(c) have regard to any representations about the draft of the revised framework that are made to them within no more than 120 days of the date on which the copy of the draft of the revised framework is laid before the Parliament under paragraph (b).

(4) In calculating any period of no more than 120 days for the purposes of subsection (3)(c), no account is to be taken of any time during which the Parliament is dissolved or is in recess for more than 4 days.

(5) If, as a result of any consultation required by subsection (3), it appears to the Scottish Ministers that it is appropriate to change the whole or any part of their proposals, they must undertake such further consultation with respect to the changes as they consider appropriate.

(6) The explanatory document referred to in subsection (2)(b) must set out—

(a) the consultation undertaken in accordance with subsections (3) and (5),

(b) a summary of any representations received as a result of the consultation, and

(7) As soon as practicable after the National Planning Framework as revised has been adopted, the Scottish Ministers are to publish it.

Duties to assist in shaping the National Planning Framework

Key agencies to co-operate

3CB

It is the duty of a key agency to co-operate with the Scottish Ministers in—

(a) the review of the National Planning Framework,

(b) the preparation of a revised framework, and

Amendment of National Planning Framework

3CC

(1) The Scottish Ministers may at any time amend the National Planning Framework.

(2) Section 3AC applies to amending the National Planning Framework as it applies to preparing or revising it.

(3) The Scottish Ministers must by regulations set out the circumstances in which they consider that an amendment would result in a significant change to the policies and proposals for the development and use of land of the most recent National Planning Framework such that would require that the National Planning Framework should be reviewed and revised under sections 3AA to 3CA.

(4) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about amendments under subsection (1).

(5) Regulations under subsection (4) may in particular make provision—

(a) about the procedures to be followed,

(b) about the consultation to be undertaken on proposed amendments,

(d) about the publication of the amended framework,

(e) about the laying of the amended framework before the Scottish Parliament.

Sustainable development: exercise of functions by Scottish Ministers

3D

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Part 2 — Development Plans

Sustainable development

3E

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Greenhouse gas emissions policies

3F

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Open space strategy

3G

(1) A planning authority is to prepare and publish an open space strategy.

(2) An open space strategy is to set out a strategic framework of the planning authority's policies and proposals as to the development, maintenance and use of green infrastructure in their district, including open spaces and green networks.

(3) An open space strategy must contain—

(a) an audit of existing open space provision,

(b) an assessment of current and future requirements,

(4) In this section—

“green infrastructure” means features of the natural and built environments that provide a range of ecosystem and social benefits,

“green networks” means connected areas of green infrastructure and open space,

“open space” means space within and on the edge of settlements comprising green infrastructure or civic areas such as squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a) make provision about how planning authorities are to discharge their functions under this section including, in particular—

(i) how they conduct an audit under subsection (3)(a), and

(ii) how they assess current and future requirements for the purposes of subsection (3)(b),

(b) amend subsection (4) by adding a definition or amending or omitting a definition for the time being specified there.

(6) For the purposes of this section a national park authority is not a planning authority.

Strategic development planning

Regional spatial strategies

4ZA

(1) A planning authority, or two or more such authorities acting jointly, are to prepare and adopt a regional spatial strategy.

(2) A regional spatial strategy is a long-term spatial strategy in respect of the strategic development of an area (or areas) which must, in particular—

(a) specify the area (or areas) of the planning authority (or authorities) to which it relates (“the region”), and

(b) identify, in relation to the region—

(i) the need for strategic development,

(ii) the outcomes to which the authority (or authorities) consider that strategic development will contribute,

(iii) priorities for the delivery of strategic development, and

(iv) proposed locations for strategic development, which must be shown in the strategy in the form of a map or diagram.

(3) Before adopting a regional spatial strategy, a planning authority (or authorities) must—

(a) publish, by such means as they consider appropriate—

(i) a draft of the strategy,

(ii) a summary of the information taken into account in preparing the draft of the strategy, and

(iii) a statement inviting representations in relation to the strategy by a date specified in the statement,

(b) as soon as practicable after publishing the documents mentioned in paragraph (a), send a copy of them to—

(i) the planning authority (other than one involved in producing the report) for any area in which future development is likely to be significantly impacted by the strategic development to which the strategy is to relate,

(ii) the key agencies, and

(iii) any other person the planning authority (or authorities) producing the strategy consider appropriate, and

(4) As soon as practicable after a strategy under subsection (1) is adopted, the planning authority (or authorities) must—

(a) publish the strategy by such means as they consider appropriate, and

(b) submit it to the Scottish Ministers.

(5) In this section, “strategic development” means development that is likely to have a significant impact on future development within the area of more than one planning authority.

Duties to have regard to regional spatial strategies

4ZB

(1) In exercising their functions of preparing, revising or amending the National Planning Framework, the Scottish Ministers must have regard to any adopted regional spatial strategy submitted to them under section 4ZA(4)(b).

(2) In exercising their functions of preparing, revising or amending a local development plan, a planning authority must have regard to their adopted regional spatial strategy (or strategies) submitted to the Scottish Ministers under section 4ZA(4)(b).

Regional spatial strategies: first strategy, review and revision

4ZC

(1) A planning authority must adopt a regional spatial strategy under section 4ZA(1) as soon as reasonably practicable after section 5 of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 comes into force.

(2) A planning authority—

(a) are to keep their adopted regional spatial strategy (or strategies) under review, and

(b) if they consider it appropriate, may at any time prepare and adopt a replacement strategy.

(3) Without limit to the generality of subsection (2), a planning authority (or authorities) must review their adopted regional spatial strategy (or, if more than one, each adopted strategy) at least once in every period of 10 years beginning with the most recent date on which they—

(a) adopted the strategy, or

(b) published an explanation under subsection (4)(b).

(4) Following such a review, a planning authority are to—

(a) prepare and adopt a replacement regional spatial strategy, or

(b) publish an explanation of why they have decided not to do so.

(5) Section 4ZA(2) to (4) and sections 4ZB and 4ZE apply to a replacement regional spatial strategy as they apply in relation to the strategy being replaced (and references in this Part to a regional spatial strategy include references to such a replacement strategy).

Directions to prepare or review regional spatial strategies

4ZD

(1) The Scottish Ministers may direct a planning authority, or two or more such authorities, to—

(a) prepare and adopt a regional spatial strategy under section 4ZA(1) in relation to a region specified in the direction, or

(b) review an adopted regional spatial strategy.

(2) A direction under subsection (1) may require the planning authority (or authorities) to take into account such matters (if any) as are specified in the direction when preparing or reviewing the strategy.

(3) Where a direction under this section requires two or more planning authorities to prepare and adopt a regional spatial strategy, they are to co-operate with one another.

Guidance for regional spatial strategies

4ZE

(1) The Scottish Ministers may issue guidance in relation to the preparation, adoption, review and content of regional spatial strategies.

(2) A planning authority must have regard to any guidance issued under subsection (1) when preparing or adopting a regional spatial strategy.

(3) Before issuing guidance under this section, the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) each planning authority, and

(b) such other persons as they consider appropriate (if any).

(4) The Scottish Ministers must make guidance issued under subsection (1) publicly available.

(5) The power under subsection (1) to issue guidance includes the power to—

(a) issue guidance that varies guidance issued under that subsection, and

(b) revoke guidance issued under that subsection.

Strategic development planning authorities

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Strategic development plan area

5

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Re-determination of boundary of strategic development plan area

6

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Form and content of strategic development plan

7

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Preparation of strategic development plan etc. : general

8

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Main issues report for preparation of strategic development plan

9

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Preparation and publication of proposed strategic development plan

10

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Alternative proposals

11

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Examination of proposed strategic development plan

12

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Further provision as regards examination under section 12(2)

12A

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Proposed strategic development plan: approval or rejection

13

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Publication of and publicity for strategic development plan

14

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Local development plans

Form and content of local development plans

15

(1) A local development plan is a plan in which is set out, for land in the part of the district to which it relates—

(a) a spatial strategy, being a detailed statement of the planning authority's policies and proposals as to the development and use of the land taking account of the matters mentioned in subsection (5),

(b) such other matters as may be prescribed, and

(1A) The local development plan must also include targets for meeting the housing needs of people living in the part of the district to which it relates.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2A) A local development plan is to include a statement of the planning authority's policies and proposals as to the provision of public conveniences.

(2B) A local development plan is to include a statement of the planning authority's policies and proposals as to the provision of water refill locations.

(3) Where a local development plan contains policies or proposals for, or views as to, the occurrence of development on land owned by the planning authority, there is to be appended to the plan a schedule, in such form as may be prescribed, which identifies the land, states that it is so owned and refers to the policies, proposals or views in question.

(4) A local development plan is, for the purpose of explaining or illustrating the proposals in the plan, to contain or be accompanied by—

(a) such maps, diagrams, illustrations and descriptive matter as may be prescribed, and

(b) such other diagrams, illustrations and descriptive matter (if any) as the planning authority think appropriate.

(5) The matters referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—

(a) the principal physical, cultural, economic, social, built heritage and environmental characteristics of the district,

(b) the principal purposes for which the land is used,

(ca) the housing needs of the population of the area, including, in particular, the needs of persons undertaking further and higher education, older people and disabled people,

(cb) the availability of land in the district for housing, including for older people and disabled people,

(cc) the desirability of allocating land for the purposes of resettlement,

(cd) the health needs of the population of the district and the likely effects of development and use of land on those health needs,

(ce) the education needs of the population of the district and the likely effects of development and use of land on those education needs,

(cf) the extent to which there are rural areas within the district in relation to which there has been a substantial decline in population,

(cg) the capacity of education services in the district,

(ch) the desirability of maintaining an appropriate number and range of cultural venues and facilities (including in particular, but not limited to, live music venues) in the district,

(d) the infrastructure of the district (including communications, transport and drainage systems, systems for the supply of water and energy, and health care and education facilities),

(e) how that infrastructure is used, ...

(f) any change which the planning authority think may occur in relation to any of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to(eb).

(5A) In subsection (5)(d), references to systems for the supply of energy include in particular land available for the development and use of facilities for renewable sources of energy.

Preparation of local development plan: invitation to prepare local place plans

15A

Before preparing a local development plan, a planning authority are to publish, in such manner as they consider appropriate—

(a) an invitation to local communities in their district to prepare local place plans in accordance with schedule 19,

(b) information on—

(i) the manner in which and date by which such local place plans are to be prepared in order to be taken into account in the preparation of the local development plan,

(ii) the assistance available for local communities to prepare local place plans.

Review of local place plans

15B

(1) The Scottish Ministers must, as soon as practicable after the end of the 7 year period—

(a) carry out a review of local place plans,

(b) set out the conclusions of the review in a report,

(d) lay it before the Scottish Parliament.

(2) The report must, in particular, set out—

(a) the number of local place plans that have been submitted and the name of the community body that submitted the local place plan,

(b) the number of local place plans registered,

(c) a summary of the participation of people who engaged in preparing and submitting local place plans, either through a community body or through consultation,

(d) the support given to community bodies to prepare and submit a local place plan,

(e) an assessment of how the registered local place plans have influenced planning authorities'—

(i) preparation of local development plans for their district,

(ii) determination of applications for planning permission,

(f) an assessment of—

(i) the impact and effectiveness of local place plans across Scotland,

(ii) whether further support to community bodies should be provided to prepare and submit local place plans.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may, by notice, require a planning authority to provide it with such information as is specified or described in the notice and which they require for the purpose of subsection (1).

(4) In subsection (1), “the 7 year period” means the period of 7 years beginning with the day on which the Bill for the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 receives Royal Assent.

Preparation and monitoring of local development plans: general

16

(1) A planning authority are—

(a) as soon as practicable after the coming into force of section 2 of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 17) and thereafter—

(i) whenever required to do so by the Scottish Ministers, or

(ii) subject to sub-paragraph (i), at intervals of no more than 10 years,

to prepare local development plans for all parts of their district, and

(b) to keep under review the plans so prepared.

(2) In preparing a local development plan the planning authority—

(a) are to take into account—

(i) the National Planning Framework, and

(ii) any local outcomes improvement plan (within the meaning of section 6 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015) for the part of their district to which the local development plan relates,

(iii) any registered local place plan (see schedule 19) that is for the part of their district to which the local development plan relates,

(aa) are to have regard to the desirability of preserving disused railway infrastructure for the purpose of ensuring its availability for possible future public transport requirements,

(ab) are to have regard to the list published under section 16E of persons seeking to acquire land in the authority's area for self-build housing,

(b) are to have regard to such information and considerations as may be prescribed, and

(3) Different local development plans may be prepared for different purposes for the same part of any district.

(4) Parts of districts for which local development plans are prepared for some purpose need not have the same boundaries as parts for which they are prepared for another purpose.

(5) Two (or more) planning authorities may prepare a joint local development plan extending to parts of each (or all) of their districts.

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(7) Where a planning authority fail to comply with subsection (1)(a), the Scottish Ministers may direct them to prepare a report as to the reasons for such failure and to submit that report to the Scottish Ministers.

(8) In carrying out their duty under paragraph (b) of subsection (1), a planning authority are in particular to monitor—

(a) changes in the characteristics referred to in section 15(5)(a), and

(b) the impact of the policies and proposals contained within the local development plans.

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(10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Participation of children and young people in local development plan

16A

(1) A planning authority must make such arrangements as they consider appropriate to promote and facilitate participation by children and young people (meaning for the purpose of this section a person aged 25 or under) in the preparation of the local development plan.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), planning authorities must first consider discharging their duty under subsection (1) by means of contact with schools, youth councils and youth parliament representatives within their district.

(3) A planning authority must—

(a) publish information about its arrangements under subsection (1), and

(b) keep the information published up to date.

Evidence report for preparation of local development plan

16B

(1) Before preparing a local development plan, a planning authority are to prepare an evidence report.

(2) In preparing the evidence report the planning authority are to seek the views of, and have regard to any views expressed by—

(a) the key agencies,

(b) children and young people, in particular school pupils, youth councillors and youth parliament representatives,

(d) the public at large.

(3) The evidence report is to—

(a) set out the planning authority's view on the matters listed in section 15(5) for land in the part of the authority's district to which the local development plan will relate,

(b) set out—

(i) a summary of the action taken by the planning authority to support and promote the construction and adaptation of housing to meet the housing needs of older people and disabled people in the authority's area,

(ii) an analysis of the extent to which the action has helped to meet those needs,

(i) a summary of the action taken by the planning authority to meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers in the authority's area,

(ii) an analysis of the extent to which the action has helped to meet those needs,

(d) set out—

(i) how the planning authority have invited local communities in their district to prepare local place plans in accordance with schedule 19,

(ii) the assistance provided to local communities to assist them to prepare local place plans,

(e) include such other matters as are prescribed.

(4) The evidence report is also to include a statement on—

(a) the steps taken by the planning authority in preparing the report to seek the views of the public at large, including in particular the views of—

(i) disabled persons,

(ii) Gypsies and Travellers, and

(iii) children and young people,

(b) the steps taken by the planning authority in preparing the report to seek the views of community councils, and

(5) Before submitting a proposed evidence report under subsection (7), the planning authority must approve the proposed evidence report.

(6) Section 56 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (arrangements for discharge of functions by local authorities) does not apply to the function of approving a proposed evidence report.

(7) The planning authority are to submit the evidence report to the Scottish Ministers.

(8) On receiving an evidence report submitted under subsection (7), the Scottish Ministers are to appoint a person to assess whether the report contains sufficient information to enable the planning authority to prepare a local development plan.

(9) If, having completed the assessment, the appointed person is satisfied that the evidence report contains sufficient information to enable the planning authority to prepare a local development plan, the person is to notify the Scottish Ministers and the authority accordingly.

(10) In any other case, the appointed person is to—

(a) prepare a report (an “assessment report”) setting out the reasons for not being so satisfied and recommendations for improving the evidence report received under subsection (7),

(b) send a copy of the assessment report to the planning authority and the Scottish Ministers.

(11) On receipt of an assessment report the planning authority are to revise the evidence report submitted under subsection (7) and resubmit it to the Scottish Ministers.

(12) Subsections (8) to (11) apply to an evidence report submitted under subsection (11) as they do to an evidence report submitted under subsection (7).

(13) The Scottish Ministers may make regulations as to—

(a) meeting general administrative costs, staff costs and overheads incurred in relation to an assessment under subsection (8),

(b) the procedure to be followed in such an assessment (including by making provision that the procedure is to be at the discretion of the appointed person), and

(14) In this section—

“accommodation needs” includes, but is not limited to, needs with respect to the provision of sites on which mobile homes may be stationed,

“children and young people” mean persons aged 25 or under,

“community council” means a community council established by a local authority under Part 4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973,

“disabled person” means a person who is a disabled person for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010,

“Gypsies and Travellers” has the meaning specified in regulations made by the Scottish Ministers.

(15) Before making regulations under subsection (14) specifying the meaning of “Gypsies and Travellers”, the Scottish Ministers must consult such persons as they consider appropriate.

Effective community engagement: guidance

16C

(1) The Scottish Ministers may issue guidance to planning authorities about undertaking effective community engagement in relation to the local development plan.

(2) Guidance under subsection (1) may include in particular guidance on—

(a) how, in preparing a local development plan, planning authorities are to undertake effective community engagement,

(b) ways in which planning authorities should consult communities and encourage them to contribute to the preparation of a local development plan,

(c) any other matters relevant to the functions of planning authorities in relation to community engagement in local development plans.

(3) Before issuing guidance under this section, the Scottish Ministers must consult such persons as they consider appropriate.

(4) The Scottish Ministers must publish in such manner as they consider appropriate any guidance issued under this section.

(5) A planning authority must have regard to any guidance issued to them under this section.

(6) The Scottish Ministers may vary or revoke guidance issued under this section.

Play sufficiency assessment

16D

(1) A planning authority must assess the sufficiency of play opportunities in its area for children in preparing an evidence report.

(2) The Scottish Ministers must by regulations make provisions about—

(a) the form and content of the assessment,

(b) such persons who must be consulted in relation to the assessment,

Publication of list of persons seeking land for self-build housing

16E

(1) A planning authority are to prepare and maintain a list of persons who have registered interest with the authority with the intention of acquiring land in the authority's area for self-build housing.

(2) A planning authority are to publish the list in such manner as the authority consider appropriate (as for example by means of the internet).

(3) For the purpose of subsection (1), self-build housing is where an individual commissions or (whether acting alone or with other individuals) is personally involved in the design and construction of a dwelling that is intended to be the individual's main residence once it is built.

Main issues report for preparation of local development plan

17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Preparation and publication of proposed local development plan

18

(1) After being notified under section 16B(9), the planning authority are—

(a) having regard to the evidence report in relation to which notification under that section was received, to prepare and publish in such manner as is prescribed a proposed local development plan,

(aa) to publish the evidence report at the same time and in the same manner as the proposed local development plan,

(b) to send a copy of that proposed plan and the evidence report to each key agency,

(d) to consult, with regard to the proposed plan, the key agencies and such persons as may be prescribed, and

(e) in such circumstances as may be prescribed, to give notice—

(i) in such form,

(ii) of such matter, and

(iii) to such persons,

as may be specified in the regulations in question.

(1A) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1)(d), a planning authority for a district all or part of which falls within the boundary identified by the Central Scotland Green Network Partnership are (for so long as such a body is included in the National Planning Framework as a national development) to consult the Network on the proposed local development plan.

(1B) Before publishing a proposed local development plan under subsection (1), the planning authority must approve the plan.

(1C) Section 56 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (arrangements for discharge of functions by local authorities) does not apply to the function of approving a proposed local development plan.

(2) Publication under subsection (1)(a) is to include specification of a date (being a date not less than 12 weeks after the date of publication) by which any representations with respect to the proposed local development plan must be made to the authority.

(3) After the date specified by virtue of subsection (2), the planning authority may modify the proposed local development plan so as to take account of—

(a) any representations timeously made to them as respects that proposed plan (or of any matters arising out of representations so made),

(b) any matters arising in consultation under subsection (1)(d), and

(4) ... The authority—

(a) are to submit the proposed local development plan to the Scottish Ministers together with—

(i) a report as to the extent to which the authority's actings with regard to consultation and the involvement of the public at large have conformed with (or have gone beyond the requirements of) the authority's current participation statement, ...

(ii) a copy of their proposed delivery programme for the plan, and

(iii) if modifications have been made to the proposed plan under subsection (3), a report setting out—

(A) the modifications made, and

(B) the reasons for making them.

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) It is the duty of a key agency to co-operate with the planning authority in the preparation of the authority's proposed local development plan.

Examination of proposed local development plan

19

(1) On submitting a proposed local development plan under paragraph (a) of section 18(4), a planning authority are, if the circumstances are as mentioned in subsection (2), to request the Scottish Ministers to make an appointment under subsection (3).

(2) The circumstances are that representations timeously made were not taken account of (or not fully taken account of) in modifications under subsection (3) ... of section 18 and have not been withdrawn.

(3) If, when a proposed development plan is submitted to the Scottish Ministers under paragraph (a) of section 18(4)—

(a) a request is made under subsection (1), or

(b) no such request is made but it appears to them that the circumstances are as mentioned in subsection (2),

they are to appoint a person to examine under this subsection the proposed plan.

(4) But where an appointment is made under subsection (3), the appointed person is firstly to examine under this subsection the extent to which the planning authority's actings with regard to consultation and the involvement of the public at large as respects the proposed plan have conformed with (or have been beyond the requirements of) the participation statement of the authority which was current when the proposed plan was published under section 18(1)(a).

(5) The Scottish Ministers may make regulations as to—

(a) meeting general administrative costs, staff costs and overheads incurred in relation to an examination under subsection (3) or (4),

(b) procedures to be followed at such an examination, and

but the form the examination is to take (as for example whether it should be in public or as to whether persons who have made representations, and other persons, are to be heard or are to present written submissions) is to be at the discretion of the appointed person.

(5A) When a request is made under subsection (1), or an appointment is made under subsection (3) without a request having been made, the planning authority must publish in the prescribed manner—

(a) the proposed plan, and

(b) if modifications were made to the proposed plan under section 18(3) or 19A(5)(b)(i), a report setting out—

(i) the modifications made, and

(ii) the reasons for making them.

(6) When a person is appointed under subsection (3), the planning authority are—

(a) to advertise the forthcoming examination of the proposed plan in a local newspaper and in the public libraries within the part of the authority's district to which the proposed plan relates, and

(b) to serve notice of that examination on each of the persons who have made the representations mentioned in subsection (2).

(7) No such examination as is mentioned in subsection (3) is to be commenced—

(a) within 4 weeks after the appointment is made, and

(b) where a report is submitted under subsection (1)(b) of section 19A, before a direction is given under subsection (3)(b) of that section.

(8) On completing his examination under subsection (3), unless section 19ZA applies, the appointed person is to—

(a) prepare a report—

(i) setting out, and giving reasons for, his conclusions and recommendations..., and

(ii) as to the matters considered by him under subsection (4),

(b) submit it to the planning authority,

(d) serve on the persons mentioned in paragraph (b) of subsection (6), and on any person who made representations by virtue of section 19A, notice of the report's submission and publication (including the means of publication).

(8A) Recommendations under subsection (8)(a)(i) may include—

(a) recommendations that the planning authority make modifications to the proposed local development plan,

(b) in a case where the appointed person considers that a change required is not suitable to be dealt with by such modification, a recommendation that, if adopted, the planning authority should amend the local development plan under section 20AA in relation to such matters as may be specified in the report.

(8B) Where a report prepared under subsection (8)(a) includes a recommendation of the type described in subsection (8A)(b), the appointed person must send a copy of the report to the Scottish Ministers.

(9) In subsections (5A) and (8)(c), “ publish ” includes, without prejudice to that expression's generality, publish by electronic means (as for example by means of the internet).

(10) The planning authority are, on receiving a report submitted under subsection (8)(b)—

(a) to make—

(i) (except in so far as they decline to do so, on such grounds as may be prescribed for the purposes of this sub-paragraph) such modifications, if any, to the proposed local development plan as the appointed person recommends, and

(ii) such other modifications to it, if any, as appear to them to be requisite having regard to the report,

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11) But the authority may, before complying with subsection (10), secure the carrying out of an environmental assessment (within the meaning of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 15)) in relation to the proposed plan as so modified; and if they do so then paragraph (a) of that subsection is to be construed as subject to the qualification that any modification made must, in the opinion of the authority, be acceptable having regard to that assessment.

(12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Examination under section 19(3): further provision

19ZA

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person appointed under subsection (3) of section 19 is conducting an examination of a proposed local development plan under that subsection, and

(b) the person is not satisfied that the amount of land allocated for housing in the proposed local development plan is sufficient to meet the targets it includes in relation to the housing needs of people living in the part of the district to which it relates (see section 15(1A)).

(2) The appointed person may, instead of preparing a report under section 19(8), issue a notice to the planning authority requiring it to prepare another proposed local development plan under section 18(1).

(3) A notice under subsection (2) must include—

(a) a statement that the proposed local development plan is unsatisfactory due to its failure to address the identified housing needs,

(b) the appointed person's reasons for coming to that conclusion.

(4) The appointed person must—

(a) send a copy of a notice issued under subsection (2) to the Scottish Ministers,

(b) publish it, and

(c) notify the persons mentioned in paragraph (b) of section 19(6), and any person who made representations by virtue of section 19A that a notice has been given under subsection (2) (and its effect).

(5) A planning authority that receive a notice under subsection (2)—

(a) may not take any further action in respect of the unsatisfactory proposed local development plan, and

(b) must prepare another proposed local development plan in accordance with section 18.

(6) The planning authority may use the evidence report prepared and assessed in respect of the unsatisfactory proposed local development plan for the purpose of subsection (5)(b).

(7) In subsection (4)(b), “publish” includes, without prejudice to that expression's generality, publish by electronic means (as for example by means of the internet).

Further provision as regards examination under section 19(4)

19A

(1) If, having conducted an examination under subsection (4) of section 19, the appointed person is not satisfied with the actings mentioned in that subsection he is to—

(a) prepare a report setting out his reasons for not being satisfied and recommending that the authority take such further steps with regard to—

(i) consultation, or

(ii) involving the public at large,

as are specified in the report,

(b) submit it to the Scottish Ministers, and

(2) The authority may, within 4 weeks after receiving that copy, make representations to the Scottish Ministers as regards the report.

(3) The Scottish Ministers, provided that 4 weeks have elapsed since they received the report, may—

(a) direct the authority to take such further steps with regard to—

(i) consultation, or

(ii) involving the public at large,

as are specified in the direction, or

(b) direct the appointed person to proceed to an examination under subsection (3) of section 19.

(4) In giving a direction under paragraph (a) of subsection (3) the Scottish Ministers are to have regard to the appointed person's recommendations under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and to any representations made under subsection (2).

(5) Where such a direction is given—

(a) the appointed person is not to proceed to an examination under subsection (3) of section 19, and

(b) after the further steps specified in the direction have been taken the authority—

(i) may modify the proposed local development plan so as to take account of any representations made to them in consequence of their taking those steps (and of any minor drafting or technical matters), and

(ii) are to submit it (whether or not modified) to the Scottish Ministers together with a note of any representations so made and of whether those representations are taken account of in the plan (and if so to what extent) and a report as to the extent to which the authority's actings with regard to consultation and involving the public at large have conformed with (or have gone beyond the requirements of) the specification of further steps.

(6) But if the authority consider that modifications are requisite and are such as would change the underlying aims or strategy of the proposed plan they are not to modify it (or submit it unmodified to the Scottish Ministers) but are to prepare and publish under section 18(1) a new proposed local development plan.

(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9) Section 19 and this section apply in relation to a proposed local development plan submitted under subsection (5)(b)(ii) as they apply in relation to such a plan submitted under section 18(4)(a).

(10) Except that for the purposes of the application provided for in subsection (9), section 19 is to be construed as if—

(a) in subsection (2), for the words “subsection (3) ... of section 18” there were substituted “ section 19A(5)(b)(i) ”, and

(b) in subsection (4), for the words “the participation statement of the authority which was current when the proposed plan was published under section 18(1)(a)” there were substituted “ the further steps specified in the direction under section 19A(3)(a) ”.

Constitution of local development plan

20

(1) On being adopted by the planning authority the proposed local development plan is constituted as the local development plan.

(1A) A proposed local development plan may not be adopted before the end of the period that—

(a) begins on the day it is submitted to the Scottish Ministers under section 18(4)(a) or (as the case may be) 19A(5)(b)(ii), and

(b) ends at the end of the day that falls 28 days later.

(1B) Where—

(a) a request is made under section 19(1) when a proposed local development plan is submitted to the Scottish Ministers, or

(b) no such request is made but, within the 28 day period described in subsection (1A), the Ministers appoint a person under section 19(3),

the proposed local development plan may not be adopted until the planning authority have received a report in relation to the plan submitted under section 19(8)(b).

Publication of and publicity for local development plan

20A

(1) As soon as is reasonably practicable after the local development plan is constituted as mentioned in section 20(1), the planning authority are to—

(a) send two copies of it to the Scottish Ministers,

(b) publish it,

(d) both—

(i) notify each person who made representations under section 18 or by virtue of section 19A, and

(ii) advertise, in a local newspaper,

that the local development plan has been published (including the means of publication) and is available for inspection in those libraries.

(1A) In addition to taking the steps required by subsection (1), as soon as reasonably practicable after the local development plan is constituted the planning authority must—

(a) in the circumstances described by subsection (1B), publish in the prescribed manner a recommended-modification statement, and

(b) in the circumstance described by subsection (1C), publish in the prescribed manner a report on modifications (but this requirement is qualified by subsection (1D)).

(1B) The circumstances referred to in subsection (1A)(a) are—

(a) a person appointed under section 19(3) recommended a modification to a proposed version of the plan, and

(b) the modification was not made.

(1C) The circumstance referred to in subsection (1A)(b) is that the constituted plan differs from the proposed plan published under section 18(1)(a) as a result of modifications made under section 18(3), 19(10) or 19A(5)(b)(i).

(1D) In a case where a report in relation to a proposed version of the plan has been published as required by section 19(5A)—

(a) if no modifications were subsequently made, a report on modifications need not be published,

(b) if modifications were subsequently made, the report on modifications need only set out those modifications.

(1E) In this section—

(a) “recommended-modification statement” means a statement that—

(i) sets out the modification mentioned in subsection (1B), and

(ii) explains, by reference to the grounds prescribed for the purposes of section 19(10)(a)(i), why the modification was not made,

(b) “report on modifications” means a report that sets out—

(i) the modifications mentioned in subsection (1C), and

(ii) the reasons for making them.

(2) Inthis section, “ publish ” includes, without prejudice to that expression's generality, publish by electronic means (as for example by means of the internet).

Amendment of local development plan

20AA

(1) A planning authority may at any time amend a local development plan constituted for their district.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may direct a planning authority to exercise their power under subsection (1) in relation to matters specified in the direction.

(3) A direction under subsection (2) must set out the Scottish Ministers' reasons for requiring an amendment to the local development plan.

(4) In preparing an amendment to a local development plan, a planning authority—

(a) are to take into account—

(i) the National Planning Framework,

(ii) any local outcomes improvement plan (within the meaning of section 6 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015) for the part of their district to which the local development plan relates,

(b) are to have regard to such information and considerations as are prescribed, and

(5) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about amendments under subsection (1).

(6) Regulations under subsection (5) may in particular make provision—

(a) about the procedures to be followed,

(b) about the consultation to be undertaken on proposed amendments,

(d) about the publication of the amended plan.

(7) Regulations under subsection (5) may provide that sections 16A to 20A apply to an amendment to a local development plan as they apply to a local development plan subject to such modifications as are specified in the regulations.

Development plan schemes and delivery programmes

Development plan schemes

20B

(1) A development plan scheme is to be prepared ... by each planning authority.

(2) An authority are to prepare the scheme—

(a) whenever required to do so by the Scottish Ministers, and

(b) (subject to paragraph (a)) whenever the authority think it appropriate to do so but in any event within 1 year after last preparing such a scheme.

(3) A development plan scheme is a document setting out the authority's programme for preparing and reviewing ... their local development plans.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3), “programme” in that subsection includes, having regard to the provisions of this Part—

(a) proposed timetabling,

(b) details of what is likely to be involved at each stage of preparation or review, and

(c) an account (in this Part referred to as an authority's “participation statement”) of when consultation is likely to take place and with whom and of its likely form and of the steps to be taken to involve the public at large in the stages of preparation or review.

(4A) In preparing the development plan scheme the planning authority are to seek the views of, and have regard to any views expressed by the public at large as to the content of the participation statement.

(5) As soon as is reasonably practicable after a development plan scheme has been adopted, the authority which prepared it are to—

(a) send two copies of it to the Scottish Ministers,

(b) publish it, and

(6) In subsection (5)(b), “ publish ” includes, without prejudice to that expression's generality, publish by electronic means (as for example by means of the internet).

(7) Regulations may make provision as to—

(a) the form and content of, and

(b) the procedures for preparing and adopting,

a development plan scheme.

Delivery programmes

21

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) A planning authority who prepare a local development plan are to prepare a delivery programme for the plan.

(3) In preparing a delivery programme an authority are to seek the views of, and have regard to any views expressed by—

(a) the key agencies, and

(b) such persons as may be prescribed.

(4) When an authority publish a proposed—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) local development plan under section 18(1)(a),

they are to publish a proposeddelivery programme for the plan.

(4A) It is the duty of the head of the planning authority's paid service (designated under section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989) to prepare the proposed delivery programme.

(4B) The planning authority must approve the proposed delivery programme before it is published.

(4C) Section 56 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (arrangements for discharge of functions by local authorities) does not apply to the function of approving a proposed delivery programme.

(5) It is the duty of a key agency to co-operate with an authority in the preparation of the authority's delivery programme or proposed delivery programme.

(6) A delivery programme is a document setting out how an authority propose to implement the plan to which it relates.

(7) Regulations may make provision as to—

(a) the form and content of, and

(b) the procedures for preparing and adopting,

a delivery programme.

(8) The authority are to adopt and publish the delivery programme within 3 months after the date on which the plan to which it relates is constituted.

(9) The authority must keep the delivery programme under review and must update and re-publish it—

(a) whenever required to do so by the Scottish Ministers, and

(b) (subject to paragraph (a)) whenever they think it appropriate to do so but in any event within 2 years after last publishing (or re-publishing) it.

(10) When they publish, or re-publish, a delivery programme, the authority are to—

(a) send two copies of it to the Scottish Ministers, and

(b) place a copy of it in each public library—

(i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) ... in the part of the authority's district to which the local development plan in question relates,

and such publication, or re-publication, is to include by electronic means (as for example by means of the internet).

...

Supplementary guidance

22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supplementary provisions

Disregarding of representations with respect to development authorised by or under other enactments

23

(1) Where subsection (2) applies—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) neither the Scottish Ministers nor a planning authority need consider representations with respect to—

(i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) a proposed local development plan.

(2) This subsection applies where it appears to the Scottish Ministers or the authority, as the case may be, that those representations are in substance representations with respect to things done or proposed to be done in pursuance of—

(a) an order or scheme under section 5, 7, 9 or 12 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 54) (trunk road orders, special road schemes and orders for other public roads), or

(b) an order under section 1 of the New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968 (c. 16) (designation of sites of new towns).

Regulations under this Part

23A

(1) Regulations under this Part may extend throughout Scotland or to specified areas only and may make different provision for different cases.

(2) Subject to the previous provisions of this Part and to any such regulations, the Scottish Ministers may give directions to any planning authority ..., or to planning authorities ... generally for—

(a) formulating the procedure for the carrying out of functions under this Part, or

(b) requiring them to give the Scottish Ministers such information as the Scottish Ministers may require for carrying out functions under this Part.

Default powers of the Scottish Ministers

23B

(1) This section applies where—

(a) under any of the previous sections of this Part, any ... local development plan requires to be prepared, ... any ... proposed local development plan requires to be submitted to the Scottish Ministers, or steps are required to be taken for the adoption of a proposed local development plan, and

(b) the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that the authority in question—

(i) are not, within a reasonable period, doing what is required, or

(ii) have not met a time limit specified in any of those provisions for doing what is required (or some part of what is required).

(2) Where this section applies, the Scottish Ministers may—

(a) direct the authority in question (the “defaulting authority”) to carry out that authority's functions in relation to the matter and may specify in the direction the factors to be taken into account or objectives to be achieved by that authority in so doing, or

(b) prepare a ... local development plan.

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The previous sections of this Part apply, so far as applicable and with any necessary modifications, in relation to the doing of anything—

(a) under subsection (2)(b) by the Scottish Ministers, or

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

as they apply in relation to the doing of anything by the defaulting authority.

(5) The defaulting authority—

(a) must on demand repay to the Scottish Ministers so much of any expenses incurred by the Scottish Ministers in connection with the doing of anything which should have been done by the defaulting authority as the Scottish Ministers certify to have been incurred in the performance of the defaulting authority's functions, and

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reviews of plans in enterprise zones

23C

As soon as practicable after an order has been made under paragraph 5 of Schedule 32 to the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65) (designation of enterprise zone scheme) or a notification has been given under paragraph 11 of that Schedule (modification of such a scheme)—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) a planning authority for a district in which the enterprise zone is wholly or partly situated are, in that light, to review any local development plan which relates to land situated both in the district and in the zone.

Meaning of “key agency”

23D

Any reference in a provision of Part 1A or this Part to a “key agency” is to a person (other than an individual) or an officeholder which the Scottish Ministers specify as such for the purposes of that provision by regulations.

Meaning of “development plan”

24

(1) For the purposes of this Act, any other enactment relating to town and country planning and the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1963, the development plan for an area is to be taken as consisting of the provisions of—

(a) the National Planning Framework,

(b) any strategic development plan for the time being applicable to the area, together with—

(i) the Scottish Ministers' notice of approval of that plan, and

(ii) any supplementary guidance issued in connection with that plan, and

(2) A reference in subsection (1) to provisions of a framework or plan is to be construed as a reference to so much of the provisions as are applicable to the area.

(3) In the event of any incompatibility between a provision of the National Planning Framework and a provision of a local development plan, whichever of them is the later in date is to prevail.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3)—

(a) the date of the National Planning Framework is the latest date on which it was published under section 3CA(7),

(b) the date of a local development plan is the date on which it was constituted under section 20.

(5) This section has effect subject to Schedule 1 (old development plans).

General

Status of development plan

25

(1) Where, in making any determination under the planning Acts, regard is to be had to the development plan, the determination is, unless material considerations indicate otherwise , to be made in accordance with that plan.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part III — Control over Development

Meaning of development

Meaning of “development”.

26

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section and to section 26AB, in this Act, except where the context otherwise requires, “development” means the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings or other land, or the operation of a marine fish farm in the circumstances specified in section 26AA.

(2) The following operations or uses of land shall not be taken for the purposes of this Act to involve development of the land—

(a) the carrying out of works for the maintenance, improvement or other alteration of any building being works which—

(i) affect only the interior of the building, or

(ii) do not materially affect the external appearance of the building,

and are not works for making good war damage within the meaning of the War Damage Act 1943 or works begun after 7th December, 1969 for the alteration of a building by providing additional space in it underground;

(b) the carrying out by a roads authority (as defined by section 151(1) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984) on land within the boundaries of a road of any works required for the maintenance or improvement of the road but , in the case of any such works which are not exclusively for the maintenance of the road, not including any works which may have significant adverse effects on the environment;

(c) the carrying out by a local authority or statutory undertakers of any works for the purpose of inspecting, repairing or renewing any sewers, mains, pipes, cables or other apparatus, including the breaking open of any road or other land for that purpose;

(d) the use of any buildings or other land within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse as such;

(e) subject to subsection (2A), the use of any land for the purposes of agriculture or forestry (including afforestation) and the use for any of those purposes of any building occupied together with land so used;

(f) in the case of buildings or other land which are used for a purpose of any class specified in an order made by the Secretary of State under this section, the use of the buildings or other land or, subject to the provisions of the order, of any part of the buildings or the other land, for any other purpose of the same class;

(g) the demolition of any description of building specified in a direction given by the Secretary of State to planning authorities generally or to a particular planning authority.

(2AA) The Scottish Ministers may in a development order specify any circumstances, or description of circumstances, in which subsection (2) does not apply to operations mentioned in paragraph (a) of that subsection which have the effect of increasing the gross floor space of the building by such amount or percentage as is so specified.

(2AB) The development order may make different provision for different purposes.

(2A) Development includes the carrying out of ... drainage for agriculture or of any other water management project for that purpose , but does not include the carrying out of irrigation work .

(3) For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that for the purposes of this section—

(a) the use as two or more separate dwellinghouses of any building previously used as a single dwellinghouse involves a material change in the use of the building and of each part of it which is so used;

(b) the deposit of refuse or waste materials on land involves a material change in its use, notwithstanding that the land is comprised in a site already used for that purpose, if—

(i) the superficial area of the deposit is extended, or

(ii) the height of the deposit is extended and exceeds the level of the land adjoining the site.

(4) For the purposes of this Act building operations include—

(a) demolition of buildings,

(b) rebuilding,

(d) other operations normally undertaken by a person carrying on business as a builder.

(5) For the purposes of this Act mining operations include—

(a) the removal of material of any description—

(i) from a mineral-working deposit,

(ii) from a deposit of pulverised fuel ash or other furnace ash or clinker, or

(iii) from a deposit of iron, steel or other metallic slags, and

(b) the extraction of minerals from a disused railway embankment.

(6) Where the placing or assembly of any equipment in any part of any waters which—

(a) are inland waters,

(b) not being inland waters, are landward of the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to Scotland is measured, or

for the purpose of fish farming there would not, apart from this subsection, involve development of the land below, this Act shall have effect as if the equipment resulted from carrying out engineering operations over that land; and in this section—

“ equipment” includes any tank, cage or other structure, or long-line, for use in fish farming;

“fish farming” means the breeding, rearing or keeping of fish or shellfish (which includes any kind of sea urchin, crustacean or mollusc);

“inland waters” means waters which do not form part of the sea or of any creek, bay or estuary or of any river as far as the tide flows; and

“nautical miles ” means international nautical miles of 1,852 metres

(6AA) Where the making of any material change in the use of equipment so placed or assembled for that purpose would not, apart from this subsection, involve development of the land below, this Act shall have effect as if the making of any such material change was development of that land.

(6A) The Scottish Ministers may by order made by statutory instrument make such modifications as they consider necessary or expedient to the definitions of “equipment” and “fish farming” in subsection (6); and an order under this subsection may make different provision for different purposes and different areas.

(6B) In subsection (6A), “ modifications ” includes amendments and repeals.

(6C) The Scottish Ministers may by order make such provision as they consider necessary or expedient for the purpose of, or in connection with, the application of this Act to—

(a) any such placing or assembly as is mentioned in subsection (6) in waters described in paragraph (b) or (c) of that subsection; or

(b) any material change in the use of equipment placed or assembled in those waters.

(6D) Any order under subsection (6C) may in particular provide that a planning authority specified in the order is to be the planning authority for the purposes of such an application of this Act despite the placing or assembly being something done, or the material change of use being made, outwith the district of the authority.

(6E) But in the application of subsections (6C) and (6D) to a case where, by virtue of paragraph (a) of section 10(1) of the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 10) the planning authority is a National Park authority, the reference in subsection (6D) to the district of the authority is to be construed as a reference to the National Park.

(6F) And the Scottish Ministers may direct that subsections (6C) and (6D) are to apply to a case where—

(a) by virtue of paragraph (b) of that section 10(1), a National Park authority is to be treated as the planning authority, or

(b) by virtue of paragraph (c) of that section 10(1), a National Park authority is to have certain functions in relation to planning.

(6G) For the purposes of any such application as is provided for in—

(a) paragraph (a) of subsection (6F), the reference in subsection (6D) to the district of the authority is to be construed as mentioned in subsection (6E) and for the words “planning authority specified in the order is to be” in subsection (6D) there is to be substituted “ National Park authority specified in the order is to be treated as ” ,

(b) paragraph (b) of subsection (6F), the reference in subsection (6D) to the district of the authority is to be construed as mentioned in subsection (6E) and for the words “planning authority specified in the order is to be the planning authority” in subsection (6D) there is to be substituted “ National Park authority specified in the order is to have functions in relation to planning ” .

(6H) Before making an order under subsection (6C), the Scottish Ministers—

(a) must consult—

(i) every planning authority, and

(ii) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and

(b) may consult such other persons as they think fit.

(6I) An order under subsection (6C) may (without prejudice to the generality of that subsection)—

(a) modify any enactment, instrument or document,

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