What lies ahead for NPF4? Position Statement update 3: A Wellbeing Economy
The Scottish Government issued its NPF4 Position Statement on 3rd December 2020, following their ‘Call for Ideas’ consultation earlier this year. The Statement sets out the Government’s current thinking (not the final position) in relation to the proposed content of NPF4, intending to inform further consultation and final approval via the Scottish Parliament; expected in Autumn 2021.
Whilst the Position Statement is not a formal policy view at this time, it does give us insight into the potential direction the Government is looking to take with the new national policy document, which will have development plan status, and ultimately inform planning decisions. The Position Statement identifies that the planning system needs to be rebalanced so that climate change is a guiding principle for all plans and decisions throughout Scotland.
The Position Statement covers four key outcomes for 2050 which NPF4 is expected to focus on:
- Net-Zero Emissions
- Resilient Communities;
- A Wellbeing Economy; and
- Better, Greener Places
We have reviewed the Position Statement, and throughout this week we are providing you with a high-level summary of the key issues discussed in each of the four key outcome topics. Our previous updates are on Net-Zero Emissions and Resilient Communities.
