Implementing NPF4

Since adoption of NPF4, we have published the following items to help support delivery: 

Developing with Nature Guidance - published by NatureScot to support Policy 3c)

The Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance, Tom Arthur MSP, and Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning, Joe FitzPatrick MSP's, joint blog on Planning to live well locally.

 

Biodiversity

The NPF4 Delivery Programme v.1 includes a commitment to develop guidance which supports the delivery and implementation of Policy 3: Biodiversity. This work is underway, informed by a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) which includes members from CIEEM, RTPI, Improvement Service, NatureScot and Heads of Planning Scotland.

On 15 May 2023 TAG convened a roundtable discussion on ‘Offsite-offsetting’ with a range of stakeholders including representatives from industry, NGOs, and other environmental, legal, and planning professionals - Meeting notes

Further reading

There is a wealth of published information and resources available on the topic of biodiversity enhancement and development. 

• Scottish Government (2023) - Local Development Planning Guidance
• Scottish Government (2011) - Green infrastructure: design and placemaking guidance
• CIEEM (2017) - Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
• CIEEM (2018) - Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland
• RSPB (2019) – Planning Naturally
• NatureScot – Planning and Development Advice
• North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership - Online Tools and Resources for Developers

 

For those wishing to increase their knowledge, the following webinars provide a source of information.

• CIEEM webinar Biodiversity Issues: What Planners Need to Know
• CIEEM webinar Taking Account of Biodiversity – The Information Planners Need
• Scottish Wildlife Trust online wildlife talks