What is the National Planning Framework?

The National Planning Framework (NPF) is a long term plan for Scotland that sets out where development and infrastructure is needed. 

Scotland’s fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) is a long term plan looking to 2045 that guides spatial development, sets out national planning policies, designates national developments and highlights regional spatial priorities.

It is part of the development plan, and so influences planning decisions across Scotland.

Background

NPF4 was adopted by the Scottish Ministers on 13 February 2023, following approval by the Scottish Parliament in January.  This replaces National Planning Framework 3 and Scottish Planning Policy. NPF4 incorporates updated Scottish Planning Policy, containing detailed national policy on a number of planning topics. For the first time, spatial and thematic planning policies are addressed in one place.

The statutory development plan for an any given area of Scotland consists of the National Planning Framework and the relevant local development plan(s).