Development Plans

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) is the Scottish Government’s long-term plan looking to 2045 that guides spatial development, sets out national planning policies, designates national developments and highlights regional spatial priorities.

What this means for planning decisions

NPF4 is now part of the development plan we use to decide planning applications in South Lanarkshire. When we assess applications, we use:

• NPF4
• South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2)
• supporting planning guidance

If there is a conflict between these, we follow NPF4 because it is the most recent plan.

What NPF4 does

NPF4:

• sets national rules for planning decisions
• identifies major developments of national importance
• explains how land should be used and developed across Scotland
• highlights priorities for different region

What this means for you

If you are:

• applying for planning permission
• commenting on an application
• looking for planning guidance

you should now refer to NPF4 alongside LDP2.

Understanding these policies will help you:

• prepare stronger planning applications
• see how decisions are made
• understand what development is supported in your area

Find out more

You can read full guidance and advice about NPF4, including how the new system works, on the Scottish Government website.