Question reference: S5W-33486
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 23 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 2 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of research by Scottish Renewables recording a 20% reduction since 2011 in the number of local authority planning department staff, how the forthcoming NPF4 planning reforms will ensure that the planning system will be focused on tackling the climate emergency.
Answer
We recognise the critical role of planning in helping to meet our net zero targets. Our NPF4 Position Statement, published on 26 November, underlines that responding to the global climate emergency will be at the heart of NPF4. It highlights key areas for policy change including: 20 minute neighbourhoods, embedding sustainable travel, low and zero carbon design and energy efficiency, emphasis on re-using existing buildings and previously used land, supporting renewable energy and energy transmission infrastructure. The position statement can be accessed from the Scottish Government’s website: www.gov.scot .