Planning law

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero have launched a consultation on proposals for reforming the consenting processes in Scotland under the Electricity Act 1989.

• Find out more on the UK Government website
• Read our response

The Scottish Government issued a consultation to seek views on options for an Infrastructure Levy for Scotland, to help fund infrastructure that supports wider growth.

• View the discussion paper on the Scottish Government's website. 
• Read our response. 

The Scottish Government launched a consultation on 19 April 2024 on proposals to disapply Section 124 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the 1997 Act’) concerning the time limits for taking enforcement action on unauthorised development which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

• Find out more about the consultation
• Read our response

The Scottish Government launched a consultation seeking views on the development of a biodiversity metric supporting planning.

• Read more about the consultation on the NatureScot website
• Read our response (May 2024)

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation seeking views on their proposed approach to regulations on the processes for amending the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Local Development Plans (LDPs).

• Find our more on the Scottish Government website
• Read our response (May 2024)

The Scottish Government launched a consultation seeking views on proposed powers to better allow future amendments to Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regimes and Habitats Regulations.

• Find out more on the Scottish Government website.
• Read our response (May 2024)

The Scottish Government launched a consultation seeking views on resourcing Scotland's planning system.

• Find out more on the Scottish Government website
• Read our response (May 2024)

The Scottish Government launched a consultation seeking views on national guidance which has been developed to support the design of town centres and busy streets that are inclusive. 

• Find out more on the Scottish Government website. 
• Read our response. 

The Scottish Government launched a consultation seeking views on proposals to implement mandatory training on planning for elected members, as part of a wider package of measures to improve the performance of the planning system as a whole.

• Find out more on the Scottish Government website.
• Read our response.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy held a call for evidence seeking views on the current land rights and consents processes for electricity network infrastructure. The call for evidence sought to understand whether the current processes are fit for purpose or whether they act as a barrier to the build of electricity network infrastructure, and views on what improvements could be made.

• Find out more on the UK Government website
• Read our response

The Scottish Government launched a consultation seeking views on the secondary legislative requirements and the draft guidance to stakeholders on implementing the future local development plan system.

• Find out more on the Scottish Government website.
• Read our response.

The Scottish Government published its draft fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) for consultation, seeking views and comments on the draft.

• Find out more on the Scottish Government website.
• Read our response.

The Scottish Government has published its draft fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).  The Scottish Parliament committees held an inquiry to obtain views on the NPF4.

• Find out about the inquiry on the Scottish Parliament's website
• Read our response

We responded to the Scottish Government consultation on short term lets: Consultation on draft Licensing Order and Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA)

Read our response

Whilst the bulk of provisions for Local Place Plans are to be found within the changes in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 to the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, this left a number matters to secondary legislation. The Scottish Government consulted on matters which relate to the preparation, content, submission and registration of Local Place Plans.

• View the original consultation.
• Read our response.

The Scottish Government asked for views on the consultation paper as part of its wider work on the planning reform and implementation of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. It provides draft guidance to planning authorities, developers, communities and other potential parties on the use of mediation in development planning and in pre-application consultation.

• Read the original consultation.
• Our response.

The Scottish Government asked for views on detailed proposals for the regulation of short-term lets, including a licensing scheme and planning control areas in Scotland. This will form the basis for secondary legislation to be laid in Parliament in December 2020.

• View the consultation on the Scottish Government's website
• Read the Law Society of Scotland's response (October 2020)
• View the Local Government and Communities Committee's call for evidence on the proposals
• Read the Law Society of Scotland's submission to the Committee (January 2020)

The Scottish Government issued a consultation seeking views on proposed changes to the existing requirements for pre-application consultation with local communities on national and major developments.

• Read the Scottish Government consultation
• Read the Law Society of Scotland's response (November 2020)

The Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) sought views on the introduction of a new guidance note (Guidance Note 24) concerning Provision of material evidence and conduct of parties in proceedings before DPEA Reporters.

• Read the Law Society of Scotland's response (September 2020).

The Scottish Government has sought views on their proposed work programme and the related Sustainability Appraisal report for the whole package of potential changes to Permitted Development Rights.

• View the discussion paper on the Scottish Government's website
• View the Law Society of Scotland's response here (January 2020)

The Scottish Government has issued a consultation on the regulation of short-term lets in Scotland.

• View the consultation on the Scottish Government's website
• The Law Society of Scotland's response (July 2019)

Scottish Natural Heritage has issued a consultation on assessing the impact of repowered wind farms on nature.

• View the consultation on the Scottish Natural Heritage website
• The Law Society of Scotland's response (August 2018)

The Scottish Government is required to assess, consult and monitor the likely impacts of their plans on the environment. As a result, they have issued a consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and the Position Statement. 

• View the consultation on the Scottish Government website
• The Law Society of Scotland's response (August 2017)

The Scottish Government has issued a consultation presenting details of proposed changes to the planning system in Scotland. The consultation also provides an opportunity for people to help shape the future of the planning system in Scotland.

• View the consultation on the Scottish Government website
• The Law Society of Scotland's response (April 2017)