Opportunity to feed into SFHA’s response to consultation on NPF4

Scotland’s fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) was laid in parliament in November 2021, with consultation responses sought on the draft document until 31 March 2022. SFHA is offering members an opportunity to feed into its response by attending a virtual roundtable session on 10 March 2022 at 10:00. 

The draft NPF4 follows the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, which introduced statutory obligations on housing targets and housing for older and disabled people, plus a requirement for Scottish ministers to report every two years on how the housing needs of these groups are being met. Whether the draft NPF4 reflects the intended reform of the new planning legislation will be one of the key discussion points. 

The draft document also includes 10-year Minimum All Tenure Housing Land Requirement (MATHLR) for all local authority areas in Scotland which Local Development Plans should at least meet. SFHA's response will look at how this aligns with its research into housing need in Scotland as well as with targets included in the Scottish Government's Housing to 2040 strategy.

In addition, discussion will explore proposals in the draft NPF4 around climate, 20-minute neighbourhoods, vacant and derelict land, and Local Place Plans. 

Interested members can book their place here.

For those unable to attend the session, but who would like to feed into the response, please email Stacey Dingwall, Senior Policy Manager, at sdingwall@sfha.co.uk