Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 13,917 companies....

Construction News

30/04/2013

Proposed Planning Revamp For Scotland

A proposed planning revamp for Scotland has been unveiled by Planning Minister Derek Mackay.

As part of the reforms, the National Planning Framework and Scottish Planning Policy pledged to revive Scotland's town centres.

It also revealed wind farms could be outlawed in the country's national parks and designated scenic areas.

Mr Mackay has proposed to locate turbines further away from cities, towns and villages.

The changes to the draft plans would affect a number of sectors over the next three decades and include infrastructure, energy and transport.

Mackay said he now wanted to hear from the public about the planning revamp.

Within the plans, ministers have set out their priorities on where important developments should take place. One example, is they want to see carbon capture and storage schemes built in Peterhead and Grangemouth. While there are also hopes to develop the aerospace sector at Prestwick Airport and its adjacent enterprise area.

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

Mr Mackay said: "Scotland needs a planning system that has, at its heart, the overriding principle of delivering sustainable economic growth in order to maximise the country's attraction to investors and visitors in a global economy.

"We want future planning decisions to give significant weight to the economic benefit of proposed developments, particularly the creation of new jobs."

There are 14 proposed national developments in total. They are:

  • Onshore infrastructure for offshore renewable energy
  • Grid infrastructure enhancements
  • Baseload capacity at existing sites: Longannet and Cockenzie
  • Carbon capture and storage at Grangemouth and Peterhead
  • National cycling and walking network
  • Metropolitan Glasgow strategic drainage plan
  • Central Scotland green network
  • Dundee Waterfront
  • Ravenscraig
  • Aberdeen Harbour
  • Grangemouth investment zone
  • Freight capacity on the Forth
  • High speed rail
  • Airport enhancements at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Prestwick

(JP/CD)

Latest Construction News

04/09/2026
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to demolish and rebuild the Liberton station in the capital. Procured via the SCAPE Scotland Construction Framework, the £10m scheme marks a significant investment in SFRS infrastructure and will create a
Read More
03/09/2026
Network Rail says it has hit a key milestone in efforts to strengthen Scotland's railway against severe weather, with £130m invested in resilience over the last two years. The move comes amid tougher operating conditions, including higher temperatures, increasingly unpredictable rainfall and more f
Read More
04/09/2026
ESB has reached Final Investment Decision (FID) and executed the principal construction agreements for the 96MW Chleansaid Wind Farm, near Lairg in the Scottish Highlands. The move signals the start of delivery for one of the utility's most strategic renewable projects and its first ESB-developed on
Read More
04/09/2026
Glasgow City Region has welcomed confirmation of £22.7 million in first-year funding from the UK Government's Local Growth Fund, aimed at accelerating business growth, improving skills and employability, and creating new commercial space across the area. The award represents the opening phase of a
Read More
04/09/2026
A major planned maintenance scheme has begun across East Renfrewshire, with 190 council homes set to receive new kitchens in the first year of works. The initiative is part of East Renfrewshire Council's longer-term investment in its housing stock. Approximately 300 kitchens are due to be replaced
Read More
04/09/2026
A £9.8m Local Growth Fund programme for the Forth Valley has moved into delivery after the UK Government approved the region's Investment Plan, paving the way for projects to boost businesses, skills, housing and infrastructure across Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire. Following approval of th
Read More
04/09/2026
Approval of a new Local Growth Fund Investment Plan will deliver £11.8 million to Ayrshire between 2026 and 2029, targeting higher household incomes and stronger local economies through infrastructure, business support and skills. The funding reflects the collective ambition of the Ayrshire Regiona
Read More
04/09/2026
SNIPEF's State of Trade Survey for the first quarter of 2026 points to steady activity tempered by growing caution. Work volumes have held up, payment performance is broadly consistent and product availability remains manageable. However, order books are more finely balanced, margins are under press
Read More
04/09/2026
Farrans has been appointed by ESB to deliver the Civil Balance of Plant (CBoP) for the 96MW Chleansaid Wind Farm near Lairg in the Scottish Highlands. The contract signals the start of delivery on one of ESB's most strategically important renewable schemes and marks its first onshore wind project i
Read More
03/09/2026
Sky has secured planning permission for its new Livingston Campus, unlocking a major investment and underscoring the company's long-term commitment to Scotland. The decision marks a key step towards delivering a significant new workplace development in West Lothian. The approved plans will bring Sk
Read More
SEEIT3DEuro-Fab (Scotland)James Smith Fencing LtdCelsius Plumbing and Heating (Edinburgh) LtdPrestige Concrete Sectional GaragesNorthern ContainersHorizon Reinforcing & Crane Hire Co LtdJ Building Contractors LtdLSMannCreagh Concrete Products Ltd