The Scottish Government's vision for future planning in Scotland has been unveiled by Planning Minister Derek Mackay.

The National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) and Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) will help to shape the long-term economic development and local planning policy in areas such as transport, town centres, energy and infrastructure, in addition to balancing economic growth with protection of the environment.

Under the framework, the NPF3 and SPP place a ban on windfarm development in Scotland's identified National Parks and National Scenic Areas, while significant protection is also provided to sensitive areas of land identified within Scottish Natural Heritage's Wild Land Areas Map 2014, also published today (23 June). In total, approximately 30% of Scotland's landscape will benefit from stronger protection against inappropriate development.

Elsewhere, tighter controls have been introduced on onshore oil and gas development. Five new measures are to be introduced in relation to hydraulic fracturing, including bringing in a requirement for buffer zones to ensure development only proceeds if communities and the environment can be protected. Operators will also have to consult with communities on their proposals.

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The NPF3 also confirms the Government's support for 14 large-scale national developments, including major regeneration schemes at Dundee Waterfront and Ravenscraig, carbon capture and storage schemes in Peterhead and Grangemouth, and support for improvements at airports.

Welcoming the publication of the the NPF3, Minister Mackay said: "Today is a watershed for planning in Scotland – this revised planning policy will deliver improvements that will benefit the nation for decades to come.

"Our ambition is to create great places that support economic growth across the country, and together, NPF3 and the SPP set out a shared vision for Scotland as a place which benefits from a positive planning system that protects our unique environment.

"NPF3 confirms our support for 14 national developments that will drive economic growth, champion our most successful places, and support changes in areas where, in the past, there has been a legacy of decline.

"This strategic focus will support the regeneration and reindustrialisation of Scotland, as well as improving transport and connectivity links, and ensuring sustainable development through support for green networks and low carbon energy supply."

He continued: "The Scottish Government remains strongly committed to releasing Scotland's onshore wind energy potential, however we have always made clear that we want the right developments in the right places.

"We have taken steps to ensure that no wind farm developments can go ahead in our cherished National Parks and National Scenic Areas, and we have strengthened the protection of wild land, with new maps and inclusion directly in the SPP and NPF3."

(JP)