The Scottish Government has released version 4 of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) Delivery Programme, providing an updated roadmap for implementing Scotland’s long-term planning strategy.

Updated on an approximately annual basis, the Delivery Programme sets out the actions being taken to deliver NPF4 and directly informs the Business Plan of the Scottish Government’s Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate. NPF4 establishes ministers’ policies and proposals for the development and use of land across Scotland, including the National Spatial Strategy for Scotland 2045, which outlines national developments, regional spatial priorities and the national planning policies used to guide planning decisions.

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Under Scotland's plan-led system, NPF4 and the relevant local development plan together form the statutory development plan for each area. Planning applications must be determined in line with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

The newly published version 4 continues the programme of updates that will run throughout the lifespan of NPF4, detailing progress to date and supporting ongoing implementation.

The Scottish Government said that delivery of NPF4 plays a key role in advancing the four priorities set by the First Minister: eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency and improving public services.

Since the previous update, Delivery Programme version 3 in October 2024, the wider economic context has continued to evolve, with sustained pressures including volatility in international trading policy, the impact of tariffs on Scottish industries, the ongoing cost of living crisis and the continuing housing emergency. In response to these challenges, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing has announced a new Emergency Action Plan to address housing pressures.