Green Belts
Green belts can help to avoid unmanaged, unplanned urban expansion and have an important role to play in the sustainable development of towns and cities.
Policy Summary
Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 21: Green Belts sets out the policy aims which are to:
- direct planned growth to the most appropriate locations and support regeneration
- protect and enhance the character, landscape setting and identity of towns and cities
- protect and give access to open space within and around towns and cities.
There is a strong presumption against inappropriate development in green belts. Where the release of green belt land for development is considered necessary, this should be taken forward as part of a long-term settlement strategy in the development plan.
Management plans for green belts, agreed between local authorities, landowners and other interests can play an important role in maximising the benefits of green belt land.
SPP Update
As part of the commitment to proportionate and practical planning polices, the Scottish Government is rationalising the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) and National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) series into a single, shorter statement of national planning policy. The initial sections of the consolidated SPP were published in October 2008 as Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) covering the core principles, aspirations and expectations of the planning system. The remaining sections of the consolidated SPP, covering community engagement, sustainable development, outcomes and the subject policies, were published for consultation in April 2009. The consultation closed in June 2009. A further consultation on changes to the sustainable development, climate change, flooding and coastal planning sections and to policy on onshore oil and gas operations and high amenity business locations is running from September 30, 2009 until November 12, 2009. The final consolidated SPP will at published by the end of 2009. More information on the consolidation is available on the SPP home page.