Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland has today published the first in a new series of ‘thinkpieces’ with the aim of stimulating debate and discussion on key topics.
The first of the discussion papers looks at the future of rural planning policy, and tackles key thematic areas such as rural repopulation, housing, transport and community engagement.
RTPI Scotland says it is aiming to provide workable ideas for the drafting of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) regarding rural planning policy, to inform and shape wider government plans and strategies and to identify corporate priorities for RTPI Scotland.
To produce this work, RTPI Scotland has evaluated approaches to rural planning policy across England, Wales and Ireland while drawing upon a wide range of recently published research.
RTPI Scotland Convenor Barbara Cummins MRTPI said that she hoped that the thinkpieces would support Scottish Government to develop and advance proposals to improve the planning system.
Commenting on the first in the four-part series, Barbara said: “Rural Scotland accounts for 98 per cent of the land mass in Scotland. The planning system holds a pivotal role in developing and sustaining vibrant rural, coastal and island communities while meeting big societal challenges such as net-zero carbon targets and supporting inclusive growth.
“It is a particularly opportune moment to produce this work with the impending draft of the NPF4 and I hope it will spark discussions and shine a light on this very important policy area.”
>> RTPI Scotland welcomes comments and views on the thinkpieces – email [email protected] or via social media using the hashtag #rtpithinkpieces
