Scotland News and Updates

WOBO appreciates the links for updates provided by the Scottish government.

Planning, Architecture and Regeneration News

Publications

Planning Obligations and Good Neighbour Agreements consultation

We published draft guidance on Planning Obligations and Good Neighbour Agreements on 3 July. Once finalised, this guidance will replace Circular 3/2012, reflecting the changes in law and practice since its publication. In particular, the draft guidance sets out how developer contributions policies should be included within new-style development plans, and how to provide clear justification for contributions addressing cumulative impacts. This new guidance will provide greater certainty for developers, planning authorities and infrastructure providers, supporting the aim of a more plan-led and delivery-focused system. We are now seeking stakeholders views on the draft guidance to check that it is clearly written and provides appropriate advice. Please send any comments to Planning.Obligations@gov.scot no later than 30 September 2025. Please use the same email address if you would like to arrange a discussion on the draft guidance.

Chief Planner and Ministerial Letter – Ramsar sites

On 9 July the Minister for Public Finance and Chief Planner wrote to local authorities and stakeholders with an update on policy protections for features on Ramsar sites in Scotland. The purpose of this letter was to state that the Scottish Government considers that listed Ramsar sites in Scotland should be treated as if they were European sites for the purposes of land use change decision making.

Other news

Masterplan Consent Areas

The Programme for Government contained a commitment to support the early adopters of Masterplan Consent Areas (MCA). As part of this commitment Scottish Ministers have provided grants to three Planning Authorities across Scotland from the MCA Early Adopters fund.