DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer
Councils must make sure that land is suitable for its intended use before granting permission for development. This means that if land is, or may be, contaminated, the planning authority must require developers to investigate the risks and, where necessary, put in place measures to clean up or manage the contamination. The aim is to protect people, buildings, and the wider environment, and to ensure that new homes, schools, workplaces or other developments are safe and sustainable.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Planning
Environmental services
Duty type
Compliance
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Emerging policy and legislation
1
National bodies with shared interest
Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS)
Standards and frameworks
2