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, either on their own or working together, must prepare a Regional Spatial Strategy. This is a long-term plan that looks at how land across a wider region should be used and developed. It helps guide decisions on things like housing, transport, jobs, and protecting the environment. The strategy makes sure that planning is joined up across council boundaries and supports national goals like climate action and sustainable growth.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Planning
Duty type
Public impact
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