7. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on implementation of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. (S6O-02274)

We have recently implemented substantial elements of the 2019 planning act to strengthen Scotland’s plan-led planning system. That included the adoption, on 13 February, of national planning framework 4. Just last week, regulations came into force that implemented the new approach to planning authorities’ production of stronger, evidence-based and place-focused local development plans to shape future development across Scotland. We are now turning our attention to implementation of the remaining aspects of the act, including the forthcoming appointment of a new national planning improvement champion.

On Monday—which, incidentally, was United Nations biodiversity day—I visited Ardeer peninsula with the community council and friends of Ardeer. The special development order, which I amended the planning bill to revoke a number of years ago, remains in place, and development and commercial activity on the peninsula are not subject to the usual planning protections.

A sand dune system is being destroyed for commercial gain, and it is a devastating loss of important ecological habitat. I understand the complexity of the matter of revocation and I appreciate the competing rights and interests of community, commerce and public bodies. However, inaction is not an option. Will the minister meet me with a view to resolving the matter sooner rather than later?

I am aware of the specific and complex circumstances at Ardeer and the implications for the planning of the area resulting in particular from the special development order that is in force there. I am also aware that Ms Maguire has written to me on the matter; she will not yet have received my response, but I will be happy to meet her to discuss these matters in detail.

Across the north-east, communities are struggling with planning issues. Torry in Aberdeen might be about to lose a biodiverse green space, and its last community park, to development. In Angus, a crematorium is planned on agricultural land, without appropriate transport connections and other amenities to deal with the increased capacity and activity.

How can the Scottish Government ensure that local authorities are following the national planning framework 4 principles and guidance, and doing all that they can to protect communities’ wellbeing and safeguarding nature?

Members will appreciate that I cannot comment on any individual development proposals to be considered through the planning system. However, NPF4, following its adoption in February, took on a new statutory development plan status alongside local development plans. That means that all decision makers are required, under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, to determine applications in accordance with the development plan, including NPF4, unless there are material planning considerations that justify a departure from the plan.

We are monitoring the impact of NPF4 and its policies as part of a programme of work to support its delivery.