Ensure that development provides positive effects for biodiversity, by developing clear guidance on the implementation and delivery of NPF4 policies which support the cross-cutting outcome ‘improving biodiversity’.
Objective 2: Protect nature on land and at sea, across and beyond Protected Areas
Priority Action 12. Champion new planning and development measures for protecting and enhancing biodiversity
Guidance supporting implementation of NPF4 Policy 3(c) (biodiversity) has been developed by NatureScot through the “Developing with Nature” guidance, which sets out how development should deliver positive effects for biodiversity. This includes application of the mitigation hierarchy, requirements for biodiversity enhancement, and expectations for long-term positive outcomes from development.
The guidance translates NPF4 policy intent into practical steps for planning authorities and developers, supporting the cross-cutting outcome of improving biodiversity through the planning system. However, it is guidance rather than statutory regulation in itself, and its effectiveness depends on how it is interpreted and applied locally within planning decision-making. Implementation is therefore variable across Scotland, with differences in how planning authorities apply biodiversity requirements and assess compliance with Policy 3(c). There is currently no standalone national reporting framework specifically tracking biodiversity outcomes from development consents under this policy, meaning evidence of aggregate biodiversity gain is limited. The Developing with Nature resource remains the primary national reference point for applying biodiversity requirements in development planning.
NPF4 Policy 3(c) requires development to deliver positive effects for biodiversity, embedding habitat enhancement and restoration within the planning system. NatureScot’s “Developing with Nature” guidance sets out how this can be achieved in practice, including use of the mitigation hierarchy, habitat creation and long-term biodiversity enhancement. This approach has the potential to deliver cumulative biodiversity gains across developments, but ecological outcomes depend on consistent application by planning authorities and effective implementation on the ground. Overall, the policy provides a strong mechanism for biodiversity improvement through development, but delivery is constrained by variable application and lack of outcome monitoring.
NatureScot – Developing with Nature Guidance
Scottish Government – National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4)
Develop and publish a biodiversity metric for Scotland’s planning system, to support delivery of NPF4 Policy 3b.
Raise awareness and promote the Developing with Nature guidance to support delivery of NPF4 policy 3c and develop user-friendly version of the guidance.
Support wider ongoing work on building skills and capacity on biodiversity and nature across the planning system, including through information sharing events.
Develop and adopt a National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) that supports action on the twin crises, setting out planning policies on climate mitigation and adaptation, nature protection and enhancement, and sustainable use to guide decisions and activities in line with our ambitions for Scotland’s Seas.
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