§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made towards ensuring that plans for development in Scotland will include sustainable development considerations as a necessary feature for approval to be granted by local authorities.
§ Mr. LangSustainable development is a key theme in our national planning policy guidelines. Planning authorities must take account of these in the preparation of development plans and in determining planning applications.
To date, we have published NPPGs on the planning system, business and industry, land for housing, land for mineral working, archaeology and planning and renewable energy. Drafts have been issued on waste, roadside facilities and A9 policy. Others currently in preparation cover retailing, planning and transport, sport and recreation and skiing.