Development briefs
What are development
briefs?
Planning and development briefs are produced from time to time on a
variety of sites where significant land use change is anticipated.
In many cases such changes happen over a timescale that is too
short to include in the formal
local plan preparation process.
The brief will make clear what is likely to be acceptable and
what is unacceptable; where there is flexibility and where
requirements are firm.
The brief, through its role of interpreting development
plan policy, will influence the design of a site.
Why use development
briefs?
A brief may be required where the development plan and any existing supplementary planning guidance does not cover
adequately site-specific issues which need to be addressed prior to
the submission of a planning application. This may arise for a
number of reasons, such as:
- a number of different planning, and possibly other, policies
are applicable to a site, and clear and consistent advice for
potential developers will help the development process;
- a site with apparent constraints on development is to be
promoted as a development opportunity; or
- there are features of the site or the surrounding area which
warrant specific guidance, on issues such as urban design, ecology,
archaeology or the preservation of historic buildings and
areas.
What use are they?
Scottish Planning Policy considers that
development briefs can be an effective means of promoting specific
development opportunities and can aid the creation of high quality
development. They can be useful to guide the principles of
development on suitable sites and are always prepared in
consultation with the landowner and other known interested
parties.
Who prepares them?
We prepare briefs in consultation with you, businesses and
other interested parties. All views are taken into account
before the final document is produced.
While they are generally written by us in certain circumstances
a developer may carry out this task. In either case, it is expected
that a number of steps will be followed and criteria met.
The briefs are generally adopted formally by us and will be
taken into account as a material consideration when we make
decisions on planning applications.
What is included in the development
brief?
Development Briefs explain in more detail how we believe a site
should be developed, what constraints there may be and what
community facilities should be provided.
If your planning application conforms to an approved development
brief you are more likely to receive planning permission.
