On 1st April, the Scottish Government published its Strategic Environmental Assessment of Scottish Planning Policy (SPP)

Under the Strategic Assessment Act (2005), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) are required to be carried out on all new plans, projects and strategies before they can be adopted. While there are only a small number of policy changes in the proposed SPP series, some existing policies have been rationalised and consolidated.

The report covers a wide range of issues such as coastal issues, transport and agriculture. However readers looking for information on community engagment might come away disappointed, as very little is displayed in this area.