Planning

We are currently updating all our guidance to bring it in line with National Planning Framework (NPF4). Guidance issued after 13 February has been updated. Whilst any guidance issued before this date will still contain relevant and useful information, you should be aware that some parts may be out of date. As a result, our planning consultation responses may not match the information set out in this guidance.

Contact Details

We ask that in the first instance you contact us via the appropriate email address, found in the planning contact details document. We appreciate your assistance in this, which will help prevent delays in responding back to you. 

Planning

We are a key agency in the land use planning process in Scotland, providing environmental advice to planning authorities, developers and the wider public.

Whether you are a planning authority, developer, consultant, member of the public or any other party with an interest in SEPA’s role in the planning system, this section of our website provides you with relevant guidance and sources of useful information.

Under the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 we proactively assist in the delivery of the Scottish Government's commitment to provide a more effective and efficient planning system. We provide formal environmental advice in relation to development plans and on a wide range of development proposals across Scotland.

We enable good development and protect Scotland’s environment through the planning system by focusing on the consultations where we can add most value. We provide planning advice on the following areas as they relate to our duties and responsibilities:

  • Protection of people, property and infrastructure from flood risk
  • Potential consentability under SEPA’s regulatory regimes
  • Promotion of sustainable waste management
  • Protection of the water environment (both surface water and ground water)
  • Good air quality
  • Risks to the environment or human health arising from development on or near radioactively contaminated land and on or near a designated Part IIA Special Site
  • Protection of the marine environment
  • Noise and odour in relation to processes regulated by SEPA (protection of residential amenity, sensitive receptors)

Our annual Planning Performance Framework Annual Report provides further information about our service.  

To help clarify the scope and nature of our engagement in the planning system we have also prepared the following position statements:

We are continually working to improve the guidance we provide to our customers.  If you are unable to find the guidance you need then please use our online form to contact us