Planning
SEPA is identified as a key agency under the Planning etc
(Scotland) Act 2006 and is proactively
assisting 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
wide range of development proposals across Scotland.
Whether you are a planning authority, a developer, a consultant,
a member of the public, or any other party with an interest in
SEPA’s role in the planning system, this section of our website
will provide you with all our planning guidance notes and
advice on different development types and
topics.
We enable good development and protect Scotland’s environment
through the planning system by focusing on the consultations where
we can add most value. Engagement with planning authorities from
the outset ensures we can support development plan proposals and
aid the implementation of a genuinely plan-led land use planning
system. We also welcome early engagement on larger developments to
help you identify opportunities, constraints and solutions. For
small-scale local developments please refer to our Standing
advice for small scale development 
(47k).
The guidance note How and when
to consult SEPA 
(41k) gives detailed information on how to consult us
and what types of development to consult us on. To assist, we have
developed a checklist
(64k) for planning authorities
to use when consulting with us on planning applications.
We are working to expand this area of our website and will
update it as more guidance and advice becomes available. If you are
unable to find the advice you need then please contact your
local SEPA planning team.
We have a programme of role resolution with other key agencies
in relation to which issues we comment on. At present we engage on
the following areas:
- Protection of people, property and infrastructure from flood
risk.
- Promotion of sustainable waste management.
- Protection of the water environment (both surface water and
ground water).
- 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.
- Good air quality.
- Noise and odour in relation to processes regulated by SEPA
(protection of residential amenity, sensitive receptors).
- Potential consentability under SEPA’s regulatory regimes
In an effort to be open and transparent about our role in the
planning process, we have made a number of our internal procedural guidance notes
available.
Advice by development type
Advice by topic
Planning guidance notes
We have a number of guidance notes in relation to our role and
responsibilities in the planning process. We are making as many of
the guidance documents below available online as quickly as
possible. Those coloured blue are links and available online
now: