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)

Links to further advice on how and when to consult us can be found below:

Planning authorities Advice for planning authorities on how and when to consult SEPA on development management consultations
Forestry Commission
Scotland 		How and when to consult SEPA and standing advice for forestry
Marine Scotland and
DECC		 SEPA standing advice for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Marine Scotland on marine consultations
Transport Scotland Transport briefing note: Consultation with SEPA

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 contact your local SEPA planning team.