Planning performance framework report 2019-20

This report highlights how we supported the delivery of better outcomes through the planning system in 2019-20. 

A photograph of a yellow brick building in front of a bright blue sky

Planning performance framework report 2019-20

How we help in the planning system

The report shows the impact of our advice services and support to planners. Stakeholder feedback shows that our input leads to an improvement on 91% of the projects we helped with.

Our services aimed at building capacity gained similar levels of positive feedback. 93% of attendees at our Local Authority Urban Design Forum (LAUDF) events would recommend them to a colleague and 84% of attendees to the Public Sector Client Forum (PSCF) rated it highly.

How we work in the planning system

We provide advice on the extent to which plans, policies and development proposals will support successful places. As a key agency, we contribute to local development plans and other national and regional spatial plans.

A&DS is not a statutory consultee. We do not determine planning applications or other development consents. However, those who do so usually take account of our advice as they make decisions about development proposals on the basis of relevant plans and policies.

In 2019-2020 we contributed to the planning system in the following ways:

  • Strategic/Development Planning: Place Based Briefing, Place Standard, Town Centre Living, Making Places
  • Development Management: Pre-Application design advice, Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, Rural Tourist Infrastructure Fund, Green Infrastructure in Social Housing
  • Support/Capacity Building: Local Authority Urban Design Forum, Public Sector Client Forum, Local Design Panels, Case studies, Making Places, Key Agencies Group. 

What is the Planning Performance Framework?

Planning Performance Frameworks (PPF) were Developed by Local Planning Authorities, Strategic Development Planning Authorities, Key Agencies and the Scottish Government as a way of measuring the value added by an authority or organisation.

Typically, the reports uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative measures to give a snapshot of measures. The Key Agency Group and the Scottish Government then agree to these measures.

Each Key Agency prepares a PPF report annually, as well as a joint statement on their activities undertaken.