Forward Scotland believes the Scottish Government should seek to:

• emphasise the need to ensure that sustainable development is placed at the heart of the national policy framework, with the long-term social, environmental and economic wellbeing of Scotland’s people the ultimate objective of all planning and housing policies
• ensure that planning policies and guidance are closely aligned to the principles of sustainable development in order to ensure that the proposed increase in housing supply is managed appropriately and results in the social, economic and environmental benefits outlined in the document
• focus not only on the energy performance of buildings, but on improving the ecological footprint and sustainability of the methods and materials used during construction and maintenance of both buildings and open spaces
• ensure that developers actively engage with communities as early as possible regarding potential developments, informing and empowering communities, and helping to reduce blockages in the planning process at a later stage.

Read the full response: Firm Foundations Consultation