ALLIANCE response to NPF4 Consultation
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 4th April 2022

The response to the draft National Planning Framework 4 consultation focuses on 20-minute neighbourhoods and human rights in planning.
The ALLIANCE have submitted a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). The NPF4 provides both an updated roadmap for specific regional developments, and national guidelines for approaching planning. Amongst the new considerations that planning authorities will be asked to make are whether developments support health and wellbeing, and uphold human rights.
In our response, the ALLIANCE welcome these new considerations, and call for them to be further embedded throughout the framework. In particular, our response notes a relative lack of specific references to how disabled people will be considered throughout planning. The framework should be explicit as to how it will contribute to realising the human right to independent living.
In addition, the framework encourages developments that adhere to the principles of 20-minute neighbourhoods. The ALLIANCE have previously investigated 20-minute neighbourhoods through an event series, which led to a wealth of discussion. Aspiring to 20-minute neighbourhoods is a positive step, though it is recognised that the principle is less applicable to rural areas. Ensuring that neighbourhoods have high quality and diverse housing options, are safely walkable and wheelable, have reliable and accessible transport links, and provide appropriate greenspace will be an important part of delivering on that aspiration.
You can read the full response below.
End of document.
End of page.
You may also like:
A newly identified security vulnerability affecting PHP software used by millions of websites worldwide requires immediate attention.
Continue readingFind out more about this pilot service for BSL users in Scotland.
Continue readingA phased campaign supports earlier CKD recognition, helping healthcare professionals deliver timely care and improve patient outcomes.
Continue readingOur response warns that Scotland cannot achieve a sustainable health & care system without greater investment in prevention and social care
Continue readingScottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2026, organised by Active Scotland, runs 2-8 November.
Continue readingShare your experience to help shape Scotland’s work on antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention through national engagement.
Continue readingReport mapping the supports and services in place across Scotland during pregnancy and into the first few months of a baby’s life.
Continue readingPhD researchers from The Glasgow School of Art are seeking participants.
Continue readingWhat's working, what still needs to change and what Scotland must do to ensure every child can realise their right to the best health.
Continue readingA current research project is exploring the physical challenges faced day-to-day in care, both by carers and by the people they support
Continue readingYour feedback will shape an updated version of the toolkit.
Continue readingThe Scottish Transitions Forum hosted by ARC Scotland have launched the Compass National Data report for 2025-26.
Continue readingAre you blind or partially sighted? Share your experience of food packaging in a short UK-wide survey.
Continue readingFour free traineeships available in Scotland.
Continue readingLearn more about ishush - a free online support programme for adults with hyperacusis.
Continue readingApply to support equalities groups in Renfrewshire.
Continue readingConsultation launched for parents/carers, people with lived experience, and professionals.
Continue readingLearn more about Posterior Cortical Atrophy and why sensory care matters.
Continue readingNesta launch new report 'Getting it right for every baby' highlighting key challenges in the existing landscape of support.
Continue readingThe Oversight Board for the promise has launched their fourth report into Scotland’s progress in keeping the promise.
Continue readingUrgent investment needed to deliver fair, person centred social care in Scotland, say the ALLIANCE.
Continue readingOur presentation noted the negative effects of social care charging on human rights including health and adequate standard of living.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE publishes report outlining key learning from the delivery of Self Management for Life 2024 Small Grants.
Continue readingFor Menopause Month in October, the ALLIANCE and Scottish Government have brought together all our resources on menopause in one pack.
Continue readingNew report sets out action the Government must take to ensure people living with HIV can live well, free from stigma and discrimination.
Continue reading