Planning is about managing the future development and use of land in the long-term public interest. The Fourth National Planning Framework “puts the twin global climate and nature crises at the heart of its vision for a future Scotland, and seeks to deliver sustainable, liveable, and productive places.” 

We believe more food growing opportunities on suitable land close to where people live will play a central role in supporting food security and delivering sustainable, resilient places, connecting us to nature, food and each other. However, for this to happen, this land needs to be safeguarded from development and allocated for community use. Local Development Plans (LDP’s) need to include specific policies to support the delivery of food growing spaces close to where people live. The need to increase food security and grow more food for local consumption is being identified by the government, farmers, academics and many communities as a top priority, especially as there are many competing pressures on land and suitable land for growing food is in short supply.

What is Local Development Planning ?

LDPs establish the future use of land and planning of infrastructure and facilities in an area at a local authority level. 

Why it matters? 

Timescales for preparing and delivering LDP’s are changing from 5-10 years. This new schedule, coupled with more of an emphasis on community involvement, presents an urgent opportunity to advocate for LDP’s to safeguard land on our doorsteps for community use and to support the delivery of food growing spaces. 

Community food initiatives—in all forms, from allotments to community gardens, market gardens to school gardens—are growing in importance as they begin to play a greater role in developing local assets and resilience. Yet this isn’t generally recognised in the planning system in the same way as the need for other nature and climate-friendly measures, for example, active travel infrastructure or sustainable urban drainage. This is why we all must advocate for suitable land for growing close to where we live to ensure a more sustainable future. 

How you can get involved? 

If you live in Highland, Midlothian, or South Lanarkshire, you can safeguard land for growing in your local authority area, but you must act NOW. 

Highland– Place Standard Tool, Local Living-closes 16.08.24

South Lanarkshire- Let’s Talk Place Survey closes 30.09.24

Midlothian Call for Ideas and Opportunities – closes 01.10.24

West Dunbartonshire– Tell us about your place closes 30.09.24

Local authorities are gathering evidence on peoples’ experiences in a local area, ideas for improvement, and what is required for the future. If you want to see more opportunities for community-led food growing and nature connection, tell them! You may have a positive example to share, or you want land in new developments to include dedicated land for food growing and associated infrastructure such as polytunnels, water, and tool storage. Take 10 minutes to inform development plans for the next 10 years.

With a new emphasis on community voices in our planning system there are a number of different opportunities for you to have your say. All local authorities must publish a Development Plan Scheme outlining how they plan to consult communities- if you have missed one stage, you may well be able to respond at another. If you want to participate but need help navigating the system, do make contact. If enough of us advocate for community-led food growing, we can begin to develop our voice and build consistency in local development planning across Scotland.