Under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, all planning authorities must prepare a regional spatial strategy (RSS) either on their own or in partnership with other authorities. RSSs are replacing strategic development plans which covered Scotland's five-city regions.
Falkirk Council has been working informally with Clackmannanshire and Stirling Councils to consider the potential for a Forth Valley RSS.
In 2020/2021, an indicative Forth Valley RSS was prepared by officers across the three Councils to provide input to the emerging national spatial strategy in NPF4. This demonstrated the added value of collaboration in planning at a regional level, alongside parallel joint working on economic and transport issues.