National planning
On the National Planning Policy
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The National Planning Policy outlines the government's strategy regarding planning and provides general guidelines to assist municipalities in their planning processes. It is intented to ensure overall public interest in the planning process and to promote sustainable development. Furthermore, the National Planning Policy aims to coordinate policy-making between the state and municipalities concerning development of the built environment and land use.
The policy is prepared on the basis of the Planning Act
The Scope of the National Planning Policy
The scope of the National Planning Policy may relate to specific themes, parts of the country or land types, such as the quality of inhabited areas, habitats, climate issues, protection of natural and cultural heritage, natural hazards, the relationship between land use and transportation, or between land use and public health. The policy must always include planning objectives for the central highlands and the planning of marine and coastal areas.
Impact of the National Planning Policy
National planning policy is primarily implemented through municipal planning. According to the Planning Act, municipalities must take the policy into account when preparing regional and municipal master plans.
The policy may also influence national-level governmental plans concerning land use, such as those involving transportation or energy. It can also include specific initiatives, such as guidance or development projects, to implement its goals in practice.
Development of the National Planning Policy
The minister responsible for planning tasks the National Planning Agency with preparing a proposal and its action plan for the advisory committee and in line with the minister’s priorities. An advisory committee, appointed by the Minister, supports the National Planning Agency in developing the policy.
The national planning policy is drawn up in consultation with municipalities and their associations and public institutions.
Once the National Planning Agency has submitted its proposal, the minister reviews it and presents a draft parliamentary resolution on the National Planning Policy to the parliament.
The National Planning Policy enters into force once it has been approved by the Alþingi as a parliamentary resolution.