Scottish Planning & Environmental Law

SPEL Journal (Scottish Planning & Environmental Law) is one of the leading information sources on land use planning and environmental legislation across the country.

SPEL was launched in 1980 as ‘Scottish Planning Law & Practice’, to be a journal of record of Scottish planning. When it became apparent that the emerging field of environmental law was strongly linked to land use planning, the name of our journal changed to reflect this. 

Why subscribe to SPEL Journal

SPEL is written by a wide range of subject experts and since 2003 has been edited by John Watchman, a specialist in planning law.

The journal includes:

• accessible commentary on topical subjects and current issues;
• details of new legislation and significant court cases;
• expert comment on key planning appeal decisions, government circulars and guidance;
• notes about ombudsman cases;
• book reviews.

Who is SPEL journal for

SPEL Journal is read by decision makers in Scottish planning authorities, planning law practices, planning consultancies, architects, surveyors, civil engineers, environmental managers and developers across Scotland.

It is also valued by many practitioners outside of Scotland who need to keep abreast of developments.