Modernising the planning system
In a statement to Parliament on 1st April 2004
Communities Minister Margaret Curran said:
"Planning policies and decisions
affect everyone. We are determined that the planning system
should be modernised to meet the challenges of 21st Century
Scotland, balancing the needs of community and
business.
"Get things right in planning and we
make real progress on the country's economic
competitiveness, environmental protection and social
justice. Get it wrong and we will fail to deliver on our
commitment to sustainable development."
The modernisation of the planning
system is a major undertaking.
The
Partnership Agreement commits the Scottish Executive to
improving the planning system by:
- Strengthening the involvement of
communities;
- Speeding up decisions;
- Reflecting local views better;
and
- Allowing quicker investment
decisions.
Achievements
Work began in 2001 with the
publication of two consultation papers. Much progress has
since been made. The
Conclusions and Next Steps from the 'Review of
Strategic Planning Consultation' were published in 2002.
These conclusions set out the broad shape of the new system
and included a programme for modernisation. The outcomes of
the second consultation, '
Getting Involved in Planning', were taken
forward in 2003 with the White Paper:
Your
Place, Your Plan. This discussed further our proposals
to enhance public involvement in the planning system. In
July 2003 a consultation exercise looked at the scope for
Modernising Public Local Inquiries. In April
2004, two further consultation exercises were launched.
Making Development Plans Deliver sought views
on our new proposals for preparing local development plans
across Scotland and the detailed arrangements for the new
structure for strategic planning. The range of options were
aimed at promoting more urgency and confidence in the
process with greater focus on content and outcomes.
Rights of Appeal in Planning fulfilled the
commitment in the Partnership agreement and 'Your Place
Your Plan' to consult on the introduction of a third party
right of appeal. This is a complex matter with potentially
significant implications for the planning system and
beyond. This debate is an important one and it is essential
that stakeholders engage to make sure that the decision we
take is informed, consistent and meets the needs of
Scotland in terms of economic growth and social
justice.
Both papers were out to consultation until 30th July
2004. Ministers and Officials took the debate to our
stakeholders - in business and property, in environmental
and community groups and in professional organisations. We
have now moved onto the next stage of the consultation
process, which is to carefully analyse and consider the
wealth of material that has been presented to us for
consideration in both consultations.
These consultations are part of a large programme of
important work in the modernisation agenda which is already
well mapped out, with some key measures already in place.
Key changes in 2004 were:
On 23rd February 2004 the first meeting of the
National Consultative Group was held in Govan,
Glasgow. The event aimed to widen peoples interest and
involvement in the planning system with representatives
from community and environmental groups, local authorities
and the business sector sharing ideas and concerns. Further
meetings at different locations in Scotland are
planned.
In April 2004 we launched Scotland's first
National Planning Framework , a key element in
our package of measures to modernise and reform the
planning system. The Framework analyses the underlying
trends in Scotland's development, key drivers of change and
the challenges to be faced. It is written to help guide the
spatial development of Scotland, providing a context for
development plans and planning decisions.
Current Work
In 2003 we announced that a Planning Bill would be
introduced to Parliament during the current session. After
our extensive programme of consultations and stakeholder
engagements on all aspects of the planning system, we are
now ready to make the necessary changes to primary
legislation through the Planning Bill.
Next Steps
We intend to bring our final proposals for modernisation
of the system together into a single document. This will be
published once we have decided how to take forward the
Planning Reform Agenda, and it is hoped that the paper will
be published in the first half of this year, in advance of
the Planning Bill. This document will identify elements
that require changes to primary legislation, elements that
require new secondary legislation, and elements that can be
dealt with through guidance.
The Wider Picture
A modern planning system needs more
than just a revised and updated statutory framework. We
have to produce a system which works in the context of the
Scottish Parliament, and a single tier of local government.
It also has to meet higher public and business
expectations, both in the outcomes of the system and its
efficiency.
In taking this modernising agenda
forward we will therefore continue to carry out
audits of planning departments, hold the
annual
Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning,
liaise with planning authorities and planning schools,
update SPPs and circulars, provide practical advice,
monitor Development Control and Development Plans
performance and listen and respond to the concerns of
communities and stakeholders.
We will make the most of every
opportunity to improve the planning system, making it fit
for 21st Century Scotland and keeping you involved on the
way.
Further Information
Read the latest modernising
publications:
01/4/04
Making Development Plans Deliver Consultation
Paper
01/4/04
Rights of Appeal in Planning Consultation Paper
01/4/04
National
Planning Framework
23/2/04
National
Consultative Group News Release
29/9/03
Options for Change Research
04/7/03
Modernising Public Local Inquiries: A Consultation
Paper
28/3/03
Your
Place, Your Plan - White Paper on Public Involvement in
Planning
27/6/02
Review
of Strategic Planning - Conclusions and Next Steps
Other
consultations
Write to: Planning Division
Scottish Executive Development Department
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Email:
modernisingplanning@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: Neil Ingram on
0131 244 5919
Webpage: This webpage will be kept up
to date with the latest information. Last reviewed March
30, 2005.
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