This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Website for planning appeals progress
29/01/2003
Checking the progress on a planning appeal should now be
much easier thanks to a new online service that allows
people to search for up-to-date information.
In the past, the public had to telephone during office
hours or apply in writing to the Executive's Inquiry
Reporters Unit to check progess.
Now any planning appeal, which is being determined by
the Scottish Ministers, can be accessed on the new system
available on the
Inquiry Reporters Unit web pages.
This is the latest step in the Executive's programme to
modernise the planning system.
In addition, where the appeal has been determined by a
reporter the decision letter can be downloaded without
charge. This free service is unique within the UK where
charges can range from between £10 and £25 per case.
Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran said:
"Planning affects all of us on a daily basis and we know
from recent research that people are interested in the
process. We are reforming the existing system - to make it
easy to understand and more accessible for the public. This
website will do just that. We're continuing to modernise
the way the system works. An extensive public consultation
on Modernising Public Local Inquiries is about to commence,
and we're currently working on a Planning White Paper."
Andy Kerr, Minister for Finance and Public Services,
said:
"Modernising government is all about people - it is
about improving the delivery of customer-focussed services
to a consistently high quality.
"To deliver this, all parts of government are shifting
their focus towards the customer being at the centre of
every decision. Putting planning appeals on the internet is
a terrific response to this challenge and I very much
welcome this launch."
The Inquiry Reporters Unit has been at the forefront in
the Executive in developing the use of information
technology to improve efficiency and service delivery for
the public. Web pages already provide comprehensive
background information for people who wish to appeal or
object to planning decisions in their area.
Appeals against the decisions taken by Scotland's 33
planning authorities can cover anything from large domestic
extensions to major proposals such as new housing
developments, retail schemes, wind farm and other energy
developments, quarrying, the location of sports facilities,
etc. The Executive's Inquiry Reporters Unit deals with
around 1,200 appeals per year.
A Modernising Public Local Inquiries consultation is due
to commence in February 2003. Details will be announced
shortly.
The Executive will reveal its proposals for reforming
the planning system in a white paper on planning. Further
details will be announced in the next few weeks.