This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Inquiry staff relocated to Falkirk
18/07/2003
The Scottish Executive office which arranges public local inquiries into planning appeals will be relocated to new accommodation in Falkirk in 2004, it was announced today.
The move will happen shortly before the lease on premises in Edinburgh's Greenside Lane ends in March of that year. New premises have yet to be secured.
The Inquiry Reporters Unit currently employs 26 staff. An additional 32 full and part time reporters and consultants work from home.
Communities Minister Margaret Curran said:
"We are modernising Scotland's planning system and the Inquiry Reporters Unit plays a key role in delivering our planning service.
"Ministers considered a wide range of factors in reaching the decision to relocate to Falkirk. The town is well served by public transport and was the best option in terms of value for money.
"We are determined to ensure that public sector jobs and the economic benefits that they bring are shared around Scotland's communities. This will be welcome news to the people of Falkirk with the possibility of job creation for the area in the long term.
"Staff have been informed of our decision and I want to point out that no one is facing redundancy. If people wish to continue to work in Edinburgh, we will do our best to find them alternative posts."