This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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The future for planning
20/12/2005
The new Planning (Scotland) Bill is 'the most fundamental and comprehensive reform of the planning system' since it was created in 1948.
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said the Bill was a once in a lifetime opportunity for reform that would be both more efficient and inclusive.
He added that it was a key tool for supporting the economy and growing Scotland in a sustainable way, bringing communities into the planning process at the earliest stages.
Mr Chisholm said:
"Sustainable economic growth needs a modern planning system to speed up decisions, reflect local views and allow quicker decisions for businesses who want to invest in Scotland.
"These reforms will encourage engagement and openness; not confrontation or imposition.
"They will support investment in jobs, in essential infrastructure such as housing, schools and hospitals; and in the regeneration of our communities.
"We will rebuild trust with communities, by listening and taking their views into account. People can engage early in the process and their voices will be heard while proposals are still on the drawing board.
"This Bill makes sure that local people's views will be properly listened to before developments can take place.
"This is a whole new approach that will work in the interests of our communities and our environment, and ensure that we do not miss out on much needed investment."
Local Authorities will be required to maintain up to date, relevant and accessible development plans, that have been drawn up with the full participation of local people and with a full assessment of their environmental impact.
Decisions will be devolved to local authorities wherever possible and the accountability between Councils and their communities will be strengthened.
Mr Chisholm said there had been extensive consultation since publication of the White Paper Modernising the Planning System in June. As a result, the Executive will introduce a range of additional proposals, including:
- new obligations for the planning system to contribute to sustainable development
- a formal role for the Parliament in drawing up the National Planning Framework
- new measures to ensure greater transparency in the handling of local authority interest cases
- further measures to encourage public participation in planning, including on major applications
- additional proposals on enforcement of planning control.
Where these measures require legislation, provisions will be introduced during the course of the bill.