The Scottish Government

Term

Explanation

Consultative Draft Plan

An early version of the draft Local Plan which must be publicised by the planning authority. This gives all concerned an opportunity to comment on and contribute to planning policies and proposals before the authority is committed to any specific response to the area's problems and opportunities.

Deposit

The Finalised Draft Plan must be placed on Deposit by the planning authority for public inspection and comment and should advertise this fact. Reasonable access should be made available for those wishing to study it along with relevant supporting documents.

Deposit Period

The period allowed for the submission of objections or supporting representations to a Finalised Draft Plan - a minimum of 6 weeks.

Finalised Draft Plan

Formal draft version of the Plan taking account of early comments from interested parties. This version is placed on deposit for public inspection and comment.

Local Plan

Document prepared by the appropriate planning authority setting out the detailed land use allocations and policies that will operate in specific areas. The Local Plan must be in accord with the broad strategies for the area set out in the relevant Structure Plan.

Local Plan Inquiry

A public inquiry chaired by an independent Reporter to consider objections to a Finalised Draft Plan and report on each matter of objection to the planning authority.

Modification

A change proposed to the Finalised Draft Plan as a result of negotiations with interested parties or arising from the consideration of objections to the draft.

Notice of Adoption

Statutory notice advertising the planning authority's adoption of the Local Plan.

Notice of Intention to Adopt

Statutory notice advertising the planning authority's intention to adopt the Local Plan on a given date.

Objection

A written statement setting out the grounds of objection by a person or persons to the proposals or policies contained in a Finalised Draft Plan or to modifications proposed by the planning authority.

Planning Authority

The local authority with responsibility for preparing the development plan for the relevant area and for development control within that area.

Term

Explanation

Pre-Inquiry Meeting

A meeting chaired by the Reporter and attended by interested parties and objectors to discuss the inquiry timetable, identify areas of agreement and set dates for the exchange of documents prior to the inquiry itself.

Procedure Meeting

See Pre-Inquiry Meeting.

Programme Officer

An impartial officer appointed by the planning authority to work directly for the Reporter for the duration of the inquiry. The Programme Officer acts as the first point of contact for all parties and is responsible for the day to day management and administration of the inquiry.

Productions

Documents or other materials lodged by the planning authority or objectors in support of their case to the inquiry.

Proposals Map

A detailed map setting out land use proposals and the policies applying to the area covered by the Local Plan.

Reporter

A suitably qualified person drawn from a list of possible Reporters provided by the Secretary of State and appointed by the planning authority to conduct the inquiry and to consider and report to them on the evidence heard.

Representation

A statement in support of or objecting to the policies or proposals set out in a Finalised Draft Plan.

Site Visit

A visit undertaken by the Reporter to see one or more of the sites in the area to which policies or proposals in the Plan refer. Site visits may be undertaken by the Reporter alone or accompanied by interested parties.

Statement of Evidence

A written statement setting out the evidence which a person or persons will lead at the inquiry.

Statement of Responses

A formal statement prepared by the planning authority setting out their initial responses to the objections made to a Plan placed on Deposit.

Structure Plan

Document prepared by the structure plan authority or authorities setting out the broad planning and land use strategy for an area.

Structure Plan Authority

Local authority or authorities responsible for the preparation of a Structure Plan for a given area.

The Scottish Office Inquiry Reporters Unit

A Division of The Scottish Office Development Department.

Witness

A person who may speak in support of the planning authority's or an objector's case at an inquiry.