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DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEMES

8. Section 20B of the Act requires each planning authority and strategic development planning authority to prepare a development plan scheme ( DPS) at least annually. The DPS is to set out the authority's programme for preparing and reviewing their strategic development plan or local development plan(s). This must include a participation statement stating when, how and with whom consultation will take place, and the authority's proposals for public involvement in plan preparation process. Draft regulation 24 also proposes that the DPS should contain:

• A list of the elements of the development plan (including statutory supplementary guidance) in each area and the dates on which they were adopted/ approved;
• A timetable, specifying the month the authority proposes to publish its next main issues report and proposed plan; and
• A location plan showing the coverage of the plans referred to.

9. Draft regulation 25 proposes that at least 28 days before adopting the DPS, authorities must send a copy to Scottish Ministers. Ministers would then have a power to recommend modifications to the DPS. Authorities may decline to make these changes, but in these circumstances they would have to give reasons.

10. This is a minimal level of scrutiny that still leaves the ultimate responsibility for the content of DPSs with planning authorities. Any comments by Ministers are likely to be focussed on seeking the inclusion of an appropriate range of participation measures, and a realistic timetable for plan preparation that will meet the statutory requirement for five-yearly review.

11. After adoption, the Act requires the DPS to be published (including electronically), two copies to be sent to Scottish Ministers and copies to be placed in public libraries.

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