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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. The consultation on Developing the New Planning Performance Assessment Framework was launched in March 2007 and responses were to be received by 22 nd June 2007. The consultation attracted 46 responses of which 28 were from planning authorities & national park authorities and joint structure plan teams, 5 from businesses and developers, 5 from planning and related professionals, 3 from national and regional agencies, 2 from environment and heritage groups, 1 from a Community Council, 1 individual and 1 other.
2. Of those responses, 28 responded specifically to the questions posed in the consultation paper. Eight responded with both general comments and responses to the questions. The 10 remaining responses returned general comments on the consultation paper.
3. The proposed planning assessment framework is supported by all the responses received, however, concerns were raised about the amount of information to be collected during the assessment and the staff resources required to collate and submit this information. However, it was accepted that e-planning could address some of these concerns. The point was also made that the assessment process should not turn into a "tick box" exercise.
4. Concerns were raised about the make up of the assessment team, with most of the responses supporting the idea that senior planners should be able to carry out the assessments. However, concerns were that senior planners would be removed from their existing job or taken out of the recruitment pool. Suggestions to counter these concerns were the use of recently retired senior planners in particular those who had taken early retirement.
5. There was a general feeling that the assessment process and submission of performance related data should not place an additional burden on already under resourced Planning Authorities.
6. Comments were made that the use of Information Technology ( IT) should be utilised more efficiently especially with the introduction of e-planning. Where possible, IT systems should be used to produce, collate and submit performance information to the Scottish Executive. This would help to alleviate concerns that increasing the amount of information requested from local authorities would lead to an increased burden on resources.
7. The general view was that the emphasis for assessments has to be on supporting and improving those Planning Authorities whose performance is deemed to be poor. Imposing sanctions on them could demoralise staff which would not help improve performance.
8. Analysis shows that whilst the majority of responses support the need for assessment and the indicators suggested in the consultation paper, a number of them need refined, removed and some added, in particular to allow for more qualitative information to be recorded.
9. It is worth noting that almost all of the responses are positive in tone. Most of the comments and criticisms are presented in a helpful and constructive way. It is clear from the responses received that local authorities and key stakeholders are keen to be involved in the assessment process to make the outcomes as productive as possible, to ensure a better planning system.
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