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SCOTTISH PLANNING POLICY
[The following sections continue from the first part of the consolidated Scottish Planning Policy ( SPP) published in October 2008 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/10/28115149/0]
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
35. Community engagement has an enhanced role in the modernised planning system, and key requirements are now established through legislation. Where effectively undertaken, early community engagement can speed up planning processes and lead to better plans, decisions and more satisfactory outcomes. It will also improve confidence in the fairness of the planning system. The ways in which those with an interest can get engaged early and fully in the development plan preparation process will be set out by planning authorities in participation statements. In development management, both statutory pre-application consultation with communities and pre-application discussions between developers and the planning authority are intended to add value at the start of the process. Statutory pre-application consultation will provide communities with an opportunity to contribute their views before a formal application for planning permission is made. Better engagement cannot guarantee that everyone gets the decisions or outcomes that they desire but it can provide opportunities for:
- communities to become involved in shaping the future of their area,
- clearly explaining the basis and justification for policies, land allocations, infrastructure priorities and decisions, and
- making the consideration between competing and, in some cases, conflicting interests explicit and transparent.
Planning authorities and developers should ensure appropriate and proportionate steps are taken to engage with communities when planning policies and guidance are being developed, when development proposals are being formed and when applications for planning permission are made.
Q4. Does this paragraph provide a clear overview of the expectations for community engagement in the modernised planning system?
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
36. The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 introduced a requirement that functions relating to the preparation of the National Planning Framework by Scottish Ministers and development plans by planning authorities should be exercised with the objective of contributing to sustainable development. The 2006 Act requires planning authorities to have regard to guidance on this requirement issued by Scottish Ministers. This section (paragraphs 36 - 37) is guidance under section 3E of the 2006 Act.
37. The Scottish Government's commitment to sustainable development is reflected in its purpose of creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. This means building a dynamic and growing economy that will provide prosperity and opportunities for all. This accords with the principles of sustainable development as sustainable economic growth is achieved by delivering fair social outcomes and respecting environmental factors. Planning authorities should ensure that the development plan facilitates the sustainable development of an area, supporting increasing sustainable economic growth. The National Planning Framework and this SPP provide the national planning policy context for decision making within the planning system which supports sustainable economic growth.
Q5. Is the status of this section in relation to the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 sufficiently clear?
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