THE Scottish Government has launched three consultations aiming to improve the resilience and flexibility of the planning system.
The first consultation explores options to better resource planning and is seeking views on giving planning authorities the power to set fees locally, increase fees each year in line with inflation and introduce fees for certain services – such as processing agreements and appeals.
Ideas for increasing the number of skilled planners are also being sought, building on proposals already being considered to broaden routes into a career in planning and the preparation of a skills strategy. Creating a more robust funding model and increasing workforce numbers will benefit users of the planning system by reducing decision timescales and improving service quality.
The second consultation asks about regulations that would give planning authorities the option of creating masterplan consent areas. These areas, which could cover either sites or specific developments such as housing in defined areas, would come with consents granted up-front for projects considered to be of most local benefit. The Scottish Government said this would simplify consenting for developers and provide certainty, making it easier for them to secure investment.
Proposals for regulations that would allow the national planning framework and local development plans to be amended in response to newly emerging or urgent matters, such as changes to energy policy, are the subject of the third consultation. The consultation asks about appropriate notification and consultation requirements if amendments are proposed prior to the formal reviews that take place every 10 years.
Planning minister Joe FitzPatrick said, “Planning makes a difference to all of our lives because it is a powerful tool for transforming our towns and cities. It can inspire people to get involved in shaping their neighbourhoods, and protect and enhance our environment.
“Over the last year, I have heard a lot about the challenges facing the system. To deliver change responsibly and effectively we need a robust, well-resourced and streamlined planning system to take the sort of decisive action that will make a real difference to people and places.
“NPF4 (national planning framework), a turning point for planning in Scotland, was a product of collaboration and we are committed working with the public and partners as we deliver the next stage of our ambitious programme of work. As we mark the first anniversary of NPF4, we look forward to hearing views on the proposals in these consultations.”
