Council Welcomes Review Of Planning System In Scotland

The Highland Council has welcomed the publication today (Wednesday) by the Scottish Executive of a White Paper which sets out the way forward for Scotland’s planning system.

Planning Development Europe and Tourism Committee Chairman Councillor Sandy Park, Auldearn, said: "Planning lies at the heart of decisions, which impact on the economic growth of our communities and it is vital that we modernise our planning process to ensure we can support development but at the same time protect our environment.

"This is the first real review of the planning system in Scotland for 15 years and I am pleased that the Executive has incorporated many comments that the Council has already made, particularly with regard to making the planning process as fair and transparent as possible. In this regard, I welcome proposals to involve the public in the formulation of development plans, including notification of key development proposals to neighbours.

"It is important that local people have confidence that their views are properly considered as part of the decision-making process."

He welcomed enhanced enforcement powers to be given to local councils and the streamlining of the planning process, which will enable the Council to deal with applications quicker and more effectively.

The White Paper proposes transferring responsibility for neighbour notification on planning applications from the applicant to the planning authority, to improve public confidence.

It is also proposed to reduce the time limit within which an appeal can be submitted, following refusal of an application, from 6 to 3 months.

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