The report of an independent review of the Scottish planning system, commissioned by Scottish Minsters in September 2015, has just been issued, entitled ‘Empowering Planning to Deliver Great Places’, with the aims of the review being ‘to provide an opportunity to simplify and strengthen the planning system, to empower all parties to deliver positive change and to re-establish the profession as a leader, an innovator and, above all, a strong and effective advocate for the public interest.’
Some may be interested to note that the recommendations do not include the introduction of third-party rights of appeal.
Authors – Crawford Beveridge, Petra Biberbach and John Hamilton – state:
‘From the outset, it was clear to us that the main structure of our planning system is not broken. However, it was also clear that for the potential of planning to be realised, a strong commitment to change existing practices and culture, and to re-focus the profession’s improvement agenda will be required. The Scottish Ministers set out 6 themes for us to address and as the review progressed it was obvious that those were the right areas for priority action. Our report builds on these themes and proposes a package of measures for change. Some of the recommendations represent large scale and in our view, game changing, proposals. Others are smaller scale improvements to ensure existing processes are as effective as possible. Some would require legislative change, others could be done quickly and easily with collective buy in and co-operation and embed a culture of inclusion.’
‘The report finds the planning system should be strengthened to achieve the vision established by the Planning Etc (Scotland) Act 2006.’
Planning Minister Kevin Stewart said the review would inform a ‘new, focused and revitalised planning system’.
The BBC states that :
- The report calls for strong and flexible local development plans, which should be updated regularly with a ‘20-year vision’, and an enhanced national planning framework.
- Recommendations also focus on delivering more, better housing, and improving infrastructure – local authorities generally were criticised as ‘appearing to lack the confidence to invest in infrastructure’.
- The group recommend setting up a national infrastructure agency, with statutory powers, and asking the government to examine options for a national or regional infrastructure levy to raise funds.
- And it said the Scottish government should ‘lead by example’ in public service reform, and increase planning fees on major applications ‘substantially’.
The Report concludes:
‘9.1. We recognise that many of these changes are potentially far reaching, and that the recommendations are being made at a time when there is already pressure on public sector resources. However, by making a relatively modest investment and prioritising efforts on areas where there will be greatest impact, the recommendations set out here should make the planning system much more efficient and effective.
9.2. We have been unable to address every issue that has been raised but we are confident that we have prioritised the right areas.
9.3. We recognise that views vary on many of the key challenges. However, we have identified where there are widely recognised issues arising, and have considered how improvements under the six key headings can work together to achieve significant change.
9.4. Our review has been strategic and we are conscious that the practicalities of some of our recommendations require further consideration and consultation. In responding to our report, the Scottish Government will need to consider how a balance can be struck between bringing forward short term solutions and pursuing more fundamental changes over the longer term. We look forward to seeing the Scottish Ministers’ response to our recommendations in due course.’
See the analysis by the BBC’s Douglas Fraser
IHBC will report on the reaction of Scottish Ministers to the content and recommendations of the review as it is available.
See the report and its recommendations
