A robust framework by which the effectiveness of Scottish planning system can be measured should be introduced, a report from the national spending watchdog urges.
The Scottish Government says:
Substantial changes were made to Scotland’s planning system through ThePlanning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006, and followed up by a range of regulations, orders and supporting guidance. Most of the changes happened during 2009, covering:
· Development Planning
· Development Management
· Enforcement
· Appeals and Local Reviews
To complete the reform of the statutory planning system, we will bring forward new legislation during 2011 to make Permitted Development rights more proportionate and so allow for resources to be directed where most needed in the planning service.
… We carried out a review of the changes to development management, appeals and enforcement one year after the changes to the system were implemented.
This review did not extend to the new development planning processes, which operate to a longer timescale; but we do continue to monitor progress on this key element of the modernised system.
Craig McLaren, National Director, RTPI Scotland, reports key points:
· progress is being made and the report shows that users of the planning system are generally satisfied with it, even though there have been significant reductions in planning staff and a need to adapt to a considerable number of changes in the last 5 years.
· we need to build on the progress made – RTPI Scotland is working with Scottish Government, Heads of Planning Scotland, the Improvement Service and others to ensure that planning plays a key role in delivering sustainable economic growth.
· the significant changes made to the planning system over the last few years need to be allowed to bed down – we do not need another major overhaul of the system.
· we agree with the report in that a more comprehensive approach to measuring success is required. Speed of decision can be important but there is a need to take a more holistic view of performance.
· the planning service needs to be resourced properly. We need an easily understandable fee structure which recognises this, bearing in mind that planning fees in Scotland are low compared to other parts of the UK.
See the summary report at: LINK
See the full report, which details findings and sets out next steps, at: LINK
RTPI – article: LINK
Search Planning Portal: LINK
Scottish Government – Planning: LINK
