Ministers set out priorities for planning reform

Priorities for planning reform have been set out by the Scottish Government in a position statement which follows on from its recent consultation on the future of Scotland's planning system.

The position statement summarises the responses to the 20 heads of policy proposals in the consultation and indicates their impact on ministers' thinking. It invites further views on the new details provided and on the accompanying stategic environment assessment, by 11 August 2017. 

"We have taken an open and collaborative approach to the review of the planning system to date, and intend to maintain this transparency as the work progresses", the statement concludes. "We are conscious that many people have already spent considerable time contributing to the review, and so there is no need to restate views already expressed in relation to Places, People and Planning" (the earlier consultation).

Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government and Housing, commented: “I was delighted with the response to the consultation and that so many individuals and communities took the time to share their views. I am listening carefully to what people have to say about their experiences of the planning system – and how we can make it better.

“We need to strike a balance in addressing the many issues raised. It is crucial that planning helps drive forward inclusive growth by enabling high quality development in a way that involves local people as fully as possible.”

A Planning Bill is expected to be introduced this coming winter, but no decisions have been made on its content. Further views will be taken into account as proposals are finalised.

Click here to access the position statement and related documents.