Two sets of planning proposals out to views

Digital communications installations, and environmental impact assessments, are the subject of separate consultations affecting the Scottish planning system that the Scottish Government has opened for views.

The former set of proposals would extend the range of developments installing infrastructure such as masts, cabinets and antennae that do not require planning permission. Ministers want to encourage digital connectivity for the remoter and less populated parts of Scotland, while striking a balance in relation to impact on amenity and the environment.

Meanwhile the envrionmental impact consultation sets out details of how ministers propose to implement the 2014 Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, which requires legislation to be in place by 16 May 2017. The directive amends the regime under which an assessment must be made of the effects of certain projects on the environment before a development consent can be granted, but does not change the aim of providing a high level of protection of the environment and reducing the impact of certain projects.

Click here to access the digital infrastructure consultation, and here to access the environmental impact consultation. The former runs until 4 November 2016; the latter until 31 October 2016.