Consultations on resourcing, skills and changes for major
developments.
The public and businesses are being asked to give their views on
three consultations looking to improve the resilience and
flexibility of the planning system.
The first consultation explores options to better resource
planning and is seeking views on giving planning authorities the
power to set fees locally, increase fees each year in line with
inflation and introduce fees for certain services, such as
processing agreements and appeals.
Ideas for increasing the number of skilled planners are also
being sought, building on proposals already being considered to
broaden routes into a career in planning and the preparation of a
skills strategy. Creating a more robust funding model and
increasing workforce numbers will benefit users of the planning
system by reducing decision timescales and improving service
quality.
The second consultation asks about regulations that would give
planning authorities the option of creating Masterplan Consent
Areas. These areas, which could cover either sites or specific
developments such as housing in defined areas, would come with
consents granted up-front for projects considered to be of most
local benefit. This would simplify consenting for developers and
provide certainty, making it easier for them to secure
investment.
Proposals for regulations that would allow the National Planning
Framework and Local Development Plans to be amended in response
to newly emerging or urgent matters, such as changes to energy
policy, are the subject of the third consultation. It asks about
appropriate notification and consultation requirements if
amendments are proposed prior to the formal reviews that take
place every 10 years.
This month marks the first anniversary of the fourth National
Planning Framework (NPF4), which sets out measures to improve
people’s lives by making sustainable, liveable and productive
places. The consultations build on NPF4 and the Planning
(Scotland) Act 2019.
Planning Minister said:
“Planning makes a difference to all of our lives because it is a
powerful tool for transforming our towns and cities. It can
inspire people to get involved in shaping their neighbourhoods,
and protect and enhance our environment.
“Over the last year, I have heard a lot about the challenges
facing the system. To deliver change responsibly and effectively
we need a robust, well-resourced and streamlined planning system
to take the sort of decisive action that will make a real
difference to people and places.
“NPF4, a turning point for planning in Scotland, was a product of
collaboration and we are committed working with the public and
partners as we deliver the next stage of our ambitious programme
of work. As we mark the first anniversary of NPF4, we look
forward to hearing views on the proposals in these
consultations.”
Background
Investing in Planning – a
consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system. The
deadline for responding is Friday 31 May 2024.
Development plan amendment
regulations: consultation. The deadline for responding is
Wednesday 22 May 2024.
Masterplan Consent Area
regulations: consultation. The deadline for responding is
Wednesday 22 May 2024.
National Planning
Framework 4 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
