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On the 19th of December 2005 the Planning etc.(Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament. It represents an important stage in the partnership agreements commitment to reform the planning system and can be seen as the culmination of a series of consultations and white papers which commenced in 2001. The Bill update the Town and Country (Scotland) Act 1997 and other primary legislation affecting planning. The Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm announced the introduction of the Bill at a press conference held on the 20th of December and said: "The Bill was a once in a lifetime opportunity for reform that would be both more efficient and inclusive". He added that it was a key tool for supporting the economy and growing Scotland in a sustainable way, bringing communities into the planning process at the earliest stages.
The Bill will now be carefully examined by the Scottish Parliament during three stages. Details of these and the processes involved can be found on the Parliament's website, where you can also find electronic versions of the Bill and its accompanying documents.
Background
In 2003 we announced that a Planning Bill would be introduced to Parliament during the current session. After our extensive programme of consultations and stakeholder engagements on all aspects of the planning system, the Planning etc.(Scotland) Bill has been introduced to make the necessary changes to primary legislation.
The Bill sets out the changes to existing primary legislation which will make Scotland's planning system fit for purpose, improve efficiency and widen inclusion. Changes to existing secondary legislation will be initiated during the Bill's passage through Parliament, as will guidance and other non-legislative reform so that the reforms can take effect once the Bill becomes law. Details of the affected secondary legislation can be found in the Delegated Powers memorandum, published by the Scottish Parliament.
The modernisation of the planning system is a major undertaking. The Partnership Agreement commits the Scottish Executive to improving the planning system by:
- Strengthening the involvement of communities;
- Speeding up decisions;
- Reflecting local views better; and
- Allowing quicker investment decisions.
Achievements
Work began in 2001 with the publication of two consultation papers. Much progress has since been made. The Conclusions and Next Steps from the 'Review of Strategic Planning Consultation' were published in 2002. These conclusions set out the broad shape of the new system and included a programme for modernisation. The outcomes of the second consultation, ' Getting Involved in Planning', were taken forward in 2003 with the White Paper: Your Place, Your Plan. This discussed further our proposals to enhance public involvement in the planning system. In July 2003 a consultation exercise looked at the scope for Modernising Public Local Inquiries. In April 2004, two further consultation exercises were launched.
Making Development Plans Deliver sought views on our new proposals for preparing local development plans across Scotland and the detailed arrangements for the new structure for strategic planning. The range of options were aimed at promoting more urgency and confidence in the process with greater focus on content and outcomes.
Rights of Appeal in Planning fulfilled the commitment in the Partnership agreement and 'Your Place Your Plan' to consult on the introduction of a third party right of appeal. This is a complex matter with potentially significant implications for the planning system and beyond. This debate is an important one and it was essential that stakeholders were engaged to make sure that the decision we have taken was informed, consistent and meets the needs of Scotland in terms of economic growth and social justice.
Both papers were out to consultation until 30th July 2004. Ministers and Officials took the debate to our stakeholders - in business and property, in environmental and community groups and in professional organisations. The wealth of material that has been presented to us for consideration in response to both consultations has been carefully analysed and considered. The proposed legislative reforms were set out in the June 2005 White Paper, Modernising the Planning System. The comments which were received in response to the proposed reforms were considered when drafting the Bill.
These consultations were part of a large programme of important work in the modernisation agenda which is already well mapped out, with some key measures already in place. Key changes to date are:
On 23rd February 2004 the first meeting of the National Consultative Group was held in Govan, Glasgow. The event aimed to widen people's interest and involvement in the planning system with representatives from community and environmental groups, local authorities and the business sector sharing ideas and concerns. Two further meetings have since been held in Dundee and Inverness.
In April 2004 we launched Scotland's first National Planning Framework, a key element in our package of measures to modernise and reform the planning system. The Framework analyses the underlying trends in Scotland's development, key drivers of change and the challenges to be faced. It is written to help guide the spatial development of Scotland, providing a context for development plans and planning decisions.
The Wider Picture
A modern planning system needs more than just a revised and updated statutory framework. The legislative reforms will enable a system which works in the context of the Scottish Parliament, and a single tier of local government. It will meet higher public and business expectations, both in the outcomes of the system and its efficiency.
In taking this modernising agenda forward we will therefore continue to carry out audits of planning departments, hold the annual Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning, liaise with planning authorities and planning schools, update Scottish Planning Policies and circulars, provide practical advice, monitor Development Management and Development Plans performance and listen and respond to the concerns of communities and stakeholders.
We will make the most of every opportunity to improve the planning system, making it fit for 21st Century Scotland and keeping you involved on the way.
Further Information
Read the latest modernising publications:
31/01/06 Pilot Model Policy Study Conclusions and Next Steps
20/12/05 Planning etc (Scotland) Bill
20/12/05 Modernising the Planning System Digest of Responses
20/12/05 Modernising the Planning System Analysis of Responses
29/6/05 Modernising the Planning System
15/12/04 Rights of Appeal in Planning: Analysis of Consultation Responses
15/12/04 Making Development Plans Deliver: Analysis of Consultation Responses
01/4/04 Making Development Plans Deliver Consultation Paper
01/4/04 Rights of Appeal in Planning Consultation Paper
01/4/04 National Planning Framework
23/2/04 National Consultative Group News Release
29/9/03 Options for Change Research
04/7/03 Modernising Public Local Inquiries: A Consultation Paper
28/3/03 Your Place, Your Plan - White Paper on Public Involvement in Planning
27/6/02 Review of Strategic Planning - Conclusions and Next Steps
Other consultations
Write to: Planning Division
Scottish Executive Development Department
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Email: modernisingplanning@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: Susan Begg on 0131 244 0626
Webpage: This webpage will be kept up to date with the latest information. Last reviewed 2nd February 2006.