Scotland Looks To Reform Planning Practices

"The Planning Bill currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament represents the biggest overhaul in planning legislation north of the border in sixty years. It is once in a lifetime opportunity to reform the planning system to make it both more efficient and inclusive.

Planning must be a key tool for supporting the economy and growing Scotland in a sustainable way - supporting investment in jobs, in essential infrastructure such as housing, schools and hospitals; and in the regeneration of our communities.

The measures in the Bill seek to rebuild trust with communities, by listening to them and taking their views into account. It will enable communities to engage early in the process and guarantees people the rights to make their voices heard while proposals are still on the drawing board; and makes sure that local people’s views have been properly listened to before developments can take place."