Ministers have released 10 actions which will help to speed up the planning process and deliver more homes in Scotland…
A new report has been released by the Scottish government, outlining processes that can be implemented to speed up the planning process.
Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said the report was a sign that planning reform would be a “collaboration rather than conflict”.
The actions outlined in the report include:
- Extending permitted development rights for projects that do not require planning permission
- Improving skills and capacity, as well as consulting on enhanced fees to enable planning authorities to deliver more homes
- Improving the system to ensure users receive a better service
- Introducing simplified planning zones to enable permission to be granted upfront
- Utilising digital tools to understand how places will evolve over time
Detailed proposals for reform will be fully consulted on later this year, which will pave the way for a new Planning Bill set to be put to the Scottish Parliament in 2017.
Stewart said: “Planning affects everyone’s lives, from ensuring that we have enough of the right types of homes in the right locations, to driving forward regeneration and supporting business development which provides jobs.
“It is clear from the recommendations of the independent panel, and the feedback from local authorities, developers and communities, that our planning system can do more for Scotland.
“I firmly believe that Scotland’s planners can lead the delivery of great places, empower communities and provide a stable environment for investment through the uncertain times we live in.
“I welcome the positive report produced by the panel and am impressed that public and private interests in planning are willing to work together and with government to make changes happen.
“We must now work together to ensure our planning system is best placed to support economic growth and house-building, whilst protecting and enhancing the quality of life of all our communities.
“We will now develop proposals for further reform of the planning system over the coming months and will bring forward consultation proposals by the end of the year.
“The review’s proposed outcomes – including strong and flexible development plans, more high quality homes and collaboration rather than conflict – are all aims we share.”