Strategic planning review trio call for public input

A call for evidence has been issued by the independent panel appointed by the Scottish Government to undertake a strategic-level review of the planning system.

Chaired by Crawford Beveridge, who also chairs the Scottish Government's council of economic advisers, the panel will consider the strengths and weaknesses of the current planning system and identify the scope for further targeted improvements. The other members are Petra Biberbach of Planning Aid Scotland, and John Hamilton of the Scottish Property Federation.

Six key areas in particular will be studied, and are the subject of questions in the call for evidence:

• development planning;
• housing delivery;
• planning for infrastructure;
• streamlining development management;
• leadership, resources and skills; and
• community engagement.

The panel has been charged with providing an independent report by March 2016 with recommendations which will be used to inform the development of a future Scottish Government programme of further planning reform. It invites evidence from all those with an interest in the Scottish planning system, with examples of effective planning in relation to any or all of the key themes. A series of questions has been offered to prompt discussion on each theme. 

Click here to access the review documents. The deadline for responses is 1 December 2016.