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Scottish government sets out path towards Planning Bill

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Scottish government sets out path towards Planning Bill

In a response to the report of the independent planning review panel, the Scottish government has laid out a programme of action paving the way for a new Planning Bill.

Building on the momentum that gathered during the work of the independent planning review panel, the government has identified 10 immediate actions including:

  • Extending permitted development rights – where planning permission is not needed - to more types of development. This could mean removing uncontroversial minor developments from the system, as well as using permitted development to encourage developments which support low carbon living and digital infrastructure. de

  • Strengthening skills and capacity, and consulting on enhanced fees to ensure planning authorities are better resourced to deliver more homes.

  • Improving planning performance, ensuring users of the system receive a better service.

  • Introducing pilot simplified planning zones for housing, so that planning permission is granted for housing up front, allowing developments to progress more quickly and flexibly.

  • Identifying how digital transformation of the planning service can be taken to another level, using tools including the web and 3D visualisations to make information about how our places will evolve over time much easier to access and understand.

    • A new Planning Bill will be brought forward to the Scottish Parliament in 2017.

    Planning minister Kevin 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.”

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