Will changes to planning in Scotland improve the system?

These are just some of the questions the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee will ask on the Planning (Scotland) Bill as it launches its call for written evidence today.

The Planning (Scotland) Bill aims to improve the system of development planning, support delivery of planned developments and includes a new right for communities to produce their own plans for their places.

The Local Government and Communities Committee now wants to put the new Bill to the test, and is looking to hear views from stakeholders as part of its scrutiny of the proposed legislation.

Committee convener, Bob Doris MSP, said: “The entire purpose of these proposed changes is to strengthen the planning system and boost its contribution to inclusive growth, housing and infrastructure in Scotland.

“The bill also aims to empower people to have their say on their places more than ever before, so that communities can influence development plans in their local areas.

“Our committee now wants to find out whether the bill will deliver an improved planning system and if so, should any improvements and changes be made to the Bill so that Scotland can develop a world-class approach to planning its cities, towns and rural areas in the future.”

The closing date for submissions is 2 February 2018. Submit your views here.