CLYDEPLAN CONVENOR RAISES AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF REGIONAL PLANNING WITH MSPs

CLYDEPLAN CONVENOR RAISES AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF REGIONAL PLANNING WITH MSPs

Today Councillor Lawrence O’Neill as Convenor of Clydeplan wrote to all of Scotland’s 129 MSPs who are currently scrutinising the Planning (Scotland) Bill in Parliament which seeks to remove the statutory requirement to prepare Strategic Development Plan for Scotland city regions.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill highlighted the important role of strategic planning in Scotland and the positive experience of Clydeplan in order to ensure regional planning is a key component of the new Planning Bill.

The joint working process across the Glasgow City Region’s eight local authorities has been seen as an exemplar for Scotland in how local authorities can effectively work together on strategic planning issues in support of delivering inclusive economic growth.

Councillor O’Neill’s letter

Dear MSP colleagues,

I am writing to you in my role as Convenor of Clydeplan, the Strategic Development Planning Authority for the Glasgow City Region, Scotland’s largest city region. Clydeplan consists of 8 Local Authority areas which makes up a third of Scotland’s’ population generating a third of Scotland’s GVA.

The Clydeplan Joint Committee is aware that matters relevant to the possible future role for strategic planning and the proposal to remove the statutory requirement to prepare Strategic Development Plan for Scotland city regions will be debated by yourself as the Planning (Scotland) Bill progresses through the Scottish Parliament. At its last meeting the Joint Committee thought it timely to apprise you of the valuable work being undertaken by Clydeplan within this important area.

For over 70 years strategic planning has been central to the regeneration and economic revitalisation of the Glasgow city region through periods of significant structural economic change. The two Strategic Development Plans which have been developed and prepared by Clydeplan have been delivered on time and on budget. Both Strategic Development Plans have been robustly scrutinised through an independent examination process before final approval by Scottish Ministers. As such they have formed a credible and effective component of the development planning system, guiding and steering Local Development Plans and decision making which reflects the success of Clydeplan’s joint working ethos and the commitment of the constituent local authorities and wider stakeholders.

The latest Clydeplan SDP, which was approved by Scottish Ministers in July 2017, through its Vision and Spatial Development Strategy sets the strategic planning policy context for supporting its network of strategic centres, enabling the delivery of over 110,000 new homes, facilitating climate change mitigation and adaptation, maximises the benefits of green infrastructure and promotes sustainable transport. I have attached an overview of the Clydeplan SDP for your information.

Clydeplan and its joint working process across its eight local authorities can be seen as an exemplar for Scotland in how local authorities can effectively work together on strategic planning issues in support of delivering inclusive economic growth. Clydeplan is of the belief that this successful model should be enhanced as part of any new Planning (Scotland) Bill.

Continuing support, including cross party support, exists across the 8 Glasgow City Region local authorities for the continuation of a strategic planning function with any new Planning (Scotland) Bill. Strategic planning is seen as important in supporting the aims both locally and nationally for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth within this city region. Some of our recent work is exemplified within the latest Annual Report (see attached) and I would also direct you to Clydeplan’s website www.clydeplan-sdpa.gov.uk for more information.

We hope that you take these matters into consideration during your Parliamentary deliberations as they relate to the future role of strategic planning in Scotland.

Kind regards

Councillor Lawrence O'Neill

Ward 4 - Kilpatrick (Faifley, Duntocher & Hardgate)

Convenor of Clydeplan, Strategic Development Planning Authority for the Glasgow City Region