Independent Panel publishes its recommendations on the review of the planning system in Scotland

Independent Panel publishes its recommendations on the review of the planning system in Scotland

In September 2015, an Independent Panel was appointed by Scottish Ministers to review the Scottish planning system.

The Panel were tasked with bringing together ideas to achieve a quicker, more accessible and efficient planning process.

The Panel encouraged participation and received over 400 written responses and oral evidence sessions were held with over 100 individuals, representing around 70 organisations including Clydeplan.

The report of the Panel, “Empowering Planning to Deliver Great Places”, and a statement from the panel were published on 31 May 2016.

In total 48 recommendations have been made covering 6 themes, namely

1.     Strong and flexible Development Plans;

2.     The delivery of more high quality homes;

3.     An infrastructure first approach to planning and development

4.     Efficient and transparent development management;

5.     Stronger leadership, smarter resourcing and sharing of skills;

6.     Collaboration rather that conflict - inclusion and empowerment.

The Scottish Government is currently considering the recommendations and will publish its response in due course.

Clydeplan supports the Panel’s acknowledgement of the value of planning at a city-region scale and looks forward to working with the Scottish Government as they consider the implications of the various recommendations in particular as they relate to the work of Clydeplan.