Neil Collar, one of Scotland's best-known planning lawyers and Head of Planning at Brodies LLP, has released the fourth edition of his highly successful and respected book Planning, published by W Green.
First published in 1994, Planning, dubbed the 'Planning Bible', is the only publication that provides a complete outline of all the changes to the Scottish planning system in recent years, as well as practical advice based on Neil's experience as a lawyer specialising in this field.
The updated book covers the many changes to planning law since the last edition almost seven years ago, and its publication is timely given the Scottish Government's ongoing review of Scotland's planning system.
Neil explained: "The Scottish Government has highlighted that the planning system has a vital role to play in delivering high-quality building projects for Scotland and sustainable economic growth. The law provides the framework for the planning system to operate in, including the procedures for the approximately 30,000 planning applications that are submitted every year in Scotland. The fourth edition of my book contains a welcome update on the myriad changes since 2009. It also provides a useful baseline, as the Scottish Government embarks on the next stage of its review of the planning system.
The new edition has been thoroughly updated and revised, resulting in the most practical and complete analysis of planning law in Scotland. It covers all new issues relating to planning, such as changes to procedures for development management, schemes of delegation and local reviews, as well as recent legislation such as the Historic Environment (Scotland) Act 2014, procedural amendments and case law.
Neil was named by Planning magazine as one of the 100 individuals with the greatest influence over planning policy and decision-making in the UK (March 2013). He is also a Legal Associate of the Royal Town Planning Institute and is accredited as a specialist in planning law by the Law Society of Scotland. While comprehensive in its content, the book is written in a practical and approachable style which aims to guide the reader through the real life implications of planning law.
Due to its detailed dissection of planning in Scotland, it is a key text for practitioners and professionals from a variety of disciplines, including lawyers, planners, surveyors, environmental consultants, architects and community councils. It also provides a succinct introduction to the area, making it the perfect tool for either LLB or Diploma students.
Nick Wright, Convenor of the Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland, said: "This book not only provides an excellent introduction to planning, but is also an essential reference work that should be on the desk of any planner or lawyer who works in statutory planning. This new edition promises to be as relevant and up-to-date as ever."
The book is out now and is available to buy from Sweet & Maxwell.
