The planning reform process continues, with publication of Places, People and Planning Position Statement.

First impressions:

  • "steady as she goes", despite diverse consultation responses on some proposals
  • but some changes - reforms to rights of appeal, including increased use of Local Review Bodies, have been pared back; the section 75A procedures for modifying planning obligations are not to be removed
  • more detail provided on some proposals: for example, duties re regional partnership working, updating LDPs within the 10 year timescale, and operation of the gatecheck.
  • infrastructure first - the Scottish Government have asked the Scottish Futures Trust to work with them to take forward support for stalled sites, and are continuing to consider options for a national delivery group.

Contributor

Neil Collar

Partner