Going to plan
It IS hard to reconcile the claim in your leader (“Planning veto sends out wrong signal”, 21 December) that we have a “cumbersome planning process which has unnecessarily blighted many development projects in recent years” with the fact that 94 per cent of planning applications are approved.
Planning is all about creating great places for people. This means that the planning system has to balance the short term with the long term; the specific proposal with the broader place; and the different economic, environmental and social needs.
It means that some planning applications may be turned down. However, the fact that the large majority are approved is testament to the important role planners play in working with developers and communities to get the right proposal in the right place at the right time.
The planning system is not perfect. That is why the planning profession is working closely with the Scottish Government and others to take a more proactive, enabling and plan-led approach which provides clear vision for developers, investors and communities.
This will help ensure the planning system continues to support ambitions for economic growth, sustainable development and great places for people across Scotland.
Craig MCLaren
National director
Royal Town Planning Institute Scotland
Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh
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Thursday 23 February 2012
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