Red tape to be slashed to speed up system

Published on Saturday 25 October 2008 19:27

RED tape is to be cut in an attempt to overhaul and simplify the planning system, the Scottish Government has pledged.

The finance secretary, John Swinney, is due to outline how a leaner regime will help economic development at a summit in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

Speaking in advance of the event, he said: "Scotland's planning system should help, not hinder, all our efforts to increase sustainable economic growth, something which is especially important in the current climate."

Key changes will include more responsibility for local authorities in decision-making and a more "proportionate" approach to calling applications in for Government scrutiny.

Applicants will also be able to fill in forms online, thus speeding up the planning process.

Councils will be required to produce development plans every five years, to help applicants understand which types of development are suitable.

Swinney said: "Scotland's businesses are the primary drivers of economic growth, both locally and nationally, and they rightly want to see a planning and development regime which is joined up, combining greater certainty and speed of decision-making.

"That is why we are taking action now to cut red tape and deliver important changes to Scotland's planning system."

Swinney said the Government had worked on the reforms with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) and other agencies.

He added: "It is important that the planning system enables high-quality developments, but not development anywhere or at any price. These new measures will speed up planning and help us develop a dynamic and growing economy, which means a better quality of life for us all."

David Thorburn, chairman of the Confederation of British Industry, said planning was a "top priority".

He added: "In the current economic conditions, now more than ever, we need business, Government and public bodies to do all that they possibly can to invest in Scotland's infrastructure and economy. Improving the efficiency of our planning system is central to that, and we warmly welcome this commitment to a comprehensive plan for change."

Councillor Alison Hay, from Cosla, said: "I hope this will be seen by all as the next stage in building a planning system where communities get the good quality development that they need and want, friendly to the environment and something that future generations can be proud of."