Planning ahead

As the UK government cuts agenda gathers pace it's never been a better time to look at the central role of planners and the planning system in economic growth and in the reform of the public sector.

Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) understands how important an efficient and inclusive system is in terms of building sustainable, thriving communities.

That's why we've just reviewed our free advice service guidelines to include, in some cases, business start-ups, social enterprises and development trusts.

This reflects their vital role in the economy and their need to have access to a full range of professional planning advice at the earliest opportunity.

Our role has always been to ensure that those who can't afford to pay for professional advice can still afford to do business and contribute to their communities and our core vision is to see a planning system that enables appropriate development.

We recognise that Scotland and the UK are changing radically and we're keen to help business start-ups, development trusts and social enterprises, as well as being geared up to respond to and shape the reform of our public services.

PETRA BIBERBACH

Planning Aid for Scotland

Edinburgh