Background
In March last year the Scottish Government published "Planning Reform: Next Steps" which set out a programme of action to consolidate and intensify planning modernisation. A series of consultations then followed, the responses to which were analysed and published in September. This latest publication details the Scottish Government's response to the points raised in each consultation paper. Here is a summary of the main points, taking each consultation in turn....
Development Plan Examinations Consultation
In response to users' concerns about their experience of the revised development plan examination process, this consultation sought views on potential refinements and the binding nature of reporter's recommendations. The general view was that the ability of stakeholders to fully participate in the process is being limited and confidence in the system is being lost. The Scottish Government will refine the examination process to allow examinations to be completed and plans adopted in a timely manner. Reporters will continue to complete the examination into all issues raised and propose modifications to the plan where appropriate and achievable within a reasonable time frame. A revised guidance note for reporters and an update to Circular 1/2009 will be published by March 2013.
