What the Government says about Planning

PLANNING IS IMPORTANT. IT REALLY MATTERS. THE PLANNING SYSTEM IS THERE TO PROMOTE, FACILITATE AND REGULATE DEVELOPMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. DEVELOPMENT IS ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES.



You will find the words above, printed as a capital letter heading, in the document,



Community Engagement - Planning with People; also known as Planning Advice Note PAN 81



Planning Advice Notes ( PANs) provide advice on good practice and other relevant information. This PAN provides advice to planning authorities and developers on how communities should be properly engaged in the planning process.



In the summary to the PAN you will find the following words:



This is the first time that the Scottish Executive has issued advice to planning authorities and developers on how communities should be properly engaged in the planning process. This PAN has been produced with the support of a steering group made up of representatives from planning authorities, Planning Aid for Scotland, the Royal Town Planning Institute, local community groups and the development industry.


Scotland's planning system is undergoing its most radical overhaul in 60 years. Scottish Ministers are determined to make the planning system more inclusive and accessible to people, with greater openness and accountability in the decision-making process. This cannot be achieved without reforming how planning involves people - but more importantly how people are involved in planning. It also requires real culture change - from everyone involved in the planning process.


Many people believe there are barriers to engagement in the planning system including: lack of awareness of available opportunities; inaccessibility of documents; complex procedures and practices; lack of expertise; consultation fatigue; belief that views are not taken into account and distrust of local government.


We need to change all of this. We now have a golden opportunity to create a planning system which Scotland can be proud of - modern, efficient and, above all, with communities at its heart.


This PAN shows how everyone can take part in shaping the future of their area, providing information and advice on how best to listen, engage and understand what people want for their area.



APT strongly recommends reading this PAN 81. Among other things it is a good way of getting to know who is who in the planning system and what the roles and responsibilities are in the new planning system.