Who and What in Planning; Community Councils; Part 2

THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY COUNCILS, VOLUNTARY, INTEREST AND AMENITY GROUPS



Community groups have an important role in the planning system and are to be encouraged to get involved in the development planning process and, once the new provisions come into effect, pre-application consultation. While not all community groups are involved in planning matters, there is a wealth of 'resource' in terms of community groups willing to be involved in shaping their environment. They will have a great deal of local information and knowledge which will be very helpful to planning authority and developer alike.



The only type of community group with a formal role in the planning system is community councils who are consulted on planning applications. There are proposals, to be arranged through secondary legislation, to give them a statutory role in development planning. Community councils vary in their extent, set-up and in the issues that interest them so their level of involvement in planning can differ from community council to community council. However, they can be very effective in obtaining and conveying views from their members and from other local community groups. The current role of community councils is outlined in PAN 47 Community Councils and Planning, although this will require updating once the new planning measures are in place.



Community councils should assist planning authorities in terms of their engagement in the planning process. For example, keeping the authority appraised of any changes in circumstances and allowing for appropriate programming of community engagement by the council



When responding to plans and applications it is important that community groups ensure that responses are focused on planning issues as in this way they may be considered a material consideration. If in doubt speak to Planning Aid for Scotland, or your planning authority, about what is and is not a material consideration.



Text taken from PAN 81. APTSec has read that PAN 47 may be revoked - see previous blog on Planning Advice Notes