Greens on Planning Issues

Scottish Green Party Manifesto here
Main highlights on planning (this manifesto does not have a separate section on 'Planning' and planning related items are embedded within various sections of the document so I have tried to identify the main points).

• We’ll review the operation of the 2006 Planning Act with a view to restoring planning’s original purpose of achieving development which is in the public good, instead of placing economic growth above other priorities. The rights of developers and communities must also be revisited, and we’ll consult on a workable balance of appeal rights. We’ll ensure that urban communities can assert a right to buy land and community facilities.
  

• We’ll empower community councils to take on a legal role in decision making through planning and local urban design policy, including working towards greater localisation through democratic Common Good Trusts.

• Local community empowerment is an agenda which Holyrood must embrace instead of seeing it as a threat. Our support for Common Good Trusts and the democratic control of local assets offers new ways to devolve control to the most local level.

• We’ll introduce health impact assessments into the planning system, and ensure that health is taken into account in all other Government policies.

• A tax on land values would reduce the speculative holding of land. The owners of disused land and properties would face a levy giving incentives to the productive economic use of land, where local communities require it and where it’s consistent with planning rules.

• The land reform agenda has stalled. We will give fresh impetus to this area of policy through the new Common Good Act and a Land Rights Law Centre to help communities assert their rights. We’ll consult on proposals to bring the administration and revenues of the Crown Estate under local democratic control.

• A Land Value Tax would help to reduce the cost of housing and business premises, and would also recoup a share of land value increases which arise from public investment. Land Value Tax would be fairer, more environmentally friendly, and would benefit the economy. Many small businesses in particular would benefit.

• We oppose the proposed new coal-fired power station at Hunterston, and would use the planning system to prevent further nuclear and coal expansion.

• With better use of the planning system the distance people need to travel to work and to access services can be reduced. A ‘Living Streets’ approach will build neighbourhoods that are safer, healthier and happier.

• We’ll oppose the return of any form of aviation subsidy, and use the planning system to prevent further capacity expansion in Scottish airports.

• Many communities oppose the expansion of large-scale incineration, and the planning system must protect their interests. Energy generated from burning waste is not renewable, and such developments would not be given public subsidy, nor do we back large-scale biomass plants.

• Many communities oppose the expansion of large-scale incineration, and the planning system must protect their interests. Energy generated from burning waste is not renewable, and such developments would not be given public subsidy, nor do we back large-scale biomass plants.