So, just what is 'Sustainable Economic Growth'?

Take a look at this.

The RTPI in Scotland annual conference will look at planning's contribution to achieving sustainable economic growth. The programme includes Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Local Government and Planning (pictured); Alex Linkston CBE, Member of the Commission on the Future of Public Services; Robert Crozier, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce; and Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of the Centre for Local Economic Studies .

More details and a booking form can be found here (pdf 1.5mb).

The conference is kindly sponsored by Barton Willmore, Brodies LLP and Scottish Government

But what exactly is this 'Sustainable economic growth"? Clicking on the links below will give some background.

Economic Growth

A Scottish Budget for Growth

Interestingly, the 'Budget' only uses the word planning once - as highlighted below

Alongside the measures set out in our Spending Review, the Government Economic Strategy published on 12 September 2011, establishes the foundations for long-term economic prosperity with a focus on Growth Companies, Growth Markets, and Growth Sectors and securing the benefits from the low carbon economy. Key initiatives include:

• continuing to implement the modernisation of the planning system;

That still leaves a lot of questions and very little straightforward and easily accessible information as to how the 'modernisation' of the planning system will 'contribute' to economic growth. What will the impact of this contribution be be on the implementation of the planning system in our localities?

Of further interest is the fact that on the Scottish Gov's Planning Legislation Division has a

'Sustainable Economic Growth and Engagement' Branch which includes the following functions:

Planning's contribution to central purpose

Infrastructure, housing and planning

Planning obligations and gain

Sponsorship of Planning Aid Scotland

Planning Development Programme

Equalities and inclusion

It should be an interesting conference; I wish I could be a fly on the wall. Wonder if they'll record any of it? I'll ask.