Leftovers from 2011

The start of a new year but there is still a little unfinished business from the old one.


If you recall a few weeks back (30 Nov2011) APTSec sent an email to the then Minister for Local Government and Planning, Aileen Campbell.  The main text went:

Dear Minister

We have been totally overwhelmed by our experiences of planning over the last few years.  One of our members was in touch with PAS recently and Mr David Wood at PAS mentioned that you were keen to find out how the new planning act was performing.  For some time now we have felt that our input into the planning system is not meaningful and carries little weight.  The new planning reforms have not improved matters and in fact in our particular circumstances have made things worse. 

We desperately want to take a constructive part in the development of our community but feel marginalised and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the motivation to continue.  Please could you help us to find a way to restore our faith in the system and please could we send you a note of our experiences to date for your serious consideration.

I received the following reply on December 23rd  

Dear Mrs Stafford

Thank you for your e-mail of 30 November to the Minister for Local Government and Planning regarding your concerns about the planning system. I have been asked to respond.

 I am sorry that you feel disappointed with the system.

The Scottish Government are always keen to hear people’s views on the operation of the planning system.  We regularly run consultations on specific aspects of planning. Consultations can be viewed on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/publications/consult.

You can also subscribe to our e-alerts (http://register.scotland.gov.uk/Subscribe/Step1)

 to ensure that you are notified of planning news and developments, including details of consultations.

While consultations seek views on specific issues, we are always keen to hear from members of the public and interested community bodies about issues or concerns they may have with the planning system. Such views help to inform future work to improve the operation of the system. I would be very happy to speak to you or to consider any written concerns you may wish to raise.    

I hope this information is useful and look forward to hearing from you.

David  Reekie

Policy Manager

Planning Legislation & Performance

Area 2 J South

Victoria Quay

EH6 6QQ

I have arranged to speak to Mr Reekie in the New Year and I will keep the blog updated.