The Potential of Development Charges in The Scottish Planning System

The Potential of Development Charges in The Scottish Planning System

The financing of infrastructure is currently a key constraint to development and the report explores the potential of development charges to assist this situation.

Extracts:

This report provides the findings of a five month research study from Autumn 2010 to Spring 2011 on the potential of development charges in the Scottish Planning System;

The Communities Analytical Services team in Scottish Government commissioned the Study on behalf of the Directorate for the Built Environment;

The Study Brief sought a review of existing reporting and practice on other development charge models within and outwith Scotland. It then required a more focused look at various models for infrastructure funding which could be applicable in Scotland, with a request for the research team to try and focus in on preferred development charges models which are more likely to function well in Scotland.

The Report comes up with 10 recommendations

More here

Changing the Rules

Extracts

This report analyses consultation responses to the Scottish Government proposals to change the rules that determine what type of householder development needs planning permission.

The findings of the consultation were generally supportive of the principal behind the legislation with a significant majority finding the new classes logical and workable. The majority (44 respondents from 52) felt that the granting of permission, and the new restrictions and conditions were clear and reasonable. New classes which separated enlargements from alterations/improvements were particularly welcomed as were new classes for hard standing, decking and flats. The provision of illustrations within the draft Circular was considered to be very useful in interpreting the regulations and was commented on by many in response to several of the questions within the consultation. There were concerns about some of the new definitions and concepts introduced in the draft Order and many respondents (31) provided a whole range of changes that they felt were necessary to improve the clarity, reasonableness, or application of the draft Order in their local circumstances. There were also significant concerns from some respondents (13) on whether the balance between reducing planning applications and amenity was correct. However, the overall picture was that with clearer definitions, detailed drafting changes, very good guidance and more illustrations the Order and new Classes could be sensible and workable.

More here