Whether it has any plans to amend the planning system following consideration of the responses to the consultation paper Land Use Planning …

It is clear from the responses to the consultation paper on Land Use Planning under a Scottish Parliament that while there is no major public outcry for massive change to the main elements of the planning system, there is equally no room for complacency about the effectiveness of the system. The overwhelming conclusion I draw is that priority should be given to make the system work better than it does at present.The main criticisms are that it is too slow, too bureaucratic and too negative. Those views were aired in the responses to the consultation paper and have come from a number of other quarters in recent months. In particular, from the construction industry, the retail sector and the financial sector in the Pathfinders to Parliament report where the need for greater vision in planning and speeding up planning decisions was strongly highlighted. Some of the criticisms are justified and we need to address them.The basic components of the system are in place but they need to work more efficiently and effectively. I should make it clear that, while I do not intend to disturb the arrangements for structure and local plans, that does not mean that I will turn a deaf ear to credible alternative proposals. But they must go beyond aims and aspirations. They must command widespread support and they must be workable.We need to change the perception of planning and the performance of the system and I propose to address this. As Planning Minister I intend to play my part in ensuring that the Scottish Executive plays a full part in re-energising the planning systemLocal authorities have a key responsibility too. So do others, including the private sector and the key agencies who need to be more active in the process at an early stage. It seems to me that the development industry uses up too much energy opposing policies in development plans rather than constructively contributing to policy development at an early stage to ensure that policies are right first time. I urge the private sector and local authorities to work in partnership to create long-term development frameworks. It is a process in which local communities should also be fully involved. We need to work together.I want planning to be positive. I want it to be seen as a service and activity that is recognised as much for its enabling role as for its regulatory function. It needs to earn that recognition by demonstrating not just Best Value but added value.I am today announcing new measures at the annual conference of the Scottish branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute. I have placed copies of my speech in SPICe but the following is a summary of the main changes I am introducing:new arrangements for preparing National Planning Policy Guidelines (NPPGs), to ensure more openness, transparency and inclusion. As part of the new approach, we will announce our intention to prepare or revise NPPGs in advance.
our immediate priority is to start by revising NPPG1 on the planning system and NPPG6 on renewable energy.
action to reduce the 12 month target for Scottish Ministers to approve structure plans.
the need for clearer long-term vision in structure plans.
that I am looking at introducing timetables for local and structure plan preparation etc.
that the focus of the Planning Audit Unit's work with councils will move to development planning
the production, jointly with COSLA, of a training manual and code of conduct for councillors; and
our intention to prepare an "easy read" guide to the planning system
I believe that these measures when taken together will, over time, help to make the system work better. I look to others, however, to play their part as well. I will be keeping a close eye on developments and will act if I do not see appropriate improvements.