Written Question · S1W-16627 · Session 1
Whether the recommendations for action set out in Annex 3 of the Third Annual Report of the Planning and Audit Unit 2001 have been implemen…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recommendations for action set out in Annex 3 of the Third Annual Report of the Planning and Audit Unit 2001 have been implemented; if not, what the reason is for its position in each case and when it intends to implement the recommendations.
The answer
The recommendations set out in Annex 3 of the Third Annual Report of the Planning and Audit Unit 2001 are being progressed as follows:Performance StatisticsA performance monitoring database has been set up and is in operation. When it has been operating long enough to yield robust statistics, targets for improvement can be set.
ConsultationA system to advise planning authorities where consultations cannot be dealt with in 14 days has been set up and is working well. Setting a timetable for the consultation process is likely to be misleading and better communication with planning officers is suggested as an alternative.
Good progress is being made with developing electronic communications, although technical problems remain.
Progress on revising the consultation forms depends on planning authorities standardising their planning application forms to include the information required by the trunk road authority. This proposal was discussed with local authorities but there has been no formal response to date.
Pre-application adviceApplicants are encouraged to consult the Scottish Executive Road Network Management and Maintenance Division (RNMMD) at the earliest possible stage to speed up the consultation process.
The need for further planning adviceIt has been decided not to seek revision of the Town & Country Planning Scotland General Development Procedure (Scotland) Order 1992, but revised advice is contained in Planning Advice Note 40 Development Control. Consultants have been commissioned to advise by the end of 2001 on guidance on transport assessment for development proposals in Scotland. Together with the output of other research on key development sites and on achieving sustainable mode share, the research output will inform further good practice Planning Advice programmed for 2002.
The need for further trunk road adviceRoute strategies are under active consideration.
We have effectively achieved a one-door approach to the Operating Companies. A copy of the consultation form only is sent to RNMMD to enable them to monitor performance.
Consideration is still being given as to how best to keep planning authorities informed of progress.
A library of standard conditions is in use, and is subject to constant revision and updating.
It is the view of RNMMD that the current wording of conditions complies with the law.
ConsultationA system to advise planning authorities where consultations cannot be dealt with in 14 days has been set up and is working well. Setting a timetable for the consultation process is likely to be misleading and better communication with planning officers is suggested as an alternative.
Good progress is being made with developing electronic communications, although technical problems remain.
Progress on revising the consultation forms depends on planning authorities standardising their planning application forms to include the information required by the trunk road authority. This proposal was discussed with local authorities but there has been no formal response to date.
Pre-application adviceApplicants are encouraged to consult the Scottish Executive Road Network Management and Maintenance Division (RNMMD) at the earliest possible stage to speed up the consultation process.
The need for further planning adviceIt has been decided not to seek revision of the Town & Country Planning Scotland General Development Procedure (Scotland) Order 1992, but revised advice is contained in Planning Advice Note 40 Development Control. Consultants have been commissioned to advise by the end of 2001 on guidance on transport assessment for development proposals in Scotland. Together with the output of other research on key development sites and on achieving sustainable mode share, the research output will inform further good practice Planning Advice programmed for 2002.
The need for further trunk road adviceRoute strategies are under active consideration.
We have effectively achieved a one-door approach to the Operating Companies. A copy of the consultation form only is sent to RNMMD to enable them to monitor performance.
Consideration is still being given as to how best to keep planning authorities informed of progress.
A library of standard conditions is in use, and is subject to constant revision and updating.
It is the view of RNMMD that the current wording of conditions complies with the law.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-16627 by reference.