Written Question · S6W-27913 · Session 6
Further to the answer to question S6W-27611 by Ivan McKee on 23 May 2024, what further steps it is considering to unlock developments for e…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-27611 by Ivan McKee on 23 May 2024, what further steps it is considering to unlock developments for economic growth and housebuilding, in light of any lengthy planning delays.
The answer
We are taking forward a range of actions to ensure that the planning system supports economic growth and house building.
We remain committed to working collaboratively with all those with an interest in planning and housing to deliver good quality homes in the right location. We are working with industry and others to take forward a number of short-term actions, including working with SME housebuilders to understand how we can support them better, and sharing good practice on implementing Statements of Community Benefit. At a recent evidence session with the Local Government, Planning and Housing Committee, Scottish Government officials indicated that we will shortly communicate a message, following the recent legal proceedings relating to policy 16 of National Planning Framework.
The Planning Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group, was set up with the aim of driving forward joined up, place based delivery of infrastructure. The group is investigating the issues of funding and finance affecting the delivery of infrastructure in order to identify actions and solutions which could have wider applicability. The group are expected to report on findings in the near future.
We are also now working on the implementation of Masterplan Consent Areas regulations following a public consultation which closed on 22 May. MCAs are a new consenting mechanism to support place-leadership, providing certainty by bringing forward consented development-ready land, supporting economic growth.
Our consultation “Investing in Planning – A consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system” closed on 31 May. The consultation sought views on a range of proposals which could deliver a more proportionate and streamlined planning system in Scotland. The consultation included a proposal to establish a Planning Hub, which could provide much needed resilience for authorities and support improvements in decision making timescales.
Early findings from the consultation will be presented to the High Level Group on Planning Performance, which brings together key stakeholders who play an important role in delivering the planning system in Scotland, later this month.
The National Planning Improvement Champion (NPIC) is working with individual planning authorities to pilot a new National Planning Improvement Framework. Planning authorities will carry out a self-assessment and then work with the NPIC and others to identify areas for improvement and develop an action plan.
We remain committed to working collaboratively with all those with an interest in planning and housing to deliver good quality homes in the right location. We are working with industry and others to take forward a number of short-term actions, including working with SME housebuilders to understand how we can support them better, and sharing good practice on implementing Statements of Community Benefit. At a recent evidence session with the Local Government, Planning and Housing Committee, Scottish Government officials indicated that we will shortly communicate a message, following the recent legal proceedings relating to policy 16 of National Planning Framework.
The Planning Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group, was set up with the aim of driving forward joined up, place based delivery of infrastructure. The group is investigating the issues of funding and finance affecting the delivery of infrastructure in order to identify actions and solutions which could have wider applicability. The group are expected to report on findings in the near future.
We are also now working on the implementation of Masterplan Consent Areas regulations following a public consultation which closed on 22 May. MCAs are a new consenting mechanism to support place-leadership, providing certainty by bringing forward consented development-ready land, supporting economic growth.
Our consultation “Investing in Planning – A consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system” closed on 31 May. The consultation sought views on a range of proposals which could deliver a more proportionate and streamlined planning system in Scotland. The consultation included a proposal to establish a Planning Hub, which could provide much needed resilience for authorities and support improvements in decision making timescales.
Early findings from the consultation will be presented to the High Level Group on Planning Performance, which brings together key stakeholders who play an important role in delivering the planning system in Scotland, later this month.
The National Planning Improvement Champion (NPIC) is working with individual planning authorities to pilot a new National Planning Improvement Framework. Planning authorities will carry out a self-assessment and then work with the NPIC and others to identify areas for improvement and develop an action plan.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-27913 by reference.