Current status: Answered by Stewart Stevenson on 5 November 2007
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it believes that the public inquiry process provides a level playing field for community groups to fight planning applications on an equal basis to private companies.
Participation in publiclocal inquiries by interested bodies or groups is encouraged by Scottishministers and there is no obligation for parties to be represented professionally.Where the inquiry concerns an appeal the community generally appears in supportof a refusal of planning permission by the planning authority and can reasonablylook to them to take the lead in assessing relevant planning considerations. Reportersfrom the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) will take intoconsideration the level of experience of parties and will ensure that they understandthe proceedings, together with their rights and the obligations that come with thoserights. Their overall objective will be to ensure fairness, whilst also ensuringthat evidence led is relevant and not subject to repetition. It is the experienceof reporters from the DPEA and Scottish ministers that community groups are capableof presenting their evidence to inquiries on an equal basis to private companies.