Question reference: S5W-01781
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 4 August 2016
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 24 August 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what policy position determines its use of powers to become involved in non-strategic/non-infrastructure planning applications that have not become stalled in the planning process.
Answer
Scottish Planning Policy provides the policy context for Ministers’ expectations for the planning system. This underlines the importance of all those involved working together constructively and proportionately to achieve quality places. Whilst Scottish Ministers and planning authorities have respective formal roles which need to be respected, clear communication between all parties, including statutory agencies and Government can facilitate discussion and support efficient operation of the planning service. The Chief Planner’s brokerage role was reflected in the Government’s Economic Strategy (2011). However, any brokerage or discussion on individual cases is only progressed with the agreement of the principal parties and respecting the statutory role of both Ministers and planning authorities in the planning process.