Question reference: S6W-01125
- Asked by: Emma Harper, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 23 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 20 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reported plans to develop a shooting range in Eskadalemuir, and related concerns raised over safety and noise, whether it will review the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, in order to bring the licencing of shooting ranges under the control of the Scottish Government.
Answer
Licensing of shooting ranges and gun clubs is a function of Police Scotland and is not part of the planning system.
Decisions on planning applications, including for shooting ranges, are primarily a matter for the relevant planning authority. Scottish planning policy sets out that planning decisions should be made at the most local level appropriate wherever possible. Where a planning authority were to refuse permission the applicant has the right of appeal which would be either to the Local Review Body or to Scottish Ministers.
Scottish Ministers have the power under current legislation to ‘call-in’ any application for their own determination. While Ministers exercise these powers sparingly, it is open to any individual to contact the Scottish Ministers to request call-in of any application prior to a decision being issued by the planning authority.
The Scottish Government has no plans at this time to review the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019.