Question reference: S5W-27992
- Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 17 March 2020
-
Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 31 March 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the advice that it is issuing to help control the spread of COVID-19, what action it is considering in relation to the planning system for large-scale projects, such as wind farm developments, where public consultation might be curtailed.
Answer
The Scottish Government is urgently considering the need for legislation and guidance in relation to the continued operation of the planning system during the COVID 19 emergency. As part of this we are proposing legislation to temporarily suspend the statutory requirement for a public event in relation to pre-application consultation on major and national developments, given the need to avoid public gatherings. Pre-application consultation will remain an important element of the planning process, and we expect alternatives, such as online opportunities, to enable local communities to influence the planning process in the meantime. A Chief Planner letter will be issued shortly setting out our position on this and other aspects of our response on planning issues.