Planning
The planning system is used to make decisions about future development and the use of land in our towns, cities and countryside. It decides where development should, or should not happen and balances competing demands to make sure that land is used and developed in the long term public interest. The planning system therefore regulates the use of land by granting or refusing planning permission. These decisions are made with reference to the Councils Development Plan for the area.
The Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2007 brought about a radical change to the planning system in Scotland. Through this, the Scottish Government aims to deliver a modern planning system that is:
- Efficient: up to date development plans to be at the heart of an efficient system that provides certainty for users and local people
- Inclusive: local people to be more involved in the decisions that shape the development of their communities.
- Fit For Purpose: with a clear sense of priorities and to address different issues in different ways.
- Sustainable: development to contribute to economic growth that is sustainable. Planning will deliver sustainable development ensuring development is in the right place and of, the right quality.
There are three main part to the planning system:
Development Plans
The development plan sets out the Council's policies and proposals for the use of land in the area, guiding development to the most appropriate locations whilst ensuring that the quality of the built and natural environment is protected. The plan also sets out how any new improved facilities, such as roads, schools and parks will be provided.
Under the new Planning Act, the Council is required to produce a Local Development Plan.
Development Management
This is the term used for describing whether to grant or refuse planning permission. Planning permission is needed for many forms of development ranging from installing a satellite dish to building a new housing estate. The planning service deals with around 1000 applications a year. You can learn more about the process of making a planning application, viewing applications on-line and commenting on applications.
Enforcement
If something is built without planning permission, or if conditions attached to planning permission are not followed, the Council can use enforcement powers to regularise the situation. Enforcement is important in ensuring that everyone stays within planning law and the conditions of their planning permission. If you want to learn more about enforcement matters and the Council's Enforcement Charter.Enforcement
In association to the above, the planning service also has a number of specialists who are concerned with Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings, Archaeology, Landscape Architecture and Tree Preservation.
Modernising Planning
The planning system in Scotland was subjected to the introduction of significant changes on the 3rd of August 2009. These include changes to application types, neighbour notification being undertaken by councils, ways in which applications are processed and the rights of appeal. View a summary of the main changes. Your can view the Council's Scheme of Delegations.
Further Information
You may be interested in our current Planning Newsletter.
Further information on the planning system in Scotland can be obtained from the Scottish Government. An easy to read guide to the Scottish Planning System is available to read.
If you are considering employing a Chartered Architect or Chartered Architectural Technologist, you may find the following links useful. The RIAS is the professional body for all Chartered Architects in Scotland, similarly the CIAT is the only qualifying body for Architecture Technology and represents over 700 Chartered Architectural Technologists and Architectural Technicians in Scotland.
