Planning reforms backed by Communities Committee

MSP backing for Planning Bill in stage 1 report

News, 10 May 2006

Holyrood's Communities Committee has backed the Scottish Executive's proposed reforms of the planning system.

The proposed changes would see local plans decided by the relevant local authority, while national priority plans would be decided by ministers. Under a new hierarchy of development types, different procedures would apply to planning applications depending on their level of importance.

The Scottish Executive also wants to encourage more public participation in the planning process.

Most of the Communities Committee backed the general principles of the bill at stage 1, as it is seen as a way of boosting economic growth. However, the SNP and the Greens expressed disappointment that there would be no third party right of appeal for local communities.

The parliament is expected to vote on the general principles of the bill later this month.

Events Click for full details Search companies online visit our website Click here for full details click here to get int touch Click

Current News

27.08.08 Shared equity scheme details out

New supply shared equity intended to help people on low incomes get on housing ladder

27.08.08 Prison population hits record levels

More than 8,000 people now locked up; SPS says it can contain but not provide services

26.08.08 Concerns over mortgage requirement change

Society says revised new-build instructions to solicitors not appropriate for Scots market

26.08.08 MSP proposes equity fines for companies

Owners should be accountable for health and safety breaches, says SNP's Wilson

25.08.08 Legislation needed for land management row

Home owners should not be locked in to manintenance agreements, says MP

25.08.08 Special meeting backs Society's strategy

Review group the way to keep up pressure on legal aid, solicitors agree

25.08.08 Eight Scottish law firms in UK top 100

Magazine survey rates firms according to turnover for last year

22.08.08 Lawyers meet to discuss legal aid reforms

Law Society 'puzzled' by Glasgow Bar Association's call for special meeting

22.08.08 Law firm's dress down Fridays benefit charity

£1,000 plus donation to Ayrshire Cancer Support from staff at HBJ Claims Solutions

22.08.08 Meeting to discuss vulnerable witness measures

Justice Secretary and Lord Advocate want to ensure compliance with Act

22.08.08 Call for Chancellor to freeze stamp duty

Edinburgh five hand in petition, saying such a move would help the property market

21.08.08 Flexible insurance deal for guardians agreed

Public Guardian agrees scheme for easier and quicker applicaton process