31 October 2008
By David Scott
The Scottish Government is proposing to cut red tape and speed up the planning system to help the economy.
In a statement on October 28, Finance Secretary John Swinney announced a wide-ranging package of improvements to make Scotland's planning system 'leaner and fitter'.
The changes will require faster council decision-making on 'high-quality applications'.
Other proposals include a simpler and more open planning process; a requirement for government agencies to focus on matters of genuine national interest; and a new electronic planning system.
The plans were developed jointly with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other public sector agencies.
Swinney described the proposals as a 'fundamental shift' in the approach to planning. He added: 'Planning reform needs to help, not hinder, the economy especially in the current climate.'
David Thorburn, chair of CBI Scotland, welcomed the reforms, saying planning delays were costing Scotland £600m a year in lost turnover and investment.
PFoct2008
