Scottish Government signals infrastructure and housing planning reforms

The time is right for further improvements to the nation’s planning system, social justice secretary Alex Neil will underline at a planning conference in Edinburgh today.

Ten years since planning reform began with the publication of a white paper, Mr Neil will soon announce plans to consult on further reforms to the planning system.

The Scottish Government wants to improve and streamline development planning and housing delivery and this is expected to be a focus of a national discussion in the coming year.

New advice to improve planning for infrastructure and housing across Scotland is set to be unveiled towards the end of the year.

Delivering the keynote address at the Scottish Planning Policy Conference, Mr Neil will say: “Modern planning policy can make a real difference to the places where people live and work. Much has been achieved in the past 10 years, which has seen major changes, for the better, in the planning system.

“But I recognise that more needs to be done to deliver on our aspirations for a high performing planning system. The vision of a truly inclusive planning system is best served by continuous improvement of existing procedure and systems, led by innovative approaches to stakeholder engagement.

“I will work with all those involved in the planning system to develop proposals for further reforms in more detail, later this year.”

National Planning Framework 3