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Speeding up the planning sytem
15/11/2009
The rate at which planning appeals are being dealt with has increased, according to figures published today.
In the last six months, more than 80 per cent of written planning appeals were dealt with within 12 weeks. This compares to 27 per cent in the year 2008-09, and only six per cent in 2007/08.
This means the average time taken to decide written planning appeals is now 11 weeks - compared to an average of 16 weeks over the past five years.
Finance Secretary John Swinney said that the Scottish Government has stepped up the pace of delivery in a move which will help fuel recovery by giving greater certainty of decision-making speed in a 'challenging economic climate'.
Mr Swinney said:
"When contesting planning decisions, it is only right that developers are given an answer as soon as possible. Last year, the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals handled developments worth in excess of £2 billion to Scotland's economy.
"The extraordinary progress we have made in making faster decisions is hugely welcome, and demonstrates the seriousness we attach to government activity on regulation and planning supporting economic development.
"This shows that we are not only listening to but also acting decisively on the concerns of the business community. When we came to office the call for this type of action was a central concern often emphasised by business organisations. While we are far from the end of the process, we are making significant progress which is particularly important in an economic downturn, when developers need certainty and an increasingly efficient planning system. The Scottish Government will continue to build on the progress made through our efforts to position Scotland's economy for recovery."
Seven per cent of written planning appeals were dealt with within 12 weeks in 2004/5, 2005/6, 2006/7 and six per cent in 2007/08