Scottish Government

Planning Bulletin

Issue No 20 December 2001

Designing Places - Review of Strategic Planning - Getting Involved in Planning -New NPPGs & PANs

This document is also available in pdf format

Foreword

Iain Gray MSP
Minister for Social Justice

Margaret Curran MSP
Deputy Minister for Social Justice

New Ministerial Team

Iain Gray was appointed as Cabinet Minister for Social Justice in November, with responsibilities for planning. The deputy minister is Margaret Curran.

The new Ministerial team are committed to building on the recent progress towards modernising the planning system. They are determined that the Executive should continue its inclusive approach to policy making in planning - involving communities and other stakeholders to deliver better outcomes. Cross-cutting government is only meaningful if policies for housing, economic development, social inclusion, transport and the environment are connected and not considered in isolation. This concept has become ever more embedded in the work of the Executive. Iain Gray said "I am pleased to have responsibility for planning. It has an important role to play in delivering social justice in Scotland."

RTPI speech

The new Ministerial team will oversee work to modernise the planning system. Progress on a number of existing commitments was outlined by Sarah Boyack, the then Minister for Transport and Planning, when she addressed the Annual Conference of the Scottish Branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute on the 16th November.

In her Conference speech, Ms Boyack highlighted a number of key areas where an inclusive and cross-cutting approach is being applied.

"The review of strategic planning is one of the most important reviews we have or will undertake. It is crucial to delivering successfully on so many of our objectives... I am pleased that the way we are conducting the Review has been singled out for praise. We have placed great emphasis on being open and inclusive from the start of the exercise."

An excellent start has been made by the Executive on the review of strategic planning, and the level and nature of consultation responses demonstrates that it has tapped into a desire for change with a set of proposals that have engaged people. The review is being conducted at the same time as the Executive's Cities Review.

The Minister noted there has also been progress in reviewing NPPGs 2 and 3. "We have continued with the inclusive approach to policy development, are reaching out to a wider range of business and private sector interests than in similar exercises in the past."

Public involvement is also a long established part of our planning system, which requires effective consultation arrangements and better access to planning information, a point emphasised in the speech.

"We have made a specific commitment to encourage more effective public involvement in planning. Planning is about people, and everyone has a right to be consulted about and to contribute to plans or decisions that affect their future"

Effective involvement also connects with the Executive's underlying principles of social justice and sustainable development, and here the Executive is determined to grasp the nettle and open up the planning process in Scotland. The Minister was therefore delighted to launch the consultation paper 'Getting Involved in Planning'.

Earlier that day Lewis Macdonald the Deputy Minister for Transport and Planning, launched the publication, 'Designing Places', in Glasgow. Designing Places is the first statement from the Executive to set out aspirations on design and the role of the planning system

Drawing together all these points Sarah Boyack concluded by recognising... "The challenge we now face is to deliver an ambitious programme of reform which will allow the planning system to play its full role in a confident, competitive and compassionate Scotland. I believe we are well on the way to doing that."

Developments at Victoria Quay

Nicola Munro
Head of Development Department

Nicola Munro became head of the Scottish Executive Development Department in August this year, following Kenneth Mackenzie's retirement. During a varied civil service career, she has seen Scotland's planning system from many perspectives. These include urban regeneration, local economic development, and - most recently -environmental policy.

Her new brief includes functions that relate heavily to planning, like transport, housing and area regeneration.

"This is an exciting time to arrive", she says. "There are big decisions to take following consultation on strategic planning in Scotland. The public's role in planning is being re-examined. We have published the first general statement on raising the standard of development in urban and rural Scotland. We are set to modernise Scotland's building regulation arrangements. And key national planning policies on housing and industry are being brought up to date."

This year's bulletin contains articles on all of the topics mentioned in the Foreword. In addition, it contains features on Scotland's new National Parks, Renewable Energy, the Planning Awards, as well as full details of research projects, NPPGs and PANs.

Further information on the subjects covered in this issue as well as an electronic version of the bulletin are also available at our web-site: www.scotland.gov.uk/planning

Review of Strategic Planning

Edinburgh, Old Town

Aberdeen, Union Street

The Review of Strategic Planning was issued as a consultation paper in June 2001. The main proposals were to:

• Prepare a National Planning Framework;
• Require Strategic Development Plans (SDP) only for the four city regions;
• Make a public examination of SDPs mandatory;
• Replace Ministerial approval of structure plans with a certificate of conformity for SDPs and Local Development Plans (LDP); and
• Require action plans to be prepared for both SDPs and LDPs every two years.

The consultation paper was prepared in an inclusive way. Proposals were drawn up after discussions with local authorities, agencies, professional and academic bodies, voluntary organisations, transport operators and other interests from the development industry. We held a seminar on 29 May 2001 to facilitate discussion with key stakeholders. During the consultation period, further presentations were given on request to organisations such as the CBI, Scottish Housebuilders Association, RICS, SNH and local RTPI chapters.

The consultation period ended on 31 October 2001. Over 300 responses were submitted by a wide range of individuals and organisations. Around half of the responses relate to concerns about implications for Fife.

From a first view of the responses it is clear that a number of elements in the proposals have attracted considerable support, most notably the idea of a National Planning Framework. The idea of model policies also appears to be widely favoured. While there is strong support for removing the blanket requirement for structure plans, there is far less general agreement with the suggestion that Strategic Development Plans should only be prepared for the largest 4 city regions. Fife Council and many individual communities in Fife have reacted strongly against this proposal. In Ayrshire, there appears to be strong support for retaining the area as a strategic development planning unit. Perth and Kinross Council are also keen to retain their status as a structure plan authority.

There are signs that some rural authorities, while welcoming the proposal to dispense with 2 tiers of development planning, have some concerns that they will end up in a "second division" as far as planning is concerned.

Perthshire

Inevitably there are questions about detailed procedures. Who should pay for examinations in public? Is the process of public examination moderated by a Reporter sufficiently rigorous? Will these examinations prove to be endless local plan type inquiries? Does the certificate of conformity give the appropriate status to development plans?

We have appointed an independent consultant to analyse the responses in detail. Their final Report is due at the end of January. Before then we propose to re-convene the seminar held last May, to give some feedback on the results of the consultation and explore some of the main issues raised.

We are hoping to announce our conclusions in the spring.

For further information on the Review of Strategic Planning
contact: Rosie Grant on 0131 244 7553 e-mail: rosie.grant@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
www.scotland.gov.uk/planning/consult

The Cities Review

Our cities are a key indicator of the health of our nation. Over one third of Scotland's population live in our cities and three quarters of Scotland's economic activity takes place in them. They exert a far reaching influence on their surrounding regions, providing jobs, leisure and retail opportunities and creating, in response, demand for housing, education, and transport.

That is why the Executive is currently undertaking a review of the prospects of Scotland's five cities. Some of the issues considered are common to all the cities, but the particular circumstances facing each are unique and the nature of the opportunities and challenges facing each quite different.

The review will examine the impact that our policies have had to date on our cities, and what we, in partnership with local councils and other public and private sector agencies, can do to improve their prospects for the future.

Ministers will ensure that the policy conclusions from the review of strategic planning and the consultations on neighbourhood renewal are joined up and that together they will provide a new framework for the development and regeneration of our cities and their surrounding regions.

Our aim is to produce a wide ranging action plan for the future success of our cities, which can act as a blueprint for the development of future policy proposals.

For further information on The Cities Review contact: Neil Langhorn on 0131 244 2611. e-mail: neil.langhorn@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Designing places
A Policy on Architecture for Scotland

In November 2000, at the Annual Conference of the Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland, the then Planning Minister, Sam Galbraith announced that he wanted to raise the standard of development in urban and rural Scotland. His concern was that too many places lacked distinctiveness. There was too much sameness and no adequate answer to the question "where are the conservation areas of tomorrow?".

NPPG 1 (Revised 2000): The Planning System restates the importance of high quality design in decision making in planning. The Scottish Executive has also issued a number of Planning Advice Notes on best practice, for example on the siting and design of housing in the countryside, small towns and town centre improvement. But these deal with particular aspects of quality and development. What we did not have was a general statement setting out the Executive's aspirations for design and the role of the planning system in delivering these.

The launch of the policy statement Designing Places by Lewis Macdonald fills that gap. It is the first policy statement of its kind in Scotland. The aim of the document is to demystify urban design and to demonstrate how the value of design can contribute to the quality of all our lives.

Designing Places was written by Robert Cowan, an urban designer and author. The content of the document was overseen by a Steering Group consisting of Scottish Executive officials and outside interests. Represented on the Group were the Urban Design Alliance (which embraces the Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland), planning and architecture schools, local authority officials, architects, landscape architects and transport planners. This was a very different, but successful, approach to developing and writing policy.

What the Executive has not set out to do is produce a manual on urban design. There are many documents of this nature about. The focus was, instead, on communicating the importance of raising design standards in urban and rural Scotland, the benefits of good design, the costs of bad design, the qualities of successful places, the role of the planning system in delivering these and the importance of education and training for councillors and officials.

Designing Places sits alongside the policy on architecture, which was launched in October. They both share an overall aim to improve the life of the people of Scotland through improving the quality of our built environment. Achieving this depends on recognising the value of good design at all scales of development. Individually, buildings accommodate our activities, but collectively they define and shape our towns and cities and have the potential to irrevocably alter the character of our rural areas. A drive for quality cannot, therefore, focus solely on individual buildings - but must be concerned with the way that buildings, new and old, work together and create the spaces which determine our quality of life.

We will continue to press the case for higher design standards in development and Designing Places will provide the basis for a series of future Planning Advice Notes dealing with more detailed aspects of design. This will ensure that the issue is kept at the top of our agenda for planning and help us refute criticisms that the Executive are interested in speed of decision making at the expense of quality.

There are no single or simple solutions to raising the standard of development in urban and rural Scotland. But Designing Places shows where we can start. Good design is an integral part of a confident, competitive and compassionate Scotland. Everyone involved in shaping the built environment can play a part in designing places.

Dundee, City Centre

For further information on Designing Places contact:
Sue Whitty on
0131 244 7551
e-mail: susan.whitty@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
www.scotland.gov.uk/planning

The Executive is committed to improving the quality of our buildings and has published a series of architectural policy documents.
For further information on Architectural Policy contact the Architectural Policy Unit on 0131 244 7454, e-mail:architecture@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Getting involved in Planning

Involving people is part of the Scottish planning system. On 16 November Sarah Boyack MSP, the then Minister for Transport and Planning, announced the Executive's consultation: Getting involved in planning. The new consultation paper reviews arrangements, looks at scope for improvements, and highlights some benefits of new technology like the internet.

Ministers are determined to make the planning system accessible and open to everyone whatever their age, sex, ability or cultural background. We want to see wider access to planning information. And we want to see clearer explanations so that people can to satisfy themselves that taking part in the process has been worthwhile. We have to do this without holding up decision-making, seeking out the best ways, through a combination of common sense, well-tried approaches, and new techniques.

The time is right to look afresh at this aspect of planning. People have suggested improvements to the system and we want to take some of them forward. And of course effective public involvement ties in with the Executive's key principles of openness, transparency and public accountability.

Councils will need to be alert to groups with special needs like ethnic minorities and the disabled. New ways of communicating give us the chance to do many things more efficiently, and change is happening fast. The Scottish Executive is committed to making sure technology is available to support high quality, efficient and joined-up public services and is taking this forward under the banner 21st Century Government. Best value is the way for councils to work towards better delivery of their services. An important part of Best Value is getting a customer view of the service, and many Scottish planning authorities are already seeking that feedback on the planning service they offer.

Our planning system aims to protect the rights of the individual, but there are times when people may not feel the system has treated them fairly. Complaints have been made about arrangements for notifying neighbours, poor communication, and things happening nearby without proper planning consent. It's important for people's confidence in the system that the arrangements for public involvement work properly.

Public involvement requires a planning system that's accessible to all: men and women, young and old, with no groups excluded. Authorities will have to check their arrangements for access to planning information and service to make sure that this is so, targeting groups that might otherwise find it difficult to contribute. Special approaches and events can help people, groups and communities to understand and influence their local surroundings.

For many people, learning and involvement go hand in hand. If people are to take part in shaping the future of their surroundings, their scope to contribute may depend on their chances to learn about the way planning and development works. Often, opportunities can be created by providing more information during the planning process, and encouraging links with people who have experience to share. Training can also help.

People need easy access to offices and professional staff. Planning documents should be in plain language. Many councils have improved customer care in planning and it is important to look again at how arrangements are working and to get feedback from people who use the service.

Here are some of the main proposals for change.

• Community-based consultation forums for planning
• Neighbour notification for new land use proposals in development plans
• New arrangements for Local Plan Inquiries and adopting local plans, with more weight to Reporters' recommendations
• Standard national Planning Application Forms
• Neighbour notification on applications to be carried out by councils, putting proposals on public view from the start
• Providing more information to neighbours in the notification process
• Extending the period for making representations
• Introducing neighbour notification for enforcement and some advertisement cases
• Reduced period for lodging Planning Appeals from 6 to 2 months
• Regular national consultation to identify problems and good practice in Scotland.
• New working group to co-ordinate central and local use of information technology for information & service, and identify good practice
• National Planning Helpline links to local sources of information and advice
• Investigate possible long-term funding for Planning Aid's work in community training and support

Copies of the easy-read guide, the full consultation paper and the questionnaire
are available through the Planning Helpline tel: 0345 741741 and on the internet www.scotland.gov.uk/planning.
For further enquiries, or to comment on the proposals
telephone 0131 244 7059, or e:mail public.involvement@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

National Planning Policy Guidelines (NPPGs)

Grangemouth, Falkirk

Review of NPPG2: Business and Industry

This guidance, originally issued in 1993, is currently being reviewed. There have been significant market changes over the last decade and further restructuring is expected as Scotland moves towards a 'knowledge based' economy. There is also a need to set planning policy within the wider economic policy context provided by the recent Scottish Executive publications Framework for Economic Development in Scotland, and A Smart Successful Scotland - Ambitions for the Enterprise Network, and to take account of other policies on social justice, sustainable development, transport, the environment and design.

A scoping paper was issued in April and the responses provided valuable input about concerns and issues. Seminars in September with key interests helped to refine what the NPPG should cover. A revised NPPG is currently being prepared and it is hoped to issue a consultation draft around the beginning of 2002.

Consultation draft of NPPG 3: Housing

The Hays, Craigmillar, Edinburgh

The value of good design in new housing will be a key message in the draft NPPG, reflecting the policy on urban design in 'Designing Places'. The planning system should promote attractive, sustainable forms of development, as well as fitting housing within broader settlement strategies, and both planning authorities and housing providers are encouraged to consider design much earlier in the development process.

The NPPG also aims to indicate ways in which the process of providing for housing land could become more responsive, increasing the pace at which plans are updated and adopted. This is vital to ensuring that the plan-led system works. The Scottish Executive believes that this can be achieved by reducing the emphasis upon precise forecasts of housing land requirement over the mid to long term, with close monitoring of completions, land availability and future demand, and more frequent revision of plans.

A consultation draft of revised NPPG 3 is due early in the new year.

St Andrews, Fife

NPPG17 Addendum: Transport and Planning Maximum Parking Standards

NPPG17 Transport and Planning was published in April 1999. In referring to the role of maximum parking standards in reducing the dominance of the car in accessing new developments, it indicated that further guidance would be published in due course. Following research published in July 2000 ( Integrated Policy Approach to the Transport and Land Use Planning Aspects of Development Applications, Scottish Executive Transport Research Series) a draft addendum to NPPG17 will be published for consultation in 2002, accompanied by a draft Regulatory Impact Assessment document, whose role is to assess the impact on business and the community of the measures proposed. The draft includes national maximum standards for 7 key travel generating land uses above specified size thresholds. The consultation period runs until 31st March 2002.

Planning Advice Notes (PANs)

Open Space: New PAN

Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen

Work is underway on a Planning Advice Note on Open Space, which follows research carried out by Kit Campbell Associates and published by the Scottish Executive in March 2001 titled 'Rethinking Open Space.' The PAN will complement NPPG11 on Sport, Physical Recreation and Open Space and will take a more detailed look at the value, types and functions of open space. It will give more advice on the preparation of open space strategies, which are seen as vital in bringing together land use planning and asset management staff in local authorities and in setting the framework for other related strategies and for decisions on individual planning applications. The PAN will emphasise the importance of co-ordinated and innovative approaches to open space management and give examples where appropriate. We expect to publish the PAN in spring 2002.

Radio Telecommunications (NPPG and PAN)

The new arrangements for radio telecommunications, including mobile phone masts, are now in place. NPPG 19 sets out the Executive's policy in support of the amendment to the GDPO which brought ground based masts and a range of other development under full planning control. Best practice advice on siting and design is provided in PAN 62 including numerous illustrations. It also contains information on radio systems and their infrastructure.

Contact details for PANs

National Planning Policy Guidelines (NPPGs)
Statements of Scottish Executive Policy on nationally important land use

NPPG 1 The Planning System
(Revised November 2000)
Contents: The Purpose of the Planning System. The Planning System and the wider objectives of the Scottish Executive. European Dimension. Development Plans. Development Control.
The Planning Service.
Contact: Roger Kelly
Tel. 0131 244 7526
email: roger.kelly@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 2 Business and Industry (November 1994)
Contents: Policy Context. The Changing Scene. Policy Guidelines. Action Required. National Locational Guidelines. Planning Applications Likely to Raise a National Issue.
Contact: Ken Jobling
Tel. 0131 244 7548
email: ken.jobling@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 3 Land for Housing
(Revised November 1996)
Contents: Policy Context. Policy Guidelines. Action Required. Glossary.
Contact: Helen Curry
Tel. 0131 244 7535
email: helen.curry@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 4 Land for Mineral Working
(April 1994)
Contents: Policy Context. Policy Guidelines: General Principles. Locational Considerations. Operational Considerations. Additional Policy Guidelines for Individual Minerals. Action Required.
Contact: Brian Spiers
Tel. 0131 244 7546
email: brian.spiers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 5 Archaeology and Planning
(January 1994)
Contents: Policy Context. Background Information. Policy Guidelines. Action Required.
Contact: David Leven
Tel. 0131 244 7530
email: david.leven@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 6 Renewable Energy Developments
(Revised November 2000)
Contents: Policy Context. Policy Guidelines. Locational Considerations. EIA. Tourism and Recreation. Proximity to Settlements. Wind. Hydro. Biomass. Energy from Waste. Wave. Offshore Developments.
Contact: Brian Spiers
Tel: 0131 244 7546
email: brian.spiers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 7 Planning and Flooding
(September 1995)
Contents: Policy and Legislative Context. Background Information. Policy Guidelines. Action Required. Annexes on Responsibilities for Dealing with Flood Hazard and Relevant Acts of Parliament with their Main Provisions.
Contact: Nick Evans
Tel. 0131 244 7552
email: nick.evans@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 8 Town Centres and Retailing
(Revised October 1998)
Contents: Policy Context. Policy Guidelines: General Principles. Policy Guidelines: Town Centres. Assessing New Developments. Supplementary Guidance for Particular Retail/Leisure Developments. Action Required.
Contact: Ken Jobling
Tel. 0131 244 7548
email: ken.jobling@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 9 The Provision of Roadside Facilities on Motorways and Other Trunk Roads in Scotland
(March 1996)
Contents: Policy Context. Policy Guidelines. Locational Considerations. Action Required.
Contact: Tom Williamson
Tel. 0131 244 7531
email: tom.williamson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 10 Planning and Waste Management
(March 1996)
Contents: Policy and Legislative Context. Background Information. Policy Guidelines: General Principles. Additional Guidelines for Specific Waste Management Options. Action Required. Annex on Restoration, Aftercare and after-Use of Landfill Sites.
Contact: Graham Marchbank:
Tel. 0131 244 7525
email: graham.marchbank@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 11 Sport, Physical Recreation and Open Space (June 1996)
Contents: Policy Context. Background Information. Policy Guidelines. Additional Guidelines for Particular Sports. Action Required. Annex on Sports Recognised by the Scottish Sports Council.
Contact: Tom Hardie
Tel. 0131 244 7554
email: tom.hardie@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 12 Skiing Developments
(June 1997)
Contents: Policy Context. Background - Skiing in Scotland. Guidelines for Skiing Developments. Area Guidelines. Action Required.
Contact: Alan Denham
Tel. 0131 244 7528
email: alan.denham@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 13 Coastal Planning (August 1997)
Contents: The Coast. Policy Context. Planning for the Coast: General Approach. Policy Guidelines: General Principles. Additional Guidelines for Development which may Require a Coastal Location. Action Required. Non-Statutory Plans.
Contact: Steve Dowell
Tel. 0131 244 3108
email: steve.dowell@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 14 Natural Heritage (January 1999)

Contents: Policy Context. Scottish Natural Heritage. Natural Heritage and Land Use Planning. Statutory Designations. The Wider Natural Heritage. Action Required. Other Relevant Guidance and Advice.
Contact: Steve Dowell
Tel. 0131 244 3108
email: steve.dowell@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 15 Rural Development (February 1999)
Contents: Introduction: Rural Diversity and Current Issues and Approaches in Development Plans. Policy Context. Policy Guidelines. Action Required. Annex: Role of Key Agencies and The Scottish Office in Rural Development. European Funding Sources.
Contact: Tom Hardie
Tel. 0131 244 7554
email: tom.hardie@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 16 Opencast Coal and Related Minerals
(March 1999)
Contents: Policy Context. Policy Guidelines: General Principles. Policy Guidelines: Operational Considerations. Safeguarding of Existing Communities and the Local Environment. Development Applications. Annex: The Coal Authority.
Contact: Brian Spiers
Tel. 0131 244 7546
email: brian.spiers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 17 Transport and Planning
(April 1999)
Contents: Policy Context. Policy Guidelines. Providing for Non-Motorised Travel. Providing for Public Transport. Managing Motorised Travel. Provision of Transport Infrastructure. Action Required.
Contact: Tom Williamson
Tel. 0131 244 7531
email: tom.williamson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 18 Planning and the Historic Environment
(April 1999)
Contents: The Historic Environment. Policy and Legislative Framework. Planning for the Historic Environment: General Policy Guidelines. Action Required.
Contact: David Leven
Tel. 0131 244 7530
email: david.leven@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

NPPG 19 Radio Telecommunications
(July 2001)
Contents: Policy and Legislative Context. Government Policy and Regulation of the Industry. Growth in Telecommunications. Health (the precautionary approach). Siting and Design. Camouflage. Rural Areas. Site Sharing. Planning Applications and Development Control. Notifications. Glossary.
Contact: Ben Train
Tel. 0131 244 7532
email: ben.train@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Planning Advice Notes (PANs)
Advice on good planning practice

PAN 33 Development of Contaminated Land
(Revised October 2000)
Contents: Background and Legislative Context. Defining Contaminated Land. Scottish Executive Approach. Role of the Planning System and Part IIA Contaminated Land Regime. Remediation of Contaminated Land. Financial Assistance. Issues Checklist.
Contact: Graham Jones
Tel. 0131 244 7550
email: graham.jones@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 36 Siting and Design of New Housing in the Countryside
(February 1991)
Contents: The Need for Advice. Role of Structure and Local Plans. Siting and Design of New Housing in the Countryside.
Siting. Design.
Contact: Ian Duncan
Tel. 0131 244 7547
email: ian.duncan@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 37 Structure Planning
(Revised December 1996)
Contents: Purpose and Function of Structure Plans. Structure Plans and Sustainable Development. Structure Plans: Content. Structure Planning: The Process. Structure Planning: Documentation.
Contact: Roger Kelly
Tel. 0131 244 7526
email: roger.kelly@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 38 Structure Plans: Housing Land Requirements (Revised November 1996)
Contents: Elements of the Process. The Participants. Plan Periods. Structure Plan Land Supply. Assessing Housing Land Requirements. Plan Requirement. Policy Response. Summary of Key Points. Annex: Land Supply Audit - Established and Effective Supply.
Contact: Helen Curry
Tel. 0131 244 7535
email: helen.curry@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 39 Farm and Forestry Buildings
(March 1993)
Contents: Trends in Agricultural Development. The Problems to be Addressed. Planning Control and Notification. The Role of Planning Authorities. Siting and Design Issues. Annexes: Existing Guidance and Advice Publications and Organisations Providing Information and Advice.
Contact: Ben Train
Tel. 0131 244 7532
email: ben.train@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 40 Development Control
(Revised March 2001)
Contents: Planning Audit Unit, Effectiveness and Quality, Performance Targets and Indicators, Best value. Councillors - committees, decisions, site visits, code of conduct, training. Management - service plans, case management, householder applications, decentralised arrangements, support staff, ICT, specialist skills. Users of the Service. Processing Planning Applications - avoiding delay, pre-application discussions, application forms, validation, development plan departures, advertising, weekly lists, consultation objections and representations, deciding a planning application, conditions, planning agreements, decision notices.
Contact: Roger Kelly
Tel. 0131 244 7526
email: roger.kelly@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 41 Development Plan Departures
(Revised March 1997)
Contents: Background to Advice. Summary of Good Practice. Deciding What Constitutes a Departure. Giving Publicity to Departure Cases. Taking Account of Representations. Informing Respondents. Monitoring Departures and Altering Plans. Diagram of Good Practice for Applications under DCDP Direction.
Contact: Roger Kelly
Tel. 0131 244 7526
email: roger.kelly@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 42 Archaeology
(January 1994)
Contents: The Importance of Archaeology. Archaeological Matters in the Planning Process. Legislative Arrangements: Scheduled Monuments.
Contact: David Leven
Tel. 0131 244 7530
email: david.leven@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 43 Golf Courses and Associated Developments
(April 1994)
Contents: Background. Policy Framework. Golf Related Planning Issues. Golf Course Design. Development Planning.
Contact: Graham Marchbank:
Tel. 0131 244 7525
email: graham.marchbank@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 44 Fitting New Housing Development into the Landscape
(March 1994)
Contents: The Policy Framework. The Need for Advice on Landscape Fit. Action in Plans and Development Control. The Consultants' Manual.
Contact: Roger Kelly
Tel. 0131 244 7526
email: roger.kelly@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 45 Renewable Energy Technologies
(August 1994, currently under revision)
Contents: Purpose. Background. General Considerations.
Contact: Brian Spiers
Tel. 0131 244 7546
email: brian.spiers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 46 Planning for Crime Prevention
(October 1994)
Contents: Crime in Scotland. Planning and Crime: General Considerations. Liaison with the Police. Development Planning. Planning for Crime Prevention: General Principles, Existing Housing Estates, New Housing Development, Town Centres, Industrial Estates/Business Parks and Specific Issues.
Contact: Jim Mackinnon
Tel. 0131 244 0770
email: jim.mackinnon@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 47 Community Councils and Planning
(March 1996)
Contents: About Community Councils. Local Involvement and Agenda 21. Local Authority and Community Council Roles and Responsibilities. Checklists and Contacts.
Contact: Roger Kelly
Tel. 0131 244 7526
email: roger.kelly@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 48 Planning Application Forms
(May 1996)
Contents: Purpose. Background. General Principles. The Application Form. Certificates. Notification Notices. Planning Application Fees. Guidance for Applicants.
Contact: Roger Kelly
Tel. 0131 244 7526
email: roger.kelly@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 49 Local Planning
(May 1996)
Contents: The Role of Local Plans. Preparing Effective Local Plans. Keeping Plans Relevant and Up-to-Date. Setting Local Plans in Context. Taking Public Interests into Account. Dealing with the Main Issues. Managing the Plan Preparation Process.
Contact: Ken Jobling
Tel: 0131 244 7548
email: ken.jobling@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 50 Controlling the Environmental Effects of Mineral Workings
(October 1996)
Contents: Purpose. Scope. Environmental Issues. Proximity of Mineral Workings to Communities. Planning Conditions. Specific Environmental Effects.
Contact: Brian Spiers
Tel. 0131 244 7546
email: brian.spiers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 50 The Control of Noise at Surface Mineral Workings Annex A (October 1996)
Contents: Background. Aims of the Advice. Determination of Existing and Predicted Noise. Noise Limits. Noise Monitoring. Noise Abatement Controls. Statutory Considerations. Implementation and Review.
Contact: Brian Spiers
Tel. 0131 244 7546
email: brian.spiers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 50 The Control of Dust at Surface Mineral Workings Annex B (March 1998)
Contents: Background. Dust Assessment. Methods of Reducing and Controlling Dust. Site Management and Monitoring. Planning and other Environmental Controls. Conditions Attached to Planning Permissions. Development plans.
Contact: Brian Spiers
Tel. 0131 244 7546
email: brian.spiers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 50 The Control of Traffic at Surface Mineral Workings Annex C (December 1998)
Contents: Purpose. Background. Factors Affecting the Choice of Mode. The Regulatory Context.
On-Site Traffic. Off-Site Traffic. Mitigation: Good Practice Measures. Development Plans.
Implementation and Review.
Contact: Ben Train
Tel. 0131 244 7532
email: ben.train@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 50 The Control of Blasting at Surface Mineral Working Annex D
Contents: The Need to Blast. Ground Vibration. Air Overpressure. Noise. Dust. Flyrock. Limitations of Blasting. Conditions. Complaints Procedures. Environmental Impact Assessment. Development Plans. Implementation and Review. Summary: good practice on blasting.
Contact: Ben Train
Tel. 0131 244 7532
email: ben.train@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 51 Planning and Environmental Protection
(March 1997)
Contents: Background. Legislative Context.
The Planning Framework. Annex: Environmental Protection Regimes.
Contact: Susan Whitty
Tel. 0131 244 7551
email: susan.whitty@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 52 Planning in Small Towns (April 1997)
Contents: The Legacy. A Legacy under Pressure. General Approach. Development Plans. Specific Issues. Development Funding and Co-ordination. Small Towns Initiative.
Contact: Jim Mackinnon
Tel. 0131 244 0770
email: jim.mackinnon@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 53 Classifying the Coast for Planning Purposes
(October 1998)
Contents: Working Group. Classification. Indicators. Annex: Report from ASH Consulting Group.
Contact: Steve Dowell
Tel. 0131 244 3108
email: steve.dowell@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 54 Planning Enforcement
(March 1999)
Contents: Purpose. Legislative Background. Policy Context. Stating Planning Authority Enforcement Policy. Enforcement Concordat. Unauthorised Development. Enforcement Provisions. Prosecuting Planning Offences. Organisation.
Contact: George Lyall
Tel. 0131 244 7549
email: george.lyall@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 55 The Private Finance Initiative and the Planning Process
(March 1999)
Contents: General Guidance. Local Authority Projects.Summary.
Contact: Graeme Purves
Tel. 0131 244 7533
email: graeme.purves@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 56 Planning and Noise
(April 1999)
Contents: General Principles. Noise Policies in Development plans. Considering Noise in Development Control. Mitigating Noise Impact. Noisy Development. Noise Sensitive Development. Designated Areas in the Countryside. Conditions Dealing with Noise. Enforcement. Environmental Assessment. Other Statutory Controls.
Contact: David Leven
Tel. 0131 244 7530
email: david.leven@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 57 Transport and Planning
(April 1999)
Contents: Policy Approach to Integrated Transport and Land Use Planning. Town Centres and Retailing. Providing for Non-Motorised Modes of Travel. Providing for Public Transport. Managing Motorised Travel. Provision of Transport Infrastructure. Development Control.
Contact: Tom Williamson
Tel. 0131 244 7531
email: tom.williamson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 58 Environmental Impact Assessment
(September 1999)
Contents: introduction, legislative context, record of EIA in Scotland, EIA overview, environmental studies, the environmental statement, evaluation, other EIA regimes, conclusions, bibliography, glossary. Annexes on: Schedules 1 & 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Scotland) 1999, main EIA references in NPPGs and PANs, Index of Environmental Statements, Reviewing the contents of an Environmental Statement.
Contact: Nick Evans
Tel: 0131 244 7552
email: nick.evans@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 59 Improving Town Centres
(October 1999)
Contents: Advice underlines Government commitment to existing town and city centres. Advocates a partnership approach directed at developing attractions, increasing accessibility and improving amenity. Makes a wide range of suggestions, drawing on a number of examples of good practice.
Contact: Ken Jobling
Tel: 0131 244 7548
email: ken.jobling@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 60 Planning for Natural Heritage
(August 2000)
Contents: The treatment of natural heritage in development plans and supplementary policy guidance. The roles of Landscape Character Assessment and Biodiversity Action Plans in informing the planning process. Local designations and greenspace. Opportunities to enhance natural heritage through the development process.
Contact: Steve Dowell
Tel: 0131 244 3108
e-mail: steve.dowell@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 61 Planning and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
(July 2001)
Contents: Background to Surface Water Drainage, principles of SUDS, roles and responsibilities of statutory bodies, planning Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
Contact: Tom Williamson
Tel. 0131 244 7531
email: tom.williamson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PAN 62 Radio Telecommunications
(September 2001)
Contents: Radio Telecommunication Systems, Siting and Design General Principles - minimising contrast, siting options, base station components, replacement and redundant equipment. Siting and Design Area Guidance - Urban Areas, Rural Areas, Natural Heritage, Historic Environment, Telecommunications and the Planning Framework. Radio Interference.
Contact: Ben Train
Tel. 0131 244 7532
email: ben.train@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

A full list and summary of NPPGs and PANs is available on the Scottish Executive Website www.scotland.gov.uk/planning

Circulars
Legislative or procedural changes

Circulars issued since January 2000 are detailed below.

Circular 1/2000
Code of Practice for Planning Appeals and Other Planning Cases Determined by Written Submissions
(June 2000)
Sets out a Code of Practice for the operation of procedures, by means of written submissions and site inspections for determining planning appeals; applications for planning permission and listed building consents which have been called-in for determination by the Scottish Ministers and to appeals against refusal of listed building consent.

Circular 4/2000
The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) Scotland Amendment Regulations 2000
(May 2000)
Amends Circular 1/1997 - sets out revised Scale of Fees for planning applications made on or after 1 June 2000.

Circular 1/2001
The Town and Country Planning (Demolition which is not Development) (Scotland) Direction 2001
(January 2001)
Re-introduces the requirement that the demolition of the whole or any part of any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure in a conservation area shall be classed as development.

Circular 5/2001
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Order 2001:Development by Telecommunications Code System Operators
(July 2001)
Provides guidance on the new permitted development rights for activities by licensed telecommunications code system operators.

For copies of Circulars contact: Donna McLean on 0131 244 7066 email: donna.mclean@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Other News

Buchanan Street, Glasgow

1999 Retail Development Survey

National Planning Policy Guideline 8: Town Centres and Retailing seeks to give priority and support to town centres and sets out a sequential approach for new retail developments. To help monitor this policy, a new annual retail survey was announced in 1999. It was also recognised that the data would be of benefit to local authorities in preparing and evaluating their own retail planning policies and to retailers and developers in considering development options.

The survey involves the monitoring of all retail developments over 1,000 sq. m (gross) which are recorded as 'active' during the calendar year. Some of the key results of the second annual survey, covering 1999, are that:

• 115 applications, involving 591,000 sq. metres of retail floorspace, were submitted to planning authorities.
• 56 planning consents (266,000 sq. metres) and 29 planning refusals (164,000 sq. metres) were issued. The approved and refused floorspace figures were both around half the 1998 totals.
• 37 schemes (303,000 sq. metres) commenced trading. There was three times as much newly trading floorspace than in 1998, and much of it was located in Glasgow.
• As in 1998, more floorspace was approved in town centre and edge of centre locations than elsewhere and most of the refusals were for out of centre proposals.

The full survey results are available on the Scottish Executive Planning website www.scotland.gov.uk/planning/info.asp

Greenside, Edinburgh

Improving Building Standards

Scotland was the first part of the United Kingdom to have national minimum building standards, and the system has been operating now for forty years. It has worked well, but materials, technologies, building types and building procurement has moved on. In 2000 the Scottish Executive convened a working party to review the system of building control, and invited ideas form a wide range of interests, for the improvement and reform of the building standards system. From this process emerged a consultation paper 'Improving Building Standards' prepared and issued in July 2001. The paper's consultation period ended in October, and the Scottish Executive is currently analysing response.

New group to co-ordinate e-planning

The potential role of information and communications technology in the planning service is one of the issues raised in the Executives consultation: Getting involved in Planning . With encouragement from COSLA's development control subgroup, the Executive hosted the first meeting of a new E-Planning group in September. By occasional gatherings and as an email network, the group aims to act as a clearing house for information on the use of the internet and other new technology by planning authorities in Scotland, helping to co-ordinate approaches to common problems and disseminate experience and good practice.
A second meeting, hosted by Clackmannanshire in November, was arranged to explore issues related to geographic information systems.
For further information on e-planning contactroger.kelly@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

For further information on Building Standards, visit the Building Standards website at www.scotland.gov.uk/development/bc

Planning for a Renewable Scotland

Waste to energy plant, Shetland

Renewable energy has been a feature of the Scottish landscape for 50 years and more, in the shape of the hydro schemes in the north and west. And over the last decade or so, some new renewable energy developments have sought planning permission and around 30 have been built under the Scottish Renewables Obligation - mainly windfarms and small hydro schemes. All of these green energy sources put together account for up to 13% of Scotland's electricity.

Now the Scottish Executive plans to introduce in 2002 a stronger stimulus to new renewable energy development, the Renewables Obligation (Scotland), as part of its commitment to tackle climate change. To help the process, the National Planning Policy Guidelines for renewable energy (NPPG 6) were revised last year. The objective is to increase the share that renewable energy has of the Scottish electricity market to 18% by 2010. Already the imminence of the new scheme is resulting in a lot of new, and in some cases very big, renewable energy proposals being brought forward, mainly windfarms. If projects are over 50 megawatts in size, the application goes direct to the Scottish Executive, which then consults the planning authority and other statutory consultees under devolved electricity legislation. If smaller than the 50MW threshold, the application is handled by the planning authority in the usual way.

The next few years are going to be a busy time for the people dealing with these applications, which are needed to achieve the Executive's policy on climate change and renewable energy. Each renewable energy development will be dealt with on its merits, within the Executive's policy of meeting its climate change objectives.

When the original NPPG 6 was published in 1994, it was accompanied by PAN 45: Renewable Energy Technologies. Since 1994, Scotland has had considerable experience of various types of renewable energy developments including its first wind farm at Hagshaw Hill near Douglas, Lanarkshire, several small scale hydro schemes, the first commercial wave power scheme on Islay and the Westfield biomass plant (Fife) which is run on chicken litter. Building on this practical experience and more recent developments in renewables technologies, PAN 45 is being revised and is planned for publication early in 2002. It will include "good practice" case studies and explore further emerging issues such as airport safeguarding and military low flying areas.

Wave power, Islay

For further information on Planning and Renewable Energy contact: Brian Spiers on 0131 244 7546 e-mail: brian.spiers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Scottish National Parks

Loch Lomond

In September 1997, the late Donald Dewar, then Secretary of State for Scotland, announced that the Government was to set up National Parks in Scotland. The enabling legislation, National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000, received Royal Assent in August last year. It recognised that National Parks in Scotland would be tailored to meet Scottish needs and the needs of each area.

The Designation Order for setting up the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is to be laid before Parliament in January 2002. This follows extensive consultation on the proposed boundary and powers to be given to the National Park Authority. An Election Order for the election of 5 National Park Board members is also being promoted. Elections are to be held next March, with Scotland's first National Park being established in April 2002. Transitional arrangements are in hand to allow a smooth handover of functions when the National Park becomes operational.

Similar consultation has been undertaken on setting up the Cairngorms National Park. A draft Designation Order is being prepared and will be subject to further consultation before the final Designation Order is laid before Parliament next year. The Cairngorms National Park will be established in January 2003.

For further information on National Parks contact: Steve Dowell on 0131 244 3108 e-mail: steve.dowell@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
www.scotland.gov.uk/environment

Marine Designations and European Sites

Scottish Ministers are fully committed to the conservation of Scotland's marine nature and to implementation of the EC Birds and Habitats Directives in this environment.

There are currently 31 marine cSACs (candidate SACs) in Scotland, with an additional three under consideration. This makes a combined total area of well over 300,000 hectares, which includes the Firth of Lorn and its species-rich underwater habitats; Loch Creran, where underwater creatures have created spectacular biogenic reefs and the Moray Firth, protecting the world's most northerly bottlenose dolphin population.

Scottish Ministers are equally committed to the implementation of the EC Birds and Habitats Directives on-land. In implementing these Natura Directives the Scottish Executive is fulfilling both its international and domestic obligations, and realising its devolved responsibility for safeguarding Scotland's nature. There are currently a total of 131 SPAs and 221 cSACs in Scotland, and over 1,450 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) covering approximately 12.6% of the land area. These protected areas aim to ensure the conservation of Scotland's outstanding natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

The protective regime established by the Directive applies to European protected species wherever they occur, and is not limited in its effect merely to specific, designated areas such as Natura 2000 sites or SSSIs. Interim guidance regarding the wider protection of particular species, and the surrounding licensing arrangements, is contained in 'European Protected Species, Development Sites and the Planning System'.

For further information on SACs and SPAs contact: Liam Mathers on 0131 244 6952 e-mail: liam.mathers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

The Scottish Coastal Forum (SCF), established by the Scottish Office in 1996 to advise government in the development of coastal policy is pressing ahead with the development of a national coastal strategy. A wide range of organisations, including the Scottish Executive, statutory agencies, non-governmental bodies and commerce, are involved. The strategy anticipates an EU Recommendation on integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) expected in late 2002.

St Abbs Head, Scottish Borders

The strategy work is at the forefront of a busy programme that has seen the publication of reports on A Coastal Plans Inventory; Assessment of socio-economic benefits from ICZM; Lessons learned from local coastal partnerships; Coastal legislation overviews; Role of local initiatives in implementing principles of ICZM; Feasibility study on a coastal management trust and Indicators for ICZM. All reports are available on the SCF web site.

SCF also reflects the views and aspirations of the voluntary local coastal management partnerships whose membership covers local authorities, statutory bodies, NGOs and other interests. They work towards local ICZM through the preparation and implementation of integrated coastal management strategies. Strategy documents have been completed for the Solway Firth, Loch Ryan, Firth of Clyde, Fair Isle, Scapa Flow, Cromarty Firth, Moray Firth and Firth of Forth. Work is also underway for the Firth of Tay. Access to web sites for these partnerships can be gained through a map of links on the SCF site.

For further information on The Scottish Coastal Forum contact: Martyn Cox on 0131 244 1540
e-mail: martyn.cox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk/www.scotland.gov.uk/environment/coastalforum

Planning Controls over Marine Fish Farming

The Executive published the outcome of its consultation exercise on the extension of planning controls over marine fish farming in June 2001. The consultation paper set out a proposed a statutory framework for local authorities to control the siting of marine fish farming and shellfish farms. Respondents were generally supportive of the Executive's proposals and felt that they would benefit the fish farming industry by leading to biodiversity benefits and a more inclusive and democratic planning system. Primary legislation is needed to introduce these reforms. This will be brought forward as soon as an appropriate opportunity arises in the legislative programme. The legislative proposals will also take account of the findings of the current review of Aquaculture that is also being undertaken by the Executive. There will be further opportunities to comment as the Executive develops these proposals.

For further information on Planning and Fish Farming contact: Brian Spiers on 0131 244 7546 e-mail: brian.spiers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Many planning authorities have already undertaken environmental assessments or appraisals of development plans. Under the SEA Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC) this will be required for a range of plans and programmes, including structure and local plans, which are likely to have significant environmental effects. Legislation implementing the Directive must come into force before 21 July 2004. It will affect plans formally commenced after that date and plans commenced before but still not approved/adopted 2 years after that date. The main provisions include: consultation with environmental bodies; publication of an environmental report on the likely significant effects; public consultation on the plan and the report; consideration of the report and public comments thereon during plan preparation; monitoring of resulting environmental effects and publication of most information about the assessment.

For further information on SEA contact: Nick Evans on 0131 244 6952 e-mail: nick.evans@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Research

COMPLETED

Obsolete Commercial and Industrial Property
Contact: Ken Jobling
Contractor: EKOS Limited and Ryden Property Consultants

Recycled Aggregates in Scotland
Contact Brian Spiers
Contractor: M G Winter (TRL Ltd) and C Henderson (ERM Ltd)

Rethinking Open Space - Open Space Provision and Management: A Way Forward
Contact: Rosie Grant
Contractor: Kit Campbell Associates

Review of Compulsory Purchase and Land Compensation
Contact: Janice Crerar
Contractor: Ian H Murning, Dundas & Wilson, Montagu Evans

The Use and Effectiveness of Planning Agreements
Contact: John McNairney
Contractor: Colin Buchanan & Partners with Dundas & Wilson and Robert Turley Associates

The Role of the Planning System in the Provision of Housing
Contact: Helen Curry
Contractor: School of Planning and Housing, ECA/Heriot Watt

Factors Affecting Land Supply for Affordable Housing in Rural Areas
Contact: Alison Brown, CRU
Contractor: School of Planning and Housing, Edinburgh College of Art/Heriot-Watt University

UNDERWAY

Review of Old Mineral Permissions
Contact: John McNairney
Contractor: David Kirk Associates
Will examine the progress that has been made in reviewing Old Mineral Permissions and ascertain how effective the review procedures have been. To be completed in December 2001.

Review of NPPG 4 - Land for Mineral Working
Contact: Ian Mitchell
Contractor: Land Use Consultants
Will evaluate the effectiveness of the existing guidance, its impact on the planning system and the need for and priorities for its review. To be completed in December 2001.

Land Values and the Implications for Planning Policy
Contact: Graeme Purves
Contractor: DTZ Pieda Consulting
Will establish recent trends in development land values, likely future changes and the implications of these for planning policy and for the structure of towns and cities. To be completed in January 2002.

Review of Strategic Planning
Contact: Fiona Hodgkiss, CRU
Contractor: Geoff Peart Consulting
Will analyse responses received to the consultation paper on Strategic Planning and identify levels of support for the proposals for the way forward. To be completed in January 2002.

Public Involvement in Planning 1
Contact: Fiona Hodgkiss, CRU
Contractor: Tbc week beginning 3/12/01
Will explore how members of the public view their role in the planning system and what mechanisms they consider necessary to enable them to become more effectively involved.
To be completed by May 2002.

Transport Impacts of Major Health Care Developments
Contact: David Seaman, CRU
Contractor: Oscar Faber
Will seek to inform good practice guidance in planning for the transport impacts of major health care developments in both the initial assessment of locations and the detailed assessment following site selection. To be completed by April 2002.

FORTHCOMING

Getting Involved in Planning
Contact: Fiona Hodgkiss, CRU
Will analyse responses to the consultation paper on public involvement in planning issued in November 2001, and identify ways in which the public can be more effectively involved in the planning system. To be completed by May 2002.

Details of these and other current projects can be found on the Central Research Unit's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/cru

Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning

Last year's awards

The Edinburgh Hub played host to the fourth year of the Awards on 15 February 2000, saw 32 entries across the three categories.

The awards for 2000 were:

• Development Control to Renfrewshire Council for its Development Control Service
• Development Planning to the Ayrshire councils' Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan Monitor 2000
• Development on the Ground to the Aberdeen Countryside Project for its Environmental enhancements within Aberdeen City and to Dundee City Council Planning & Transport Department for its Dundee City Centre Improvements

Scottish entrants also featured prominently at the Royal Town Planning Institute national awards ceremony in London with commendations for Glasgow's Homes for the Future, Dumfries & Galloway's Local Biodiversity Action Plan, Highland's Structure Plan Youth Forum, and an Award to Dundee for City Centre Regeneration.

The RTPI's highest accolade, the Silver Jubilee Cup, went to the Crichton Regeneration Project, led by Gordon Mann, who with Andrew Raven and Claire Woodward-Nutt, served as one of the three Scottish Award judges for 2000.

"I believe the planning system has a key role to play in delivering the Executive's wider objectives, for example in relation to sustainable development, social justice and economic competitiveness. These awards are important in raising the profile of planning and in demonstrating the value it can add to the quality of life in Scotland."

Sam Galbraith

This year's awards

Nominations closed in September for the 2001 Awards. The 39 entries will be assessed by this year's judges: Gordon Mann, Barbara Illsley and Andrew Raven, and the Minister for Social Justice Iain Gray, will present the awards at the Hub on 28 February 2002.

For further information on The Planning Awards contact: Roger Kelly on 0131 244 7526 e-mail: roger.kelly@scotland.gsi.gov.uk