Scottish Government

2002

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background
Project Objectives
Research Methods
Structure of the Report
CHAPTER TWO: THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE
Distribution Arrangements
Stakeholder Groups
Response Rates
Comments on the Consultation Exercise
CHAPTER THREE: GENERAL INVOLVEMENT ISSUES
General Observations
Contact with Planning
Local Planning Policy Forums (Q1)
Role of Community Councils
Other General Involvement Issues
CHAPTER FOUR: INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Introduction
Notifying People About Changes to Development Plans (Q2)
Local Plan Inquiries and Adoption (Q3-Q5)
Other Development Planning Matters Raised in Responses
CHAPTER FIVE: INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
Introduction
Applying for Planning Permission (Q6)
Publicising Development (Q7- Q20 and Q28)
Submitting Views and Getting Feedback (Q21-Q25)
Resolving Objections (Q26-Q27 and Q29)
Other Development Control Matters Raised in Responses
CHAPTER SIX: NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION
Consultation document questions (Q30- Q32)
Other National Policy Matters Raised in Responses
CHAPTER SEVEN: RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
General Comments
Comments on Specific Measures
Conclusions
CHAPTER EIGHT: CONCLUSIONS
APPENDIX : CONSULTATION QUESTIONS
APPENDIX : LIST OF RESPONDENTS

TABLES
Table 2.1 Definition of Stakeholder Categories
Table 2.2 Consultation Response Rates by Stakeholder Group
Table 2.3 Responses to Questions by Stakeholder Category
Table 3.1 Stakeholder Contact with the Planning System
Table 3.2 Views on the setting up of local policy planning forums
Table 4.1 Views on the notification of planning policy changes
Table 4.2 Views on the appointment of Reporters by SEIRU
Table 4.3 Views on whether Reporters recommendations should be more binding
Table 5.1 Views on the introduction of a standard planning application form
Table 5.2 Views on whether local authorities should have neighbour notification duties
Table 5.3 Views on whether application fees should be increased
Table 5.4 Views on whether research on fees is required
Table 5.5 Views on whether local authorities should decide how to serve the notification
Table 5.6 Views on removing the duty of notification for non-domestic lessees
Table 5.7 Views on the information to be included with notification
Table 5.8 Views on extending the time for responding to notification to days
Table 5.9 Views on extending notification to enforcement and some advertisements
Table 5.10 Views on publicising local authority enforcement action
Table 5.11 Views on ending the requirement to advertise in the Edinburgh Gazette
Table 5.12 Views on discretion to local authorities in publicising planning proposals
Table 5.13 Views on local authorities publicising where the weekly list can be viewed
Table 5.14 Views on the free distribution of weekly lists to amenity bodies
Table 5.15 Views on extending the timescale for representations to days
Table 5.16 Views on applicants bearing the cost of departure advertisements
Table 5.17 Views on paying for advertising listed building/conservation area proposals
Table 5.18 Views on the wider use of site notices
Table 5.19 Views on making official consultation responses available immediately
Table 5.20 Views on the ability to submit views electronically
Table 5.21 Views on whether there should be a national form for comments
Table 5.22 Views on whether comments should be made publicly available
Table 5.23 Views on public availability of factors involved and reasons for decisions
Table 5.24 Views on the availability of the full text of planning decisions
Table 5.25 Views on the availability of more information on planning agreements
Table 5.26 Views on reducing the period for making appeals to months
Table 5.27 Suggested improvements to inquiry procedures and practices
Table 5.28 Views on the use of mediation in planning
Table 6.1 Views on setting up a national consultative group
Table 6.2 Views on setting up an electronic opportunities working group
Table 6.3 Views on co-ordinating national and local planning helpline services

This research report and associated documents on Getting Involved in Planning may be viewed on the Internet at: www.scotland.gov.uk/planning The other related publications include:

• Getting Involved in Planning: Summary of Evidence
• Getting Involved in Planning: Perceptions of the Wider Public

If you wish further copies of this research report and its summary, or have any queries about the planning division please contact us at:

Scottish Executive Planning Division
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Tel: 08457 741 741
E-mail: planningdivision@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.scotland.gov.uk/planning