Scottish Government

PLANNING WITH PEOPLE - ITS YOUR FUTURE - HAVE YOUR SAY

• Do you care what your local area looks like?
• Do you mind how far you have to walk to the shops?
• Do you want more say on the appearance of new buildings?

We want you to have your say about what your local environment should look like and how you can be involved.

So how can you make sure that your views count?

How the Planning System works

The physical structure and design of where we live, work and play are determined by the planning system. This makes sure that our homes are in the right location and decides, for example, where schools and shops will go, where to put mobile telecommunication masts, how many parking spaces are needed, how many play areas are built and where wind farms will be located. So the planning system decides where new development should go and also what it should look like.

Planning in your area is carried out by the local planning authority, which prepares plans for the development of the area and makes decisions on applications for planning permission. Your input is extremely important as you know what your local area needs and where you want to see improvements.

What is new?

Scotland's planning system is undergoing its most radical overhaul in 60 years. The system is changing to make it easier for people to get involved. The Scottish Executive has now produced a draft Planning Advice Note ( PAN) on Community Engagement. The draft PAN shows how everyone can take part in shaping the future of their area. It advises planning authorities and developers on how best to listen, engage and understand what people want for their area. The draft PAN includes:

• advice on who does what in the planning system;
• how you can be involved in the planning system;
• information on support available for community engagement; and
• some good examples of community engagement.

To ensure that the advice on community engagement in planning meets your needs the Scottish Executive wants to know what you think.

What next?

Please use this leaflet to tell us:-

1. Have you ever been involved in the planning system?

2. What would make it easier for you to have your voice heard?

3. What do you think might encourage you, and others, to get involved?

Please send your views by 13 October 2006 to the address or e-mail noted below.

Copies of the draft Planning Advice Note are available by telephoning the Scottish Executive on 0131 244 7543, or from the Scottish Executive Planning website at www.scotland.gov.uk/planning . Further copies of this leaflet, and material in large print, other formats and languages can be made available upon request. You can also photocopy this leaflet for your own purpose or for wider circulation.

Make sure you have your say!

Please send your response to:

Planningwithpeople@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
or,
Sandra Carey

For further information please contact Jane Macrory by emailing jane.macrory@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or by telephoning 0131 244 7530.