Scottish Government

Liz Shiel, Nicola Hudson and Francesca Richards, Tribal Consulting
ISBN 978 0 7559 7416 0 (Web only publication)
ISSN 0950 2254
This document is also available in pdf format (448k)

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 OVERVIEW

2 METHODOLOGY
Consultations
Model Processing Agreement Workshop
Review of ATLAS

3 ENGAGING WITH STATUTORY CONSULTEES
The issues
Current experience
Possible solutions
Summary

4 ENGAGING WITH ELECTED MEMBERS
The issues
Current experience
Possible solutions
Summary

5 PROCESSING AGREEMENTS
The issues
Current experience in Scotland
English experience of processing agreements
Key issues relating to processing agreements
Summary

6 DEVELOPMENT OF MODEL PROCESSING AGREEMENT
Consultation on the draft processing agreement template
Wider use of the template
The revised template
Summary

7 ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES
A project management approach
Fast tracking
Protocols and charters
Formalised pre-application process
Use of charging
Outsourcing to private sector consultants
Other possible solutions
Summary

8 AN ADVISORY SERVICE
The ATLAS model
Scottish consultees' views on an advisory service
An advisory service for Scotland?
Summary

9 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Overview
Key findings
Recommendations
Implementation

Tables
Table 2.1 Scottish Case Study Local Authorities
Table 2.2 English Case Study Authorities
Table 4.1 ODPM Guidance to Councillors on discussions with developers
Table 9.1 Implementing the Recommendations

Figures
Figure 7.1 Aberdeenshire Council Process Outline
Figure 7.2 Key Stages of the Pre-Application Process under the 2006 Planning Act

Appendices
Appendix 1 Definition of Major Development
Appendix 2 Consultees
Appendix 3 Flowchart to determine whether a processing agreement is required
Appendix 4 Processing Agreement Template

The views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and
do not necessarily represent those of the Department or Scottish Ministers.