The Scottish Government's Planning and Architecture blog and Chief Planner and Ministerial letter have provided updates to Scottish planning.
They discussed that final regulations for making Masterplan Consent Area (MCA) schemes have been laid in the Scottish Parliament.
Measures allowing greater flexibility over amendments to local developments plans are also waiting to be approved by Members of Scottish Parliament. Subject to parliamentary scrutiny, they are expected to come into force on 5 December 2024.
In addition, the blog sets out more clarity over the issue of resources following the Investing in Planning consultation held earlier this year.
The intention of MCAs is to allow planning authorities to take a place leadership role, by proactively consenting the type and quality of development they wish to see in their areas.
According to the Scottish Government, MCAs will offer a co-ordinated approach to consenting because they will be able to grant planning permission.
The timetable for increased planning fees has been announced. In December, the government will introduce an annual inflationary-linked increase to fees as it aims to address the impact of inflation in 2022 and 2023. An extension to the range of discretionary charges that authorities can introduce to cover MCAs and processing agreements is also planned.
In addition, there will be an increase in the fee for prior notification/approval applications, and an adjustment in the fee for shellfish farming.
In the summer of next year, planning fees will be amended in line with inflation for 2024. In addition, the government said it will introduce fees for appealing a refusal of planning permission determined by local review bodies, as well as introduce fees for appealing a refusal of planning permission determined by Scottish Ministers.
A new category for the development of hydrogen will be introduced. Then, in spring 2026, there will be an increase in fees in line with inflation for 2025.
In the blog, the government states that: "Increasing fees is not the sole solution to improving the planning system and service".
It plans to take forward proposals to streamline processes that have the potential to speed up decision-making and increase the capacity with authorities. This includes leading the Proportionality Working Group on a more proportionate approach to the information required to support the submission of a planning application and working with Heads of Planning Scotland to roll out standard templates for section 75 planning obligations.
As part of its work to increase capacity and skills, the Scottish Government said it would create a planning apprenticeship programme to invest in new talent to provide a pipeline of skilled planners.
The blog states that proposals that won't be implemented are ones that would have allowed planning fees to be set locally, as well as the introduction of discretionary fees for developments on sites that are not allocated for development with the Local Development Plan (LDP).
Meanwhile, a joint letter to heads of planning from Planning Minister Ivan McKee, and Chief Planner Fiona Simpson, has stressed that the planning profession must do all that it can to make Scotland the most attractive part of the UK to invest in.
"The planning system plays a key role in delivering the Scottish Government’s priorities, including driving investment and the economy, delivering net zero and tackling the housing emergency. This year we will focus on actions to support these priorities, with wider activities paused or reprogrammed to subsequent years".
"This includes supporting planning authorities to allocate a pipeline of land for new homes as local development plans come forward and promoting consistent monitoring of its delivery".
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