ANYONE who thinks that reform of the planning regime is a dry or dusty subject fails to understand the practicalities of economic growth.
Better planning is crucial to Scotland’s ability to seize the opportunities for economic development that come our way. Underwhelming GDP growth figures attest to the need for improvement here.
A nation’s planning system could and should be a source of national pride. A better-functioning apparatus could lend Scotland much needed competitive edge and make it easier for internationally agile businesses to invest and expand, adding to economic growth, jobs and exports.
The Scottish Government recognises the goal, but has not yet cracked the method. Thus, a decade after the last substantial reform of Scotland’s planning laws, we have another consultation document recognising the “need to improve performance of the system further.”
The Scottish Chambers’ response is not complicated. We want a system that responds quickly to business needs and which enables developments to take place efficiently, cost-effectively and without antagonising local communities.
In recent years, developers have embraced early community engagement and have invested time and money explaining benefits of new developments including new housing estates, office blocks and wind farms. This adds to upfront costs but, if done correctly, it prevents expensive problems further along the road.
So what do we need from the system?
Primarily, we want more consistency of service from planning authorities across Scotland. Some excellent local authority planning departments have been providing a transformed service for many years now. Others still see their role as discouraging development and seem unwilling or unable to change their ways.
Regardless of how existing policy is developed, it will require additional investment and human resource to bring all planning departments up to the standards of the best. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce argues for fewer planning authorities, and for the proposed additional planning fee income to be ring-fenced for service improvement. Higher fees must be justified by better outcomes.
The Scottish Government recognises the need for the planning system to enable the building of the new homes that Scotland needs but it must go further to address the need for a broader mix of retail, residential, commercial and leisure properties to reinvigorate Scotland’s town centres.
Planning may not be the most glamorous topic, but other European nations have shown that a creative, forward-thinking and can-do system would generate its own momentum and excitement.
Liz Cameron is chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce
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