This is the first time that the Scottish Executive has issued advice to planning authorities and developers on how communities should be properly engaged in the planning process. This PAN has been produced with the support of a steering group made up of representatives from planning authorities, Planning Aid for Scotland, the Royal Town Planning Institute, local community groups and the development industry.
Scotland's planning system is undergoing its most radical overhaul in 60 years. Scottish Ministers are determined to make the planning system more inclusive and accessible to people, with greater openness and accountability in the decision-making process. This cannot be achieved without reforming how planning involves people - but more importantly how people are involved in planning. It also requires real culture change - from everyone involved in the planning process.

Many people believe there are barriers to engagement in the planning system including: lack of awareness of available opportunities; inaccessibility of documents; complex procedures and practices; lack of expertise; consultation fatigue; belief that views are not taken into account and distrust of local government.
We need to change all of this. We now have a golden opportunity to create a planning system which Scotland can be proud of - modern, efficient and, above all, with communities at its heart.
This PAN shows how everyone can take part in shaping the future of their area, providing information and advice on how best to listen, engage and understand what people want for their area.

Scottish Executive Planning Directorate
Jane Macrory (Senior Planner), tel. +44 131 2447530

01/03/2007

policy

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation