The Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill

The Bill contains many useful proposals, but will remain a missed opportunity unless a number of omissions are addressed, in particular:

• The absence of any opportunity for individuals or communities to challenge the National Planning Framework;
• The failure to meaningfully address issues surrounding public participation in the planning system, most notably the inability of third parties to appeal against the approval of particular types of development; and
• The absence of a clear purpose for the planning system based on sustainable development and applicable to more than simply development plans.