FEATURE

PLANNING FEES AND PERFORMANCE

RTPI Scotland has submitted evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Regeneration Committee on a range of issues including the proposed new approach to planning fees.  Key points made include:

• the need to recognise that the 'customers' of the planning service are not just the planning applicant but also the general public
• we accept the proposals for 'full cost recovery' to meet the costs of providing the development management aspects of the planning service
• we broadly welcome the proposed new fee structure
• there is a wider need for local authorities, COSLA and Scottish Government to agree a consistent and coherent methodology which best assesses the costs of providing the whole planning service
• it is essential that income from planning fees are ring-fenced and only used to fund the planning service or functions supporting it
• a consistently excellent planning system requires continuous improvement which supports poorer performing planning authorities to learn from those that are perfroming well
• it would be counterproductive to withdraw funding from authorities which need to improve 
• the new Planning Performance Framework should be a key tool in supporting continuous improvement
• the new Planning Performance Framework should apply across planning authorities, Scottish Government and the Key Agencies
• a national continuous improvement programe, including a knowledge portal, should be put in place, involving all players in the planning system  

NEWS

A SCOTTISH FORUM FOR PLANNING

RTPI Scotland has invited fifteen organisations with an interest in planning to join a new Scottish Forum for Planning (SFFP). Organisations include Scottish Government, Heads of Planning Scotland, Homes for Scotland, Scottish Property Federation, Planning Aid for Scotland, Scottish Environment Link and other professional and representative bodies.  The SFFP will bring together these key interests and expertise in planning to:

• provide an ongoing vision and direction for planning in Scotland through identifying, constructively responding to, and exploring new ways of tackling, emerging issues in planning
• support the delivery of planning reform and performance improvement
• share information on activity to maximise joint working and minimise duplication 

The first meeting, which will be held on 22 May, will focus on Planning Reform, Next Steps. The SFFP has been featured in an article in The Sunday Herald.

investing in infrastructure

RTPI Scotland is supporting the Holyrood conference Investment in Infrastructure: Delivering Value for Money on Public Projects, which takes place on 27 June in Edinburgh.  The conference will hear how Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan is to be taken forward and will provide a platform to share ideas and expertise with policymakers, the private sector and academics on the future management of public infrastructure projects in Scotland.  You can get more details here.

pLANNING REFORM, NEXT STEPS EVENT

The Edinburgh, Lothian, Borders and Fife Chapter is holding a seminar on Planning Reform, Next Steps on Thursday 31 May. Speakers include John McNairney, Assistant Chief Planner, Scottish Government and Craig McLaren, National Director, RTPI Scotland. It takes place in the Urban Room, City of Edinburgh Council, Waverley Court, East Market Street, Edinburgh between 5.30pm and 7.30pm and it is FREE. To book a place email elbf.scotland@rtpi.org.uk 

Events update

The May update on RTPI Scotland managed and supported events, including those organised by Chapters and the Scottish Young Planners Network, can be found here. 

breakfast masterclassES in glasgow and edinburgh on development delivery

These Breakfast Masterclasses will look at current challenges in delivering development, and will cover the issues raised in the Scottish Government consultation launched in March.  Stefano Smith, Regional Director (Development Planning & Design) with Halcrow/CH2M Hill, will lead the discussion.  Action being taken by planning authorities to support development delivery will also be discussed. Tea/coffee and light breakfast snacks will be provided.  The Breakfast Masterclass series is organised by RTPI Scotland in partnership with Biggart Baillie LLP and Halcrow/CH2M Hill and the Improvement Service. The events are free thanks to the support of Biggart Baillie LLP and Halcrow/CH2M Hill.  You can book online for the Edinburgh event on 31 May at http://rtpibreakfastmasterclass-estw.eventbrite.co.uk/ and for the Glasgow event on 7 June at http://rtpibreakfastmasterclass2.eventbrite.co.uk/

visit to knockroon, CUMNOCK

A joint West of Scotland/ Dumfries and Galloway Chapters event takes place on 31 May. It will present an exciting opportunity to see Knockroon and learn more about the development and its design.  More information can be found at: http://knockroon.com/about/masterplan . Further information will be circulated about the event in due course, however please put the date in your diaries and book early to avoid disappointment!  Booking: WoS Chapter: John Esslemont on john.esslemont@south-ayrshire.gov.uk; D&G Chapter: Sue Hudson on sue@suehudson-planning.co.uk. Cost: TBC

summit on placements, internships and secondments

Zoe McClelland, Chair of the Scottish Young Planners Network (SYPN), has written to a number of organisations inviting them to take part in a summit looking at how placements and internships can be organised for planning graduates and how those in work can gain experience of other organisations and sectors. The summit will discuss how to:

• measure the potential of organising placements, internships and secondments within employer organisations
• develop or build on exisiting infrastructure to support this
• identify barriers and solutions to making these work in practice
• agree reponsibilities for taking this forward 

As part of this SYPN will be undertaking a survey of young planners.

The summit will take place on 13 June and invitations have been sent to Scottish Government, Architecture + Design Scotland, Centre for Scottish Public Policy, Heads of Planning Scotland, Historic Scotland, Homes for Scotland, Improvement Service, Planning Aid for Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Planning Consultants Forum.

policy papers update

RTPI Scotland has published 11 policy papers or responses to consultation documents in 2012.  These cover issues including Marine Licensing Fees, Legal Challenges under the Public Participation Directive, a Hydro Nation, Freedom of Information, the Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill, the Property Factors Code of Conduct, the Rail 2014 consultation and Council Tax on Long term Empty Properties.

rtpi scotland responds to statement on next steps for planning modernisation

RTPI Scotland has welcomed the statement by Derek Mackay, Minister for Local Government and Planning, on the next steps for planning modernisation. Bob Reid, Convenor of RTPI Scotland (pictured) said “We welcome the Minister’s continued support for a high performing planning system and the publication of the new Planning Performance Framework.  We want planning to build on the pillars of excellence, effectiveness and efficiency so that it can deliver ambitions for Scotland such as sustainable economic growth, great places for people and a low carbon economy.  This can be done without the need for major legislation. Rather, it relies on a commitment to continuous improvement by all involved including local authorities, developers, Scottish Government and key agencies.  It also requires these interests to develop new approaches collaboratively.  We are committed to making this happen so look forward to supporting these discussions over the coming months.”   

RTPI Scotland has published a Briefing Paper (pdf 274 kb) on the announcement.

yOUNG PLANNERS HAVE KEY ROLE IN BUILDING COMMUNITIES

Planning Minster Derek Mackay has outlined his ambition for Scotland’s young planners and the role they can play in driving economic growth.
 
In a speech to the Scottish Young Planners Annual Conference in Glasgow on Tuesday 20 March, he told the audience that planning has a role to play as a key driver of economic growth, and emphasised the importance of an efficient and proportionate planning system in delivering high quality sustainable places – which in turn play a major role in attracting investment to Scotland.. 

Planning Minister Derek Mackay said “This government is encouraging a new approach to planning that young planners are in a great position to take up. Young Planners are our current and future decision makers, vision setters and ambassadors for the profession.  It is for young planners to drive forward our best practice – but also challenge the worst. We will be bringing forward proposals to enhance the planning system, to make it smoother, more effective and to deliver more for communities, developers and all those affected by planning decisions.

 RTPI SCOTLAND IN THE MEDIA

RTPI Scotland featured in The Sunday Mail on 11 March discussing how planners can help to support the development of derelict sites and in The Herald on 7 March outlining how planning is an inclusive activity.  

Scottish government renewables targets

RTPI Scotland has submitted written evidence (PDF, 188 KB) to the Scottish Parliament Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee's inquiry on the Scottish Government's renewables targets.

scottish winners at rtpi awards

A host of Scottish projects and people have been recognised at the RTPI Awards.  TAYPlan has won the RTPI's Silver Jubilee Cup and award for Spatial Strategies; Argyll and Bute Council won the Award for Rural Areas and the Natural Environment; and Nikola Miller won Young Planner of the Year.  There were also commendations for City of Edinburgh Council and West Lothian Council.  

scottish planner published

The February edition of the Scottish Planner has now been published.  This issue has a focus on cities and includes articles from Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister and on the award-winning TAYPlan.  You can download a copy here (PDF. 2MB)

rtpi scotland responds to public sector reform

RTPI Scotland has provided written evidence (PDF, 176 KB) to the Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Regeneration Committee's Inquiry on Public Sector Reform and Local Government.

planning rules eased for home improvements

New rules come in to force today (6 Feb) to make it easier for people to make changes to their homes. Read more

cREATING GREAT PLACES IN DIFFICULT TIMES

 RTPI Scotland recently held three Convenor's Colloquium discussion dinners which brought together key influencers and experts to debate how planners and the planning system can help create great places in difficult times.  The discussions aimed to identify solutions, ideas, innovation and good practice and were kindly sponsored by Halcrow (A CH2M Hill Company) . Each dinner focussed on a different topic and briefing papers have now been published setting out the key points discussed.  The briefing papers look at Adding Value and Demonstrating Vision  (pdf, 296kb) Supporting Delivery and Harnessing Resources (pdf 288kb) and Developing Skills and Knowledge (pdf, 297kb)

94% planning applications approved - letter published in the scotsman

National Director of RTPI Scotland, Craig McLaren, challenged the myth that the Scottish planning system is cumbersome in a letter published in today's (22 December) Scotsman. Read more.

rtpi scotland annual report

RTPI Scotland have published an Annual Report (pdf, 311kb) setting out what we have done in 2011 around the headings of leading thinking; developing skills and knowledge; and brokering dialogue and action.  

OTHER NEWS

rTPI WELCOMES NEW PLANNING MINISTER

RTPI Scotland congratulated Derek Mackay on his new role as Minister for Local Government and Planning.  For more information click here.

minister announces consulation on resourcing planning 

Former Planning Minister Aileen Campbell used the RTPI Scotland Annual Conference to announce a consultation early next year on proposed changes to planning fees.

Planning interchange: development economics

The resource pack  - including presentations, Q and A summary, factsheet and podcasts - from the Planning Interchange event on development economics held by RTPI Scotland, Homes for Scotland, the Improvement Service and DLA Piper, is now available online. 

good Planning is the Key to Delivering Successful Enterprise Areas

RTPI Scotland, emphasises that good planning is the key to delivering successful Enterprise Areas. Read the full press release.

rTPI welcomes new regulations easing home improvements

New rules to make it easier for people to make changes to their homes will come into force in February next year. Within certain constraints, the rules will allow a range of works - including extensions, access ramps, sheds, garages and decking - to be built without applying for planning permission. Certain restrictions will still apply for conservation areas and listed buildings.

rTPI respond to audit scotland report on planning system

RTPI Scotland has responded to the Audit Scotland report Modernising the Planning System and has issued a Briefing Paper which has been sent to heads of planning in Scotland, the media, key stakeholders and MSPs.     

RTPI scotland gives evidence to scottish parliament

On 14 September RTPI Scotland National Director, Craig McLaren, gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament Local Government and Regeneration Committee on planning in Scotland.  read the Official Report here.

PUBLICATIONS

• Annual Report 2011  December 2011
• Scottish Planner: Issue 144  December 2011
• Briefing Paper: Creating Great Places in Difficult Times: Developing Skills and Knowledge  December 2011
• Briefing Paper: Creating Great Places in Difficult Times: Supporting Delivery and Harnessing Resources  December 2011
• Briefing Paper: Creating Great Places in Difficult Times: Adding Value and Demonstrating Vision  December 2011
• Briefing Paper: Regeneration Strategy  November 2011
• Consultation Response: Scottish Social Housing Charter  November 2011
• Conusltation Response: Managing Change in Historic Environment: Works on Scheduled Ancient Monuments  November 2011
• Briefing Paper: The Importance of Architecture and Place Making to the Economy of Scotland  November 2011
• Briefing Paper: Planning and Enterprise Areas  October 2011
• Scottish Planner: Issue 143  October 2011
• Briefing Paper: Scottish Government's Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget for 2012/13 October 2011
• Consultation Response: Inventory of Historic Battlefields October 2011
• Consultation Response: Draft National Strategy for Housing for Older People  October 2011
• Briefing Paper: Audit Scotland Report on Modernising the Planning System September 2011
• Scottish Planner: Issue 142  August 2011
• Newsletter: Scottish Young Planners Network newsletter August 2011
• Consultation Response: Non-domestic Elements of the General Permitted Development Order  July 2011
• Scottish Planner: Issue 141  June 2011
• Podcast: Planning and the New Government  June 2011
• Consultation Response: Historic Environment Amendment Scotland Act  June 2011
• Video: Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture on Food and Cities by Carolyn Steel  June 2011
• Consultation Response: National Marine Plan pre consultation draft   June 2011
• Briefing Paper: Community Engagement in Local Approaches to Planning  June 2011 
• Consultation Response: Building a Sustainable Future: Regeneration Discussion Paper  June 2011
• Consultation Response: Compulsory Purchase  May 2011
• Scottish Planner: Issue 140  April 2011
• Briefing Paper: The Scottish Election 2011: What the main political parties are saying about planning  April 2011
• Manifesto: Shaping the Future of Scotland: A Planning System to Support Sustainable Change, March 2011

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