The Programme for Government introduced to the Scottish Parliament, outlines plans to boost planning capacity and reduce barriers to delivery, placing planning at the heart of the government’s priorities.
If approached collaboratively, transparently, and built on a robust evidence base, these measures could be a positive step forward, according to the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Dr Caroline Brown, Director of RTPI Scotland, said: “When properly resourced, planning provides the foundation for delivering the country’s wider priorities. The Government’s recognition that planning must be at the heart of its economic growth strategy is a welcome and overdue understanding of its value.
“For too long, the planning system has been undervalued and underfunded. Measures outlined in the Programme for Government mark a positive step toward addressing this.
“Closing capacity gaps – particularly in complex areas such as planning for emerging technologies like hydrogen – will require focused investment in skills and expertise. We welcome proposed mechanisms to support this, alongside commitments to increase planning capacity, reduce delivery barriers, and continue investment in bursaries and training.
“We also welcome the Government’s acknowledgement that many homes with planning permission are never built. Tackling the real barriers to delivery moves beyond the simplistic view that planning is the problem. However, a consultation alone is a limited response; more decisive action will be needed, built on a robust evidence-base.
“We look forward to seeing further detail about the measures set out in the Programme for Government, and working collaboratively with the Government and other key stakeholders in the set-up, design and implementation that follows.”
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