The Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 was one of the most ambitious and far-reaching pieces of legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament at the time of its creation. The Act seeks to radically change Scotland’s planning system, making it more efficient, inclusive, fit for purpose and sustainable.

Five years since the landmark Act was passed, Holyrood magazine’s Planning Reform in Scotland event will ask how far we have come in realising these ambitions. Are planning decisions being made more swiftly and do communities feel involved in the decision making that affects their local area? Meaningful and proportionate community engagement in planning decisions remains a key priority but few would argue that the work necessary to achieve this goal is far from over.

The Development Management System: One Year Review findings published by the SNP Government in early 2011 painted a mixed picture of success for the development management system so far. The new development management hierarchy appears to have been well received by most developers and planning authorities but issues persist around the pre-application consultation (PAC) process. There have been calls for clearer distinction on what constitutes a PAC ‘public event’ and what weight should be given to the PAC report when considering a planning application.

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