News

Aberdeen’s leading commercial law firm Paull & Williamsons welcomed senior figures in Scottish planning circles to a seminar to discuss the final changes to the planning legislation that will affect developers, planning authorities and communities in years to come.

An audience of 130 experts from business, local government and communities attended the event at the Marcliffe at Pitfodels hotel, in Aberdeen, to hear keynote speeches ahead of the introduction of the final changes in the planning process under the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 on August 3.

The speakers included Jim McKinnon, director and chief planner at the Directorate for the Built Environment, Christine Gore, director of planning and environmental services at Aberdeenshire Council and Elaine Farquharson-Black, head of the Planning and Environmental Law unit at Paull & Williamsons. The event was chaired by Bruce Smith, planning consultant at Paull & Williamsons.

The speakers discussed several issues including the basis for the reforms; the changes to the application process; and the new appeal and local review procedures.

The Directorate for the Built Environment deals with policy, legislation and casework on the land use planning and building construction systems in Scotland. It issues guidance and advice to local authorities on the operation of these systems. Mr McKinnon explained to the audience the changes to the planning system and the reasons for the changes.

Mr McKinnon said the reforms were part of the Scottish Government’s aim to speed up the country’s planning process and to encourage decisions to be taken at a local level. Among the significant reforms is a range of improvements to the handling of applications for planning permission and provision for greater public participation in the planning process. 

Christine Gore spoke of developers’ obligations in respect of engaging with the community via pre-application consultation procedures intended to ensure greater community awareness and engagement and their benefit to developers in terms of improved relationships and better quality applications. She urged developers to do their homework, understand the local situation, identify local issues and avoid surprises in the application process.

Elaine is widely regarded as a leader in her field. She addressed the forum on the appeals and review process which is intended to ensure that examination procedures are proportionate and efficient; that the appeal process is transparent and fair; and that decisions are both robust and based upon a review of the proposals that were originally considered by the planning authority. Elaine also outlined some concerns, which she has with the changes, and in particular the Local Review Bodies.

Elaine Farquharson-Black said: “The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 has been described as the most significant change to the planning process in Scotland for decades. The new system brings major challenges for communities, politicians and developers alike. Its introduction next month will require all those involved to have an awareness of how it affects the process and we were delighted that Jim and Christine were able to pass on their expert advice at the seminar.  We were also pleased that the audience covered the spectrum of interests in the planning process. 

“Paull & Williamsons has been involved in several community consultation events in recent months and it is clear that people appreciate the opportunity to engage with developers and have a meaningful contribution to the planning process. Developers and politicians are listening to what people have to say and, with the help of expert advice, are making decisions based on those public consultations.”

For more information contact Elaine Farquharson-Black at Paull & Williamsons (01224) 621621.