Scotland needs to establish a clearer national planning road map, according to the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland. Responding to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the future of the Scottish planning system, RTPI Scotland said the country needs more specific strategies to drive forward and achieve its economic and social targets. It has also called for the government to establish development priorities across Scotland and map them out clearly in a new National development plan (NDP).
Stefano Smith, convenor of RTPI Scotland said, “We are living in uncertain times. Given this we need a plan that gives certainty and confidence to communities, developers and investors. Our proposals for a new national development plan can do this by being clear on what the national priorities for development are, where they are to be constructed and how they will be funded. Providing a proactive, route-map of Scotland’s future development will be beneficial to everyone who wants to make Scotland a successful and sustainable country.”
The organisation said an NDP would set out where new developments should be located, how they would be funded and what infrastructure and facilities such as schools, public transport, roads and health centres are required.
RTPI Scotland has also proposed appointing a statutory chief planning officer in each local authority; ensuring full cost recovery for planning applications and ring fencing fees to support their assessment and exploring how best to provide a community right to plan.
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