Updated advice that focuses on ensuring communities can effectively engage in the planning system has been published today by the Scottish Government.

The document encourages engagement with communities from the earliest possible stage to enable views to be reflected in development plans and on individual proposals. Delays for communities and developers alike will then be less likely.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "We recognise both the important role planning plays in building strong and sustainable economic growth in Scotland and the interest of communities in development plans and proposals.

"We want to ensure that planning authorities and developers are clear on the need to engage with communities when policies are developed, and when planning proposals are being brought forward. We believe increased public engagement can produce more satisfactory outcomes and help avoid delays in the planning system.

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"Publication of the document builds on our wider ongoing work with planning authorities, agencies and the private sector to deliver a modern, efficient and fit for purpose planning system.

"Initiatives such as the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework, which identifies the key strategic infrastructure Scotland needs, and the introduction of consolidated, easier-to-understand planning policy, are geared towards simplifying the process."

Scottish Government policy on community engagement in the planning system is contained in Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) which was published in February 2010. SPP recognises that effective engagement with the public can lead to better plans, better decisions and more satisfactory outcomes and can help to avoid delays in the planning process. It also improves confidence in the fairness of the planning system.

The Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative (SSCI) Charrette Series took place throughout March 2010 and involved an innovative and interactive approach to public engagement in order to develop community-informed masterplans. The Charrette series involved three of the exemplar projects selected by the SSCI at Lochgelly in Fife, Ladyfield in Dumfries and Grandhome on the edge of Aberdeen.

(GK/KMcA)