The Scottish government is to form a group which will seek to improve planning performance across the country.

Planning Minister Derek Mackay and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorites (COSLA) are to chair the group, which is being set up in the wake of the government’s Key Actions on Planning Reform report, published today.

The group will be made up of Heads of Planning from local authorities across Scotland as well as other stakeholders.

Mr Mackay has told MSPs that the Scottish government will publish a Scotland-wide report on the planning performance of local authorities this Spring.

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He said improved planning performance was key to boosting sustainable economic growth.

"The Scottish Government is committed to improving the performance of our planning system," said the Minister.

"In 2009, we introduced the most comprehensive programme of planning reform in a generation. But there is more still to do, and last year I outlined the further ways we intend to improve that system, including a new performance framework, agreed with Heads of Planning Scotland.

"COSLA and I are determined that we should deliver the high performing planning system Scotland deserves. We are working together with planning authorities and other key stakeholders to deliver this improvement and ensure that pace towards positive change is maintained. This Spring, the Scottish Government will publish a report the progress being made throughout Scotland under the new framework.

"I know resourcing is a real issue for local authorities, and last month I announced a 20 per cent increase in planning fees. At the same time I have made clear that any increase in fees must be linked to improved performance."

(IT)