East Dunbartonshire Council has been recognised for its commitment to public consultation and community involvement at this year's Scottish Government Awards.

The Council's Planning Service received a Commendation at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning, and the judges revealed they were "impressed with the Council's effort to engage early with the community."

In August 2012, the Council's Planning Service held a number of charrette workshops around the area as part of a public consultation. The consultation was held prior to the publication of the Main Issues Report, and involved community groups, residents, developers and statutory bodies. It aimed to raise awareness of the housing land supply issue and increase stakeholder understanding of the complexity of the challenges.

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Commenting on the commendation, Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council's Development and Regeneration Committee said: "Speaking with local people and giving them an opportunity to have their say is central to the way that this Council does its business.

"It is important that we are able to set out a picture for local people of what's going on or what is proposed in their communities and give them a genuine chance to contribute in a meaningful way.

"What this commendation says is that we are on the right track with our approach to public consultation and to be recognised at a national level gives our efforts a further boost."

(JP/IT)