The Scottish Government has unveiled a number of proposals to revamp the country's planning system.

A total of 20 recommendations have been outlined, which aim to support economic growth, delivery of houses and increase community involvement in planning decisions.

The proposals, which form a consultation to pave the way for a new future planning bill, build on recommendations of an expert independent review carried out last year.

The consultation was launched today, 10 January, by Planning Minister Kevin Stewart during a visit to the Pennywell development in Edinburgh. The scheme will result in 719 energy efficient homes being built in the area.

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Key changes to the planning system include zoning more land for housing, promoting self-build, and removing the need to apply for planning permission for more types of development. Communities will also be given the right to come up with their own ideas for their local area.

Minister Stewart said: "Planning affects everyone's lives, from making sure we have the right types of homes to driving forward regeneration.

"We need a strong and efficient system to support these aims and for long-term economic growth. I believe these proposals will mean we are better placed to make high quality development happen sooner and in the right places."

The consultation will run until Tuesday, 04 April. To view the documents, visit here.

(LM/JP)