The John Muir Trust has called for greater recognition for the environment in Scotland's planning system.

A public consultation on the system, 'Places, People and Planning: A consultation of the future of the Scottish Planning System', came to an end on Tuesday, 04 April.

A total of 20 proposals were set out in the consultation, including zoning more land for housing, promoting self-build and removing the need to apply for planning permission for more types of development. The discussion also sought views on new rights for communities to produce their own plans for their local area.

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However, Head of Policy for the JMT, Helen McDade, said while the package of reforms includes proposals of merit, the Trust is concerned over several key points.

"While we welcome the ambition to have local place plans and early community engagement with applications, we believe that some form of Equal Rights of Appeal is essential to redress what is a serious imbalance in the planning system in favour of developers," she said.

"There can be no environmental or social justice until communities and environmental charities have the same rights as developers.

"We are also disappointed that there is virtually no mention in the consultation paper on the need to consider the wider environment.

"The Trust would like to see Environmental Impact Assessments still paid for by the developer, but commissioned by the local authority, or by an appropriate public body such as Scottish Natural Heritage where for example there may be a significant impact on the natural environment."

(LM/CD)