Planning Bill, a severe blow for localism
The Scottish Government has published the Planning (Scotland) Bill on the same day that figures have shown that planning applications for local housing, householder and major housing developments have all fallen.
The bill introduces powers for the Scottish Government to impose a new infrastructure levy; potentially raising money from local planning applications that could be diverted to the Scottish Government.
It would also introduce a power enabling the Scottish Government to co-opt a local authority planning department at any time.
‘Planning Performance Statistics, Quarter 1, 2017/18’, published by the Scottish Government, have also shown that planning applications have fallen for major housing developments by 10 per cent.
Scottish Conservative housing spokesman Graham Simpson said:
“The Planning Bill published this morning contains some positive steps, such as simplified planning zones, which we would support.
“However, we will oppose the proposed infrastructure levy if it enables the Scottish Government to gather those funds, not councils. This is absolutely unacceptable.
“In addition, the draconian power to send in a Scottish Government troubleshooter if a minister decides a council’s planning department isn’t performing is unnecessary.
“The Scottish Government would even be able to take over a planning department. This is a slap in the face for localism.
“The Scottish Conservatives support the measures that will speed up planning processes, ensure that planning decisions are made locally and that money gained from developers is ploughed back into their communities.
“That’s why we are concerned that the planning applications are falling as it clearly demonstrates our planning system is slowing down and that the housing gap is not closing.
“The planning bill, as it stands, is a missed opportunity. It could go much further to revitalise the planning system and help more young people seeking to get on the property ladder.
“In addition, this bill could enable the Scottish Government to centralise decision making and penalise local councils for any improvements in performance.”