Development plan amendment regulations: consultation response summary

Question 11

Question 11)

To what extent do you agree that planning authorities should be required to have regard to community engagement guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers under section 16C when amending a LDP?

There were 43 responses to Question 11A, which have been set out by respondent type in Table 11 below.

Almost all of the respondents (a combined 88.4%) supported that when amending a LDP, planning authorities should be required to have regard to community engagement guidance issued by Scottish Ministers. There were a few neutral respondents and two strongly disagreed.

Question 11B)

Where applicable, please give reasons for your answer.

33 respondents provided further comment at Question 11B.

Summary /Themes

The consensus across those who agreed with the proposal was that this would provide a consistent approach with the process for preparing a LDP. Some responses stated that considering community engagement guidance was an integral part of the robust consultation process expected when making amendments to an LDP.

However, even from supportive responses, a common theme arose around resourcing. A few responses highlighted the resource requirements of undertaking thorough and meaningful engagement with communities.

This was replicated in a professional representative body response which voiced concerns that current constraints on resourcing and funding may act as a barrier to fully implementing the community engagement guidance.

The sole planning authority who gave a neutral response explained that it was not possible to agree or disagree with the question given the draft guidance had not been finalised at that time while also highlighting similar resource implication concerns.