Development plan amendment regulations: consultation response summary

Question 12

Question 12A)

To what extent do you agree that planning authorities should be required to provide a statement outlining how they intend to engage with stakeholders on an amendment to a LDP?

There were 44 responses to Question 12A, which have been set out by respondent type in Table 12 below.

Most of the respondents (a combined 84.1%) were supportive of planning authorities being required to provide a statement on how they intend to engage with stakeholders on a LDP amendment, including all planning authorities, key agencies and individuals. Several responses were neutral and a few opposed the proposal.

Question 12B)

Where applicable, please give reasons for your answer.

33 respondents provided further comment at Question 12B.

Summary /Themes

Almost all of the 33 respondents that answered Question 12B were supportive.

Some common themes that arose from these responses were flexibility, transparency and clarity. Some responses commented that it was important for planning authorities to set out their intended stakeholder engagement process in the interests of transparency, providing clarity for stakeholders in the planning system.

One planning authority which responded neutrally commented that the proposal might be a duplication of the Development Plan Scheme, but there could be value in a further statement as proposed if it provides clarity for stakeholders.

One response from a professional representative body suggested this could also prompt the planning authority to consider updating their existing Development Plan Scheme and relevant Participation Statement when required.

The one professional representative body that opposed the proposed approach did so on the basis that this would constitute an unnecessary additional step in the LDP amendment process. They cited the frustration this could cause, and their concern about overburdening planning authorities and communities with additional steps.