Development plan amendment regulations: consultation response summary

Question 13

Question 13A)

To what extent do you agree that not every amendment to a LDP should require specific participation of children and young people?

There were 42 responses to Question 13A, which have been set out by respondent type in Table 13 below.

While most respondents (a combined 71.4%) supported the proposal outlined with regards to specific participation of children and young people, across the categorised groups there were differing opinions. Several responses were neutral and several disagreed.

Question 13B)

Where applicable, please give reasons for your answer.

32 respondents provided further comment at Question 13B.

Summary /Themes

There was a mix of views, supportive and unsupportive, from all sectors.

Themes that come through strongly from responses that were supportive were that of flexibility and resourcing.

Several of the supportive responses commented that not requiring the specific participation of children and young people for every amendment is a proportionate approach and provides planning authorities flexibility to make their own decisions in this context. The constraint on planning authority resources was also highlighted.

One planning authority who was supportive suggested there be a requirement to explain the reasons should they choose to not engage directly with children and young people.

Those that opposed the proposal did so primarily on the basis of disagreement with the circumstances by which children and young people should not be involved in engagement. A few responses stated that the impact of changes to a LDP would affect children and young people in practice, and therefore they should be involved in some way in the process for any amendment.

One professional representative body that opposed the proposal commented that it was important to ensure alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. While they acknowledged that children and young people will not always be affected by a proposed LDP amendment, they stated there could be instances where LDP amendments impact this group in ways that may not be anticipated by local planning authorities.

Another response suggested that a relevant member of the Scottish Youth Parliament could be notified of any proposed amendment and could make a judgement on its relevance and impact to children and young people.