Development plan amendment regulations: consultation response summary

Question 4

Question 4A)

To what extent do you agree with the list of those the Scottish Ministers should consult with on a proposed amendment i.e. the public at large, key agencies and planning authorities?

There were 46 responses to Question 4A, which have been set out by respondent type in Table 4 below.

Most (a combined 78.2%) of those who answered question 4A were supportive of the proposed list of consultees, while some opposed this. A few respondents were neutral. All community & individual respondents were supportive of the proposal.

Question 4B)

Where applicable, please give reasons for your answer.

34 respondents provided further comment at Question 4B.

Summary /Themes

Mostof those who provided further comment advised that they believed the proposed list to be proportionate and appropriate.

Some queries were raised about the term 'public at large,' including from within the supportive comments. In particular, one respondent considered that the meaning of the term was unclear, while another response shared they were against using the term despite strongly agreeing with the rest of the proposal. However, this was in contrast to a few responses which acknowledged the term gave flexibility to consult directly with those who had direct relevance to the amendment being proposed.

One unsupportive response stated that failing to consider the commercial context and potential implications of amendments would result in an incomplete evidence base from the outset.

One response noted that in addition to the above, the NPF amendment process should also include a mechanism for planning authorities to voluntarily provide information that they believe is relevant to a proposed amendment to the NPF without waiting for a formal request from the Scottish Ministers or the formal consultation period.