Development plan amendment regulations: consultation response summary

Question 7

Question 7A)

To what extent do you agree that the Scottish Ministers be required to publish an Explanatory Report before the amended NPF is adopted?

There were 46 responses to Question 7A, which have been set out by respondent type in Table 7 below.

All respondents were supportive of the proposal that the Scottish Ministers should be required to publish an Explanatory Report before adopting an amendment to the NPF.

Question 7B)

Where applicable, please give reasons for your answer.

33 respondents provided further comment at Question 7B.

Summary /Themes

All respondents were supportive of the proposal. There was a consensus that having a clear understanding of the considerations given to any representations, alongside the evidence considered before proceeding with an amendment, was a vital part of this process.

Themes of clarity and transparency came though strongly in support for this.

One professional representative body suggested that any explanatory report include further details, such as information on the consultation carried out and the intended outcomes of any amendment. This was likened to reports carried out by planning authorities when preparing LDPs, and it was suggested this would add further accountability to the amendment process.

It was also suggested by a planning authority that Scottish Ministers should set out the intended use/implementation of the amendment being adopted.