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PLANNING Bulletin Issue No 21

Review of Strategic Planning

The conclusions and next steps on the Review of Strategic Planning were published in June 2002. Since then we have been taking forward the parallel strands of the Review. Progress on the National Planning Framework is set out on pages 4 and 5 of the Bulletin. The revision of the national planning policy guidance series is well underway with the publication in November of Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 1: The Planning System and SPP 2: Economic Development. SPP3: Planning for Housing is due for publication early in 2003.

We have also been developing those areas where we recognised that further investigation was needed, particularly on the modernisation of the local plan system. Work is underway with Highland and South Lanarkshire Councils to identify ways to make local plans more effective, including clearer management of the process, more innovative ways of consulting and engaging with communities and stakeholders, a greater focus on delivery and better presentation of the documents.

Over the next few months we will be engaging with others who have an interest in, and practical knowledge of, development plans.

We are pleased that many authorities are already taking a fresh look at the way in which they prepare their plans. It is essential that we build on best practice and work towards a more effective system that anticipates and delivers change and wins the confidence of citizens, agencies and the private sector.

There is great potential for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to help achieve many of these elements. In addition, streamlining the development planning system will rely less on legislative change and more on changes in management and culture.

Therefore, the development plan process must continue to evolve. Councils should continue to review and update plans and to modernise management, consultation and preparation through better use of management and ICT tools and a clear understanding of what each plan could achieve.

Early in the new year we will be engaging with local authorities in the city regions to discuss the style and content of the city region plans and the arrangements for their preparation.

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