Planning system changes must be brought in carefully (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Planning system changes must be brought in carefully

August 3, 2009 11:26 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Local Government spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP has expressed concern that local authorities may struggle to foot the bill for changes to the Neighbour Notification system for local planning due to come into effect today (Monday).

Neighbour Notification is one of the big changes in the modernisation of the planning system which is currently underway. It is a system whereby planning authorities are required to notify those with an interest in 'neighbouring land' of a planning application.

At the moment, the responsibility for the communications involved in this lies with the applicant. Under the changes due to come in today, local authorities will now be responsible for this process.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"Whilst these changes are welcome, many councils have expressed some serious concerns that have not been addressed properly by the SNP Government.

"Local authorities, already struggling under the tight financial settlement from the SNP, are now going to have to foot the bill for implementing the Neighbour Notification system.

"Many local authorities have expressed real concern over the additional costs that will be involved in meeting these new demands.

"Ministers appear to have made no extra funding available to councils to help ease this burden. This is yet another example of the SNP failing to get the detail right.

"Our planning system is already overstretched. Without careful implementation by Ministers, the changes underway could cause a great deal of confusion and delay."