New Planning Legislation

Scotland’s planning system is undergoing the most significant modernisation in over 60 years. The changes being introduced by The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (286KB PDF) are substantial and work is underway to bring the provisions of the new Act into force.

The changes are part of a wider package of modernisation set out in the White Paper Modernising the Planning System, which was developed following an extensive programme of consultations in recent years.

The Scottish Government aims to deliver a modern planning system, which is efficient, inclusive, fit for purpose and sustainable:

Work has already begun to implement the provisions of the Planning Act. The Implementation Timetable published and periodically updated by Scottish Government sets out the anticipated dates for consultation and commencement of legislation.

During 2008 the Council responded to the various consultation papers relating to the implementation of the new Act, which have been issued by Scottish Government.

For more information about recent consultation papers and the modernising planning agenda please follow this link to the Scottish government's website.