SNP attempts to reform planning in Scotland have been dismissed as a “power grab” by the Scottish Conservatives.
MSPs debated the first stage of the Planning (Scotland) Bill at Holyrood this week.
And while the Scottish Conservatives will vote to allow the legislation to advance at this stage, a number of concerns have been raised and must be addressed at future stages.
Housing spokesman Graham Simpson said the proposals contained too much centralisation, with “all roads leading to Edinburgh”. He also raised concern about a section of the legislation concerning the performance and training of councillors in relation to planning.
Those plans would see a national planning performance co-ordinator check up on local officials in order to report back to the Scottish Government. The party added that while the bill contained some positive elements, much would leave housebuilders, environmental activists and communities unimpressed.
Scottish Conservative housing spokesman Graham Simpson said:
“There’s no question that the planning system in Scotland needs a shake-up, and a bill through parliament is the way to do that.
“But this is all about power for the SNP government. Housing minister Kevin Stewart can’t even name a single section of the bill that doesn’t result in power flowing to him. If the purpose of this bill is to deliver more housing there is nothing in it which would deliver that in significant numbers.
“If it’s about protecting the environment and green spaces, there’s nothing much about that either. In this proposed legislation, all roads lead to Edinburgh, and that’s completely unacceptable to people right across Scotland.
“One of the most draconian of all the measures is the idea of appointing a planning performance co-ordinator, who would snitch on councils if they aren’t – in their view – up to scratch. That would mean ministers could order councils to change their ways. For example, when a council rejects a local windfarm application, the SNP government could interpret that as under-performing.
“That would be a very dangerous trend to set. This bill only pleases the SNP government. Housebuilders say it doesn’t deliver for them, environmentalists say it doesn’t deliver for them, and communities are equally unimpressed.
“People feel planning is not working for them and that’s something we have to change. That’s why this bill needs ripped apart so we can produce an act that delivers.”
You can view Graham's full speech HERE.