Meeting description: We set out our key asks of newly elected Members on behalf of the planning profession. This included the opportunities arising with the draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) as a means to support post COVID-19 recovery tackle climate change and address health inequalities. We advocated for: a capital investment programme to be published alongside NPF4; the twenty minute neighbourhood concept (where daily services can be accessed within a 20-minute walk) to be embedded into decisions in policy practice and investment; support provided for communities to develop Local Place Plans; the need to establish an independent specialist body to coordinate and provide strategic upfront and long-term infrastructure advice to the Scottish Government and to identify resources required for delivery; and the need to ensure the new Planning Improvement Coordinator is able to provide independent advice is resourced adequately and introduces outcomes-based performance management. There was a discussion on the role of planning in rural areas particularly tackling issues such as housing infrastructure and transport. Finally we discussed what is in our opinion the under investment in the planning services across Scotland to create a world leading planning system. This could be achieved through increasing planning fees and making sure they are used to support planning services.
Topic label: Health, Housing, Climate