The Scottish Greens have hit out at the SNP for blocking a bid to give communities the same right as developers to appeal planning decisions.
The campaign for equal right of appeal has the backing of dozens of community and environmental groups such as community councils, the RSPB and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
At yesterday’s meeting of Holyrood’s Local Government and Communities Committee, SNP MSPs voted against amendments to the Planning Bill from Scottish Greens housing spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP.
Mr Wightman’s amendments, which would have given communities the right to appeal, were supported by the Labour MSP on the committee but voted down by the 3 SNP MSPs. The Tories abstained.
Andy Wightman, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said: “Planning is meant to reflect the needs and interests of communities and provide a process for democratic decision making about how land is allocated to different uses.
“Today’s vote was an opportunity to generate real public engagement and establish trust in the planning system. Instead we are back to square one where those who have to live with the consequences of planning decisions have no right to appeal.
“The system has been besmirched by a lack of parity and I will seek to re-introduce my amendments at Stage 3 so that the wider Parliament can decide whether or not communities can have an equal say.”
“The government has stressed it wants more collaboration and less conflict in planning. A laudable aim, but surely an unequal planning system is in itself a source of discord, which in turn leads to a lack of trust”.
Non-profit organisation Planning Democracy say all is not yet lost.
“There is still hope at stage 3, the final stage of the Bill process, when quite a lot can change.
“Although we didn’t win and the amendments didn’t get passed, despite everyone’s Herculean efforts and despite Monica and Andy’s superb efforts in committee the fight is by no means over and we have had a win of sorts.
“(Conservative MSP) Graham Simpson said it was clear that the system isn’t working as far as frontloading is concerned, people are not involved in shaping their areas . He said the Government hasn’t addressed any of this. He admitted that his party had not come to a view and were holding their council. He said he wants to deliver development in the right places with maximum community buy in. So he is demanding changes that put ‘real people’ at the heart of theplanning system.
“Importantly he said “I have ready made amendments if nothing comes up to satisfaction“. The debate needs to continue, we must get it right at stage 3.
“Alexander Stewart (the other Conservative MSP on the Committee) acknowledged that communities the length and breadth of Scotland have made representations. All perceive flaws in the system. He said: “We have a duty and responsibility to ensure we can do all we can” and that there needs to be more dialogue and discussion to get this right. We are not in the stage of getting it correct, so can come forward to sign up to proposals at the next stage that we all can sign up to.”
“So the good news is that there is plenty of scope for further discussions. We can continue to ask for changes to be made that address the barriers that people face. If this is not good enough, then there is a glimmer of hope that the Conservatives may still have a few appeal amendments of their own up their sleeves.
“It ain’t over quite yet. We must keep pressing for community rights of appeal whilst also using this opportunity to make sure that MSPs understand where the other key problem areas lie and respond with meaningful solutions.”
The campaign to democratise the planning system goes on …
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