Consultation opens into mediation in planning

The paper provides draft guidance to planning authorities, developers, communities and other potential parties on the use of mediation in development planning and in pre-application consultation.

The draft guidance is part of the government’s wider work on planning reform and implementation of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, including steps to reduce conflict, improve community engagement and build public trust in planning matters. Other measures include: enhancements to community engagement in local development plans; the introduction of a right for community bodies to prepare Local Place Plans; and amendments to legislation around pre-application consultation with communities on major planning applications.

The Scottish Government has already consulted on amendments to pre-application consultation arrangements and will consult soon in early 2021 on secondary legislation for the development of Local Place Plans.

The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 requires Scottish Ministers to prepare and issue guidance on the promotion and use of mediation in the Scottish planning system. It must be issued by July 2021. This consultation paper seeks views on proposals for draft guidance for the promotion and use of mediation. It also seeks views on the impact assessments in relation to the proposals.