Audit Scotland gives new Scottish planning system a C - could do better!

Audit Scotland issued its findings on the all new Scottish planning system on the 15th of September and rather gloomy reading they are too. Scotland now has fewer planning application (down by 29% in the last 6 years) that are dealt with more slowly than ever and yet cost more to process. Progress in terms of producing new Strategic and Local Development Plans has also been slower than expected. There are a few silver linings, such as national bodies and statutory consultees working more closely together, but not that many and the main report suggests that the system would struggle to secure a C in its Higher. The full findings can be downloaded from http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/media/article.php?id=176