Planning system in online revamp

It is hoped that planning systems will become more accessible

People across Scotland will have greater access to the planning system following a £12m cash boost.

The Scottish Executive funding will streamline the process giving the public online access to development plans shaping their areas.

Officials said the investment would be made over the next two years to deliver huge efficiency savings.

Ministers hope the project will make planning easier to understand and give the public a greater say in decisions.

Johann Lamont, deputy communities minister, said: "Online access means that planning will no longer be off limits - as some people believe it is now.

"Some local authorities in Scotland are already pioneering this approach. In most cases planning has attracted far more hits than other services on their sites.

"It is clearly popular with the public, developers and professional planners. We are now undertaking the most radical overhaul of our planning system in 60 years.

Scotland's people expect and deserve the best in public services Johann Lamont, deputy communities minister Read about an online planning success story

"We need to sweep away the old culture of out of date plans and a system clogged by bureaucratic red tape.

"All of this is changing and it will change a lot faster as a result of today's announcement.

"It is a huge boost in making the system more efficient and responsive. That is essential if we are to create a smart, successful Scotland with a growing economy which benefits all."

Ms Lamont said the overhaul would enable communities to get involved from the outset in the plans that shape their areas.

They will also be able to contribute to and to track individual applications affecting them.

She added: "Scotland's people expect and deserve the best in public services. There is a great thirst in the public sector to do all we can to provide world-class public services that will help support growth in the economy.

"I believe this innovative approach to planning is a clear example of that."

More efficient

The bulk of the funding is provided through £9.1m approved by Finance Minister Tom McCabe as part of the executive's efficient government fund. An additional £3m of funding is coming from the members of the partnership.

Ms Lamont was speaking during a visit in Edinburgh to meet young planners and see the system where the public have free access to computers and the council's online planning system.

Edinburgh City Council came top in a recent survey of online planning information provided by Scottish local authorities. Each month more than 23,000 people visit the council's planning website.

The announcement means other local authorities will have the resources to provide the same level of online service.