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rtpi scotland

RTPI unveils planning blueprint for successful and sustainable Scotland

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Article Tags:
rtpi scotland

Pam Ewen
Pam Ewen

RTPI Scotland has published its manifesto for the 2016 Scottish Election which sets out seven key actions it believes are required to build a successful and sustainable Scotland.

The manifesto stresses how planning has important roles to play in enabling sustainable economic growth and promoting social justice.

RTPI Scotland believes that any future Scottish Government must aim to:

  1. provide a quality home for everyone who needs one through taking a more active role to increase the number of quality homes built

  2. ensure that planning authorities have the resources they need through investing in the planning service, exploring how to de-clutter unneeded processes and by incentivising continuous improvement

  3. support communities to shape the place they live in by enabling planning authorities, communities and community organisations to engage in early discussion on the future of their places

  4. support and protect town and city centres by ensuring a Town Centre First Duty is included in Community Plans and that this is monitored and reported on transparently

  5. invest in infrastructure and use the National Planning Framework, Strategic Development Plans and City Deals to coordinate investment and align budgets

  6. create great places for people by establishing a Cabinet Secretary for Places to coordinate support for cities, towns, villages and neighbourhoods and through better linking town planning with community planning

  7. set out a clear, integrated framework for energy through publishing a National Energy Strategy providing a clear evidence base and policy framework for decisions

    8. The manifesto also sets out how, with the right support, planners and the planning system can help the new government to achieve these ambitions.

    RTPI Scotland convenor, Pam Ewen, said: “Our seven-point action plan shows the vital role that planning can play in supporting Scotland to thrive. Giving planning a more central role in the new government can ensure that we use resources to best effect through better coordinating infrastructure with development and connecting visions with resources.

    “It will allow the government to plan more effectively to create sustainable economic growth and to deliver quality places across Scotland. I urge all involved in the forthcoming election to take our proposals on board.”

    @RTPIScotland

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