Planning Changes

Date Added - 31/07/09

Changes have been implemented by the Scottish Government as part of its drive to reform the planning system and improve efficiency.

One of the reforms has involved the preparation of a scheme of delegation which should reduce the number of applications that are decided by committee and increase the number decided by planning officials under delegated powers.

Moray Council has operated a delegated powers system for many years but members agreed in June to adopt a new scheme to reflect the objectives of the Scottish Government.

Copies of the new scheme of delegation are available at all council libraries and access points and can also be viewed on the council's website at www.moray.gov.uk/downloads/file60539.PDF

The main changes are:

• Applications for 50 or more houses will now go to committee. The previous threshold was 100
• The fact that there are objections from five or more addresses will no longer trigger automatic referral to committee
• An unresolved objection from a statutory consultee, including government agencies and community councils, will no longer automatically trigger a referral to committee

The council has already held a briefing session on the new scheme for developers, agents and community councils.

Any queries on the new arrangements should be addressed to Stewart Halkett, the council's head of development services, on 01343 563262