Labour MSP Jayne Baxter has written to Communities Secretary Alex Neil asking him to ensure local voices are heard following the Scottish Government’s announcement it will review the planning system.
Ms Baxter, Scottish Labour’s communities spokeswoman, said: “It is my experience that communities across mid Scotland and Fife feel under siege from developers and excluded from the planning process.
“I hope that every effort is taken in this review to redress that balance.”
The Government’s review will be undertaken by a three-person panel but the MSP has asked Mr Neil to reveal more about the stakeholders in the review and how communities themselves can get involved.
She also asked whether the review will examine the powers which local authorities have and consider if there is a need for further powers to stop landowners “land banking” sites especially where this then stalls regeneration of areas.
Ms Baxter welcomed the review as she felt there was a strong need to do so.
But she had a number of concerns, passed on from constituents and groups, covering a range of issues.
“These cover apprehensions that developments are made without full consideration for local infrastructure and the impact developments have on local communities,” she said.
“Many communities feel completely excluded from the decision making process, and this is why I have also asked the Cabinet secretary to include consideration of the equal right of appeal in the review, which would allow communities to appeal approved planning developments, a right they currently do not have.
“Planning should be used to bring about social and economic benefit for communities, not just an increase in the profits of developers.”
In Fife, she said it was interesting that in Fife there was “a continued campaign” by developers to build houses on greenbelt sites along the Forth, while turning their backs on land available for house-building in and around the former mining villages.
Ms Baxter added: “This review of the Scottish planning system has the opportunity to make powerful recommendations that could overhaul the planning process, it is essential that every effort is undertaken to involve individuals and groups from across Scotland in this review and I hope the Cabinet secretary shares my views.”