Aurora Spotlights – April 2018
It’s beginning to feel like spring might finally be in the air and we can start thinking about enjoying some more time outdoors again. On which, an update on the ever-growing hutting movement was a highlight of the Easter weekend reading list, with a summary of recent changes that will hopefully make it possible for many more people to enjoy the peace and beauty of the natural world (link here); a great example of the power of planning policy! Meantime, for other recent planning highlights, read on below…
On Holyrood
Planning (Scotland) Bill: Following the introduction of the Planning (Scotland) Bill in December last year, a number of Parliamentary Committees have been considering the Bill’s proposals (for anyone who missed it, our blog on the proposals is available here). The lead committee, the Local Government and Communities Committee, has heard evidence on the general principles of the Bill from a range of interested parties including community representatives, professional developers and academics, whilst the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee has considered the powers proposed to be given to Scottish Ministers (including the power to transfer functions when there are insufficient trained councillors, and those concerning directions to a planning authority following an assessment of performance), and the Finance and Constitution Committee has examined the financial implications of the proposals in the Bill. The next step will be for a draft stage 1 report to be considered by the lead committee after the Easter recess, with stage 1 to be completed by 1 June 2018. Watch this space for further updates.
Infrastructure levy: As we have recently been negotiating developer contributions for a number of planning applications, our attention has increasingly been drawn to the Planning Bill’s proposals for the introduction of a new infrastructure levy, and how that will work in practice. On which, a research paper published earlier this year (available here) highlights concerns about the scope and complexity of planning obligations at present, and the delays that can be caused in the development management process as a result. That is not to say that Section 75 agreements are necessarily to become a thing of the past however, and one of the things that comes out of the research paper is the need to consider the relationship between the proposed levy and the existing planning obligations regime. In other words, there are still many questions to be answered and it remains to be seen whether or not it will simplify our negotiations!
On Local Government
Aberdeen Local Development Plan: Aberdeen City Council has recently announced its consultation on the Main Issues Report and call for sites for its next Local Development Plan (LDP). As we’ve highlighted in respect of other LDP reviews, given that proposed changes to the Local Development Plan system in the Planning (Scotland) Bill may mean that the LDP isn’t reviewed again for another 10 years, anyone with an interest in sites in Aberdeen should make their views known now. All submissions must be made by 28 May.
On planning applications
Hill of Rubislaw, Aberdeen: We’re delighted to have last month submitted a planning application for 299 private rented sector flats, heritage bistro and new public walkway at Hill of Rubislaw, Aberdeen, on behalf of Canada based Carttera Private Equities Limited, working with Rubislaw Estates and other Aberdeen based businesses. This is a particularly ambitious and exciting project to be involved in which, if approved, will not just support the delivery of more housing (a key aspiration for both Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government) and key economic sectors, but will also open up one of the City’s best known but most hidden assets. This is also covered in the AGCC bulletin here and, for more information on Private Rented Sector housing in general, look out for our blog coming later this year.
La Beau Rose: Equally rewarding, we’re also very pleased to have supported a new small local business, La Beau Rose, to secure planning permission for a change of use from office to beauty salon on Rubislaw Terrace and look forward to having our client as a neighbour in the near future!
On us
Having recently joined the ACVO affiliates scheme, we’re excited to be offering a lunch and learn event at their offices on Thursday 10 May, giving an overview of the planning system and how people can engage and get their voices heard in this. Full details are available here.
And for someone else’s views on the planning system meantime, check out our guest blog from Damian Bates, former Editor in Chief of the Press and Journal, available here. If you would like to keep up to date with our blogs and bulletins, sign up using the form below.
Finally, to find out about how we can assist you in any aspect of the planning process, please visit our website (link) or email us at info@auroraplanning.co.uk.
Thanks for reading!
