Scottish reform of the town and country planning system;Is it too little too late for post-Brexit Scotland?

Abstract

The call for planning reform is never far from politicians’ lips as a solution to economic, social environmental and other problems in all parts of the UK. A planning Bill will be considered by the Scottish Parliament in the 2017–2018 session and modest reforms to the existing system of plan creation are expected. This opinion considers the planning system in Scotland at a time of inevitable change in environmental law due to Brexit. It concludes that a clearer and more open view of what used to be known as the town and country planning system needs to be adopted. This is required not only to bring about effective change on the ground but also to address the challenges and opportunities of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.