The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 requires certain classes of development, including major applications, to be the subject of pre-application consultation with the community at a level which is proportionate to the nature and scale of the proposal and its likely impact. It is the developer's responsibility to undertake this consultation. The exact format of the consultation required will vary depending on the nature and scale of the development so it is important that you contact us to discuss details as early in the process as possible.
In parallel with the above procedure, developers are encouraged to undertake pre-application discussion with the City Council's planning officers. Although the process will be slightly different this will help to identify the supporting information required for the application and the main planning issues raised by the proposal. It is important that all parties are made clear about issues and requirements. The process will also provide an indication as to the likelihood of an Environmental Impact Assessment being required and give clear guidance on the associated screening and scoping processes. The potential need for planning gain and any associated legal agreement should be raised at this stage. Examples of information that could be required in support of the application include:
- Affordable housing
- Landscape impact assessment
- Impact on trees and woodland
- Archaeology
- Transport Assessment
- Drainage Impact Assessment
- Retail impact study and sequential test
- Sustainable urban drainage scheme
- Flood risk assessment
- Noise assessment
- Design and access statements (statutory for most major applications)
It is important that any meetings are accurately minuted, therefore the nominated person responsible for taking and distributing minutes should be agreed by all parties from the outset.