Local authorities should have the final say on planning decisions and not face being overruled by the Scottish Government, according to Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle.
The South Scotland MSP is backing plans by his party to bring forward legislation that would prevent Ministers in Edinburgh overruling local councillors with the stroke of a pen.
Brian says SNP politicians in Edinburgh have been guilty of overturning too many decisions that have been firmly rejected by councils and communities. The Scottish Conservatives announced their proposal to reform the planning appeals process and respect community led decisions at their virtual party conference.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Planning decisions can often be a source of frustration, but those decisions are best made by the council and the communities affected.
The Scottish Conservatives want to keep decisions local and ensure the views of communities across Ayrshire are listened to and respected.
As we work to rebuild our communities and recover from the pandemic, we need a planning system that recognises what looks good on a desk in Edinburgh, might not work in the real world.
The next few years need a Scottish Government that works with communities on renewal and that’s what the Scottish Conservatives will deliver.”
