An efficient and well-functioning planning service plays an important role in delivering sustainable economic growth, facilitating development of the right quality in the right places. Regular monitoring of service performance and a commitment to improve are essential to achieving this.
Planning Performance Framework
A new planning performance framework has been introduced by planning authorities for 2012-13 onwards. Developed by Heads of Planning Scotland, and supported by the Scottish Government, the framework captures key elements of a high-performing planning service, such as:
- speed of decision-making
- certainty of timescales, process and advice
- delivery of good quality development
- project management
- clear communications and open engagement
- an overall ‘open for business’ attitude
The framework gives a balanced measurement of the overall quality of the planning service and will be used to drive a culture of continuous improvement.
Statistics
Quarterly and annual statistics are published by the Scottish Government. These relate primarily to decision-making timescales for planning and other applications by Scotland's planning authorities, measured against 2-month and 4-month periods. They also provide information on approval rates for applications, local reviews and enforcement activity. The format for reporting performance statistics is changing with effect from 2012-13, now measuring average timescales in decision-making; consistent with the new performance framework.
Improvement Plans
Improvement Plans are produced by the public sector for the planning service.
Scottish Government
We welcome feedback on any aspect of the service we provide. Please send us any comments.
Agencies
The first agency plans were published in autumn 2008 and are updated annually.
Local Authorities
The first local authority plans were published in Spring 2009 and are updated annually. They are generally available on local authority planning web pages. From 2012-13, these plans will form part of the annual reporting under the planning performance framework.
Workforce Survey
The Workforce Survey 2010 provides information on the workforce in Government, Agency and local authority planning departments between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010. Future workforce information will also feature within annual performance reporting under the new performance framework.
Contact
Andy Kinnaird
0131 244 7076