Question reference: S4W-25540
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 14 May 2015
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Current status: Answered by Alex Neil on 27 May 2015
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether neighbour notifications for planning applications being delivered to properties, but not specifically addressed to each owner, ensures that all affected parties in the immediate vicinity of the development are informed.
Answer
The neighbour notification system aims to strike a balance between ensuring public engagement whilst at the same time ensuring efficient processing. Any requirement for planning authorities to undertake a property search, for example, would introduce new obligations and add cost and delay.
Neighbour notification is only one way in which the public can find information about planning applications. All planning authorities are required to publish online a list of all planning applications in their area (a weekly list of applications must also be sent to every community council in the area). Certain types of application may also require notices to be published in newspapers.