ePlanning

ePlanning is the Scottish Government initiative, using the internet, to make the planning process more straightforward for both the applicant and the local authority. The Scottish Government website states that “ePlanning provides a more consistent level of service across Scotland and makes the planning system simpler, faster and more accessible”. One of the main aims of ePlanning is to create greater transparency throughout the process, making the viewing of comments (both in favour and against) available.

The Scottish Government leaves the option of showing comments online to each local authority. Unfortunately, the Moray Council has decided that comments posted online or sent by letter from the public will not be available within its ePlanning process. This is contrary to what other local authorities are doing and means that the open aspect of ePlanning is failing in the Moray area. Forres is particularly affected by this at present with a planning application for Lochyhill and proposed applications for Ferrylea, Bogton/Redco Milne and Kingsmeadows.

If you have used the ePlanning process how transparent and straightforward did you find it? Email me janet@janetkennedy.org.uk