New guide helps people navigate the planning system to develop community assets

Planning Aid for Scotland’s (PAS) Planning for Community Developments guide provides people who are trying to develop community assets with an introduction to the planning issues they are likely to face, including advice on development management and community engagement, as well as advice on specific topics such as renewable energy and allotments.

Petra Biberbach, Chief Executive of Planning Aid for Scotland:

“The guide helps people to navigate their way through the planning process – and demonstrates that the planning system can be a positive enabler for communities looking to improve their lot.”

Planning for Community Developments is particularly aimed at helping community groups – including Development Trusts, Social Enterprises, Hall Associations, and Community Councils. The guide is designed to enable people who want to undertake development for the benefit of their community to navigate and engage positively with the planning system.

Petra Biberbach, Chief Executive of Planning Aid for Scotland:

“People who have a vision for their community and who want to develop community assets will find the new guide provides them with the practical support and guidance on how to make things happen.”

Planning for Community Developments is the end result of an 18-month mentoring project – the Planning Mentoring Scheme, which launched in April 2010 with the aim of providing detailed and on-going support to community groups on planning matters. A wide range of groups all across Scotland received support with their projects, including establishing allotments, community halls, renewable energy schemes, sports and play park facilities and other community assets.

Following the successful completion of the pilot scheme, and based on planning issues encountered by the community groups, PAS has produced the Planning for Community Developments guide to the Scottish planning system for people undertaking community-led developments, which is now available for download online.