April 25 2008

Culture Minister Linda Fabiani MSP has set Historic Scotland new targets to deal with 70% of planning applications within 14 days in 2008, rising to 90% in 2009/10, as part of a range of reforms to improve planning procedures between government agency, Historic Scotland, and local authorities across Scotland.

The previous target time for clearing listed building consent applications was 28 days.

“Historic Scotland’s Key Performance Targets are part of modernising procedures to offer strategic support to local government, and make an impact on the successful management of Scotland’s historic environment,” Fabiani said, announcing the reforms at a debate on Historic Scotland and Local Authorities at the Parliament.

“Heritage is integral to Scottish culture and identity. I want to develop procedures to best manage the historic environment to the benefit of all. We each have a responsibility to ensure that our heritage is protected.”

The reforms also include new joint working agreements with local authorities, and an online ePlanning programme aimed at ensuring planning applications are dealt with quickly.

Local authorities across Scotland will be invited to participate in the new joint working agreements from May onwards.

Councillor George Ryan, Executive Member for Development and Regeneration at Glasgow City Council welcomed what he called the principle of greater delegation.

“These targets will speed the decision-making process in planning applications, and we are absolutely confident that Glasgow City Council has the expertise to meet the targets set in the programme," he said.

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