Consultation Introduction

Within the Scottish planning system consultation can differ dependent on whether this is undertaken within development planning or development management spheres. In this regard, it is the nature of the development management process that consultation takes (in many instances) a formal form with statutory notices, consultation periods and requests for representations. In addition, the management of planning conditions and enforcement processes can be subject to specific formal consultation mechanisms. Those may include press or statutory notices, certification/s and the issue of letter correspondence to specific property addresses. Within Development Planning, consultation is often voluntary and by its nature therefore dynamic. This is exemplified in today’s digital world with the increase in user demand and community awareness of social media and other digital mediums. A range of types of consultation is now available but mechanisms must remain inclusive and co-ordinated.