Media Release

media release

everyone - Scotland's environment groups campaigning together (500,000 supporters, 26 organisations, ONE voice)

SCOTTISH COMMUNITIES TO VOICE THEIR CONCERNS ON PLANNING

24 June 2004

Series of public events to be held across Scotland on justice in the planning system

Communities and individuals from across Scotland will have the chance to learn more about planning and have their say about the current Scottish Executive consultation on Rights of Appeal in Planning at a series of public meeting over the next two weeks [1].

The events organised by everyone - an initiative from Scottish environmental organisations campaigning together [2]- come in the wake of widespread concern from communities and environment groups following media speculation that the result of the consultation was a foregone conclusion in the
interest of developers.

Although the Minister for Communities issued a statement denying that any decision had been made, the 26-strong coalition of Scotland's leading environmental organisations argues that it is now more crucial than ever
that communities use their opportunity to have their voices heard.

The events will focus on justice in the planning process, particularly rights of appeal. Each event will include a session with local MSPs and answer questions from the audience. The first event in Glasgow on Monday
28th June will mark the launch of the new campaign from everyone.

Under the current planning system, developers have the right to appeal planning decisions while the public and others do not. everyone believes that in order to deliver environmental justice in Scotland there needs
to be equality in the planning system [3].

everyone coalition spokesperson, Anne McCall, said:
“If you think there needs to be more equality built into the planning system during the current review, come along to our events, hear more and have your say.

“We urge communities, individuals and interest groups to respond to this consultation. The time has come to make Scotland's planning system fairer for everyone. The current system can be legalistic, intimidating, unfair and skewed in favour of developers.

“We need to improve the system so that the planning system is accessible to all, not just developers. This can be a particular problem for the the poorest and most excluded sectors of society who can be faced with the
worst development proposals, but have access to least resources to resist and improve them.[2]

ENDS

More info: Michelle Lowe on 0131 554 9977 (pager) 07654 200937

NOTES :

[1] The Scottish Executive consultation on Rights of Appeal in Planning was launched on 1 April 2004. The closing date for responses is 30th July 2004.

The consultation document is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/planning/roap-00.asp

The events taking place are as follows:

Glasgow - Hillhead Library, Byres Road - Monday 28th June 2004, 6pm -8pm
**Refreshments will be served.**

Edinburgh - Augustine Church, George IV Bridge - Tuesday 29th June 2004,6pm- 8pm

**Refreshments will be served.**

Dumfries - Lochthorn Library, Dumfries - Tuesday 6th July 2004, 5.30 -7.30
pm ** Refreshments will be served**

Falkirk - Old Sherriff Court, Falkirk - Wednesday 7th July 2004, 7pm -9pm
**Refreshments will be served.**

Aberdeen - Music Hall, Union Street - Thursday 8th July 2004, 6pm - 8pm
**Refreshments will be served.**

For more information on the events call the LINK Parliamentary Office on 0131 225 4345 or Lucy Burnett, Friends of the Earth Scotland on 0131 554 9977 .

[2] The everyone campaign is an initiative from Scottish Environment LINK.

The coalition have previously campaigned together to put the environment on the agenda in the run up to Holyrood and European Parliament elections.

[3] A full briefing on justice in planning is available on the issues page of the everyone site.