The Planning Etc (Scotland) Act 2006 has introduced a statutory requirement for Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) to increase community involvement and ensure that interested parties can contribute to the planning process on significant proposals at the earliest opportunity. Consultation before the submission of a planning application is required for all national and major developments, but not for local developments (see Hierarchy of Developments).
In the first instance, the Council as a planning authority, is provided with a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN). This is then published on our website. The PAN describes the proposed development and the consultation arrangements planned by the developer. This must include at least one public event and consultation with the relevant Community Council for the area to which the development relates. The PAN is submitted a minimum of 12 weeks before the planning application, and is an opportunity for the Council to indicate what additional publicity should take place.
Before submitting a PAN, the prospective applicant may ask the Council for a screening opinion, i.e. whether the proposal comprises a major or local development.
The developer will then proceed with the agreed consultation arrangements before the planning application is submitted. This will be published in a local paper.
When the planning application for the development is later submitted to the Council, it will be accompanied by a pre-application consultation report, which should outline all consultation activities that have been undertaken, and how any responses received by the developer have been taken into account in the preparation of the final proposals. The Council will not be able to validate the planning application for any major development without this information.
Development Quality
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: planning@clacks.gov.uk