Introduction
The Scottish Government has for some time stressed the
importance of community engagement in all aspects of the planning
system. The Government recognises that engagement will not satisfy
all people, nor allow all issues to be resolved, but does consider
that active and early engagement should result in a more effective
planning system.
A number of the more significant changes brought about by the
2006 legislation concern the issue of engagement. In relation to
major developments, there is now a requirement for mandatory
pre-application consultation. In the development plan context, one
of the key issues the Reporter or Reporters who are appointed to
examine the strategic local plan and development plan are to
consider is whether or not the appropriate authority has consulted
on the plan and involved the public in an appropriate way and in a
manner consistent with the way in which they said they would. This
part of the investigation is intended to
