Planning Aid for Scotland
Can you tell me what Planning Aid for Scotland is?
Planning Aid for Scotland provides a free, impartial and
professional advice service to help you understand and engage with
the planning system. The service is provided by volunteers, who are
all fully qualified and experienced planners based throughout
Scotland.
These experts give free advice on any planning issue, from home
extensions, wind farms, schools, public spaces, new shopping
centres and roads, how to support or object to planning
applications, how to get planning permission and how to get
involved with Development Plans. They also help with questions
about planning appeals, enforcement and anything else.
However, PAS will not submit planning applications or make
representations on behalf of you, or represent you at an
appeal. PAS will not approach the Scottish Parliament, MSPs,
Councillors, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman or the Scottish
Information Commissioner on your behalf.
Do you have any links with Planning Aid for Scotland?
We are corporate members of Planning Aid for Scotland and some
of our planning staff also act as volunteers. We also use
Planning Aid for Scotland to run training events on a variety of
topics for community groups or individuals. If you have an
idea for an event or think your community could benefit from such
an event contact Esther Rogers-Nicoll on 01738 4755380 for a
chat.
Who can get free advice from Planning Aid for Scotland?
Free advice is given to those who have difficulty in
getting involved with the planning system for financial or
other reasons and is normally given to:
- individuals
- local voluntary groups
- community groups
- community councils
- tenants' associations
- residents' organisations
PAS will also, at their discretion, provide advice to:
- charities
- social enterprises
- development trusts
- business start-ups
However, it is not within their remit to help those who
could reasonably be expected to use the services of a planning
consultant or other advisor.
Who can't Planning Aid for Scotland provide free advice
to?
PAS cannot provide free advice to:
- individuals employed as consultants and seeking advice in that
capacity
- people who have previously used professional services e.g.
architect, surveyor, solicitor, planning consultant on the details
of a case
- statutory bodies
- political parties (though elected politicians can refer their
constituents to the service)
They will, however, consider working in partnership, where
possible and on suitable terms. PAS aims to be flexible in its
approach when applying the above eligibility criteria and the
qualified volunteer planner dealing with any case will exercise
appropriate discretion.
Where can I get more information?
You can get more information by using the External Link on this
page. For advice or information you can complete the PAS
enquiry by using the link on the right or call their
helpline on 0845 603 7602 or email them: office@planningaidscotland.org.uk
.
