Act now on Planning Bill

New legislation being debated by the Scottish Parliament right now has the potential to improve the protection given to our wild and scenic landscapes.

But only if enough MSPs are convinced that it should, and to make sure they’re convinced it’s important that people contact their MSPs now to tell them how important that added protection is.

The Planning (Scotland) Bill, as initially proposed, did not have a strong focus on the environment. However, and after evidence gathering and a parliamentary debate earlier this year, MSPs of all political persuasions have tabled amendments - and four of these, if adopted, could help to give greater protection to Scotland’s wild and scenic landscapes.

They are:

·         amendment 322 on Wild Land Areas;

·         amendments 59 & 60 on Equal Right of Appeal, and;

·         amendment 165 on private ways.

In our survey of members’ opinions last year, it was clear that the wild qualities of the landscape are important to the majority of members, and that there is strong support for protecting wild and scenic landscapes from the damaging aspects of major civil engineering projects.

So we are pleased to support the amendment proposed by Alex Cole-Hamilton (Edinburgh West, Scottish Liberal Democrats) that would give Wild Land Areas similar status to National Scenic Areas – amendment 322

Changes to the existing planning process have been put forward that would create what is known as an Equal (or Community) Right of Appeal.  This amendment would give communities similar rights to developers to challenge planning decisions. Amendments 59 & 60, proposed by Andy Wightman (Lothian, Scottish Green Party).

In addition, there is a push to reduce the damage to hillsides by bringing certain types of hill tracks under tighter planning control – Amendment 165 on private ways lodged by Andy Wightman (Lothian, Scottish Green Party)

Amendments to the Bill have been lodged and are now being considered by the Local Government and Communities Committee. They will be discussed on Wednesday 24^th October and at further meetings.

Urgent Call for Action

If you wish to put your weight behind these much-needed proposals, then please let your MSP know that you care and ask them to support the amendments.  Find your MSP here. 

Remember that you have both a constituency MSP and several List MSPs

Now is the time to show MSPs that there is a need to give Wild Land Areas the full protection they deserve, to create a level playing field for communities, and to bring hill tracks under greater planning control.

Thank you for taking action for Scotland’s wild and scenic places.  Please do let us know who you have contacted and what their response was.  Email access@mountaineering.scot