Why do we have a planning system?

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Constructing new buildings, altering the use and appearance of buildings, and other changes in the way land is used are essential to help the economy grow and meet the need for homes, jobs, shops, leisure and mobility. It is important to achieve development which avoids harming the long-term needs of people, the economy or the environment; this is called sustainable development. Planning can help to encourage sustainable development by influencing new buildings and changes in land use.

The planning system aims to encourage positive change in our towns and villages while protecting the things that make local areas attractive, and special assets such as historic buildings and the countryside. The planning system balances competing and often conflicting demands to make sure that land is used and developed in the community's long-term interest.

Sustainable development
Planning can help to encourage sustainable development by influencing new buildings and change in land use. This means that planning policies will support:

• reusing vacant, derelict and previously developed land
• reusing buildings that make local areas attractive
• making sure it is possible to get to existing and new developments by foot, cycle and public transport, as well as by car
• conserving important historic areas and buildings, and
• protecting areas that are important for recreation or wildlife.

How the planning system works in Renfrewshire
Planning decisions in Renfrewshire are guided by:

• national planning policy set by the Scottish Government. More information on the Scottish Government is available from their website.
• the Structure Plan. Renfrewshire Council works with seven other councils on the west of Scotland through the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan Committee to prepare the structure plan for the area. More information on this is available at the joint committee's website.
• the Renfrewshire Local Plan provides a detailed guide for future development in Renfrewshire.

A guide to the planning system is available on the Scottish Government website.

Advice on planning matters is available from Planning Aid for Scotland, which is a national charity delivering free advice, information, support and training on planning and environmental matters to members of the general public and community organisations.

If you require further information contact:

• email: bc@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• fax: 0141 842 5040
• write to:
  The Director of Planning and Transport
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1LL

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