The Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil has announced the creation of an independent panel to review Scotland's planning system.

The three person panel will be chaired by Crawford Beveridge and will generate ideas to achieve a quicker, more accessible and efficient planning process.

Mr Beveridge will work together with Petra Biberbach of Planning Aid Scotland (PAS) and John Hamilton of the Scottish Property Federation.

The panel members will consider six key issues:


• Development planning;

• Housing delivery;

• Planning for infrastructure;

• Further improvements to development management;

• Leadership, resourcing and skills

• Community engagement.

Secretary Neil said: "I'm delighted to announce the independent panel for the planning review and the members who will be able to provide an objective and strategic perspective.

"There has already been significant planning performance improvement as a result of previous modernisation, but I believe that more can be done by all stakeholders so planning plays a more positive and effective role in creating high quality places for current and future generations, while respecting local democracy.

"The panel's findings will drive our continuing work to ensure planning does all it can to support sustainable economic growth across the country."

(LM/CD)