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ACSEF To Tackle Issues around Planning

Chief Planner to hear how Aberdeen City and Shire is taking steps to improve the planning process

ACSEF (Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future) is pushing forward its plans for making the planning process more effective and efficient with a first-of-its-kind workshop which will be attended by Scotland's chief planner, Jim Mackinnon.

Since then, the private public sector partnership which drives economic development in the region, has made significant progress towards making the planning process more efficient with initiatives introduced by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils.

These achievements will be highlighted at the event on 6th of March which will bring together the region's planning chiefs and business leaders from all sectors. The progress will be set within the context of new legislation - National Planning Framework 2. Participants will then determine the next steps by examining the culture change that needs to take place in order to streamline the planning process.

ACSEF development manager, Rita Stephen, said: "The aim of the workshop is to facilitate mutual understanding and co-operation between businesses and the planners within the context of the new planning framework. Participants have been asked in preparation for this event to identify their top three priorities for effectuating changes in the planning process so that we can debate the pros and cons of these and bring about changes that will really make a difference.

"This region is currently putting together its structure plan as well as the local development plans - all of which will shape the way in which the region grows in the next 25 years. This is a unique opportunity to share our progress with the chief planner, hear his views on the overhaul of the planning process in Scotland and create an agenda for real change in local planning that could set the benchmark for other regions in Scotland."

Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce is the ACSEF partner taking the lead on planning. Chief executive, Geoff Runcie, added: "We have been working hard to bring together key people from the planning teams, professional advisers, developers and businesses to progress matters towards a more responsive planning system in the region and this workshop takes us another step forward."

ACSEF's strategy aims to grow the region's economy and enhance its quality of life. These aims will be achieved by building on key industry sectors and meeting seven priorities in the areas of improving transport and planning, attracting, retaining and developing skilled people, anchoring an international oil and gas industry, regenerating the city centre and attracting corporate headquarters.

To book a place at this workshop, contact Judith Munro at 01224 343938 judith.munro@agcc.co.uk