Councillors in Aberdeenshire have written to the Scottish Government to raise concerns that proposals to overhaul planning policy across the country could “erode local democracy”.
The government has proposed a raft of 20 changes to the system following an independent review last year, including replacing existing development guidelines.
But members of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee say that revising the system is “unlikely to have any positive effect” for those wanting to expand their communities or businesses.
And they have expressed concerns that some proposed revisions could “take decision making further from local communities”.
Councillors have now written to the country’s chief planner, John McNairney, bemoaning a “lack of detail” surrounding the suggested alterations.
Committee chairman Peter Argyle said: “The council welcomes change where benefits can be evidenced but, in the context of the north-east of Scotland, the current arrangements have worked very well.
“There is not as yet sufficient evidence or detail around a replacement system to demonstrate that it will improve on the current system.”
Vice-chairman John Cox added: “The changes being proposed would remove political control from the local area, taking it to the centre.”
Holyrood ministers aim to use feedback from a recent Places, People and Planning consultation to inform the new Planning Bill.
And the government insists that no final decisions have been made on the content of any future legislation.
Documents say any changes would be implemented with the aim of “strengthening the planning system, and supporting sustainable economic growth across the country.”
