Strategic issues - Scotland

The government has published an analysis of the consultation responses for householder permitted development rights (PDR). As well as some general updating and consolidation, the principal changes made are to bring the Scottish process into line with recent court decisions, both in England and from the European Court of Justice. Prior to the election the government consulted on the possible transfer of revenues and powers in relation to the Crown Estate in Scotland, which are currently held on a UK basis. Finally, SEPA has published an analysis of the responses to its recent 'Better Regulation' consultation. It received over 100 responses, and these were generally positive - although it is difficult to answer negatively questions along the lines of whether one supports a world class system for Scotland. There were also some concerns that, for example, reducing the frequency of monitoring might store up problems in the longer term.