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Planning
Aid Scotland
Planning
Aid for Scotland provides a free, impartial and professional
advice service to help you understand and engage with the
planning system. The service is provided by volunteers, who
are all fully qualified and experienced planners based throughout
Scotland. Its services have recently been extended to include
some charities, social enterprises, development trusts and
business start-ups.
Part of the role of Planning Aid Scotland is to help ensure
that those who can't afford professional advice can still
do business and contribute to their communities.
Their
experts give free advice on any planning issue, from home
extensions, wind farms, schools, public spaces, new shopping
centres and roads, how to support or object to planning applications,
how to get planning permission and how to get involved with
Development Plans. They also help with questions about planning
appeals, enforcement and anything else.
The
planning system can be complex but they will help you get
the best possible outcome. For advice or information call
their helpline on 0845 603 7602.
Planning
Mentoring Scheme
The
Planning Mentoring Scheme is a new programme, funded by the
Big Lottery Fund and Supporting Voluntary Action (SVA), linking
Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) with CVS organisations and
third sector "Interfaces". This will provide planning
advice and guidance to community led development projects
across rural Scotland.
Key to
the Planning Mentoring Scheme is the PAS role in helping empower
people in an independent and impartial way. The scheme has
been designed to guide and provide technical expertise to
community led projects across rural Scotland at different
stages of their development. The PAS network of volunteers
will provide guidance and advice, demonstrating a positive
side of planning that allows communities to shape their own
neighbourhoods.
The Planning Mentoring Scheme has four key aims:
a) demonstrate how community groups and CVSs can participate
in shaping their environment and achieve positive outcomes
by working closely with PAS over a longer period of time.
b) provide
an opportunity for planning professionals to increase awareness
and understanding of how to best engage with CVSs.
c) help
community groups and CVSs to enhance and deepen their understanding
of how to work positively with the planning system and deliver
their objectives.
d) link
planning mentors with community groups and CVSs to build capacities
and share knowledge across Scotland.
As we
move forward towards cultural change in a modernised planning
system this scheme will make a significant contribution.
How
to apply
For more information on the Planning Mentoring Scheme email
Rob, their Mentoring Co-ordinator, or call him on 0131 220
9739.
Key
words: Planning aid, support, skills
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