§ Ms Roseanna CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what strategic powers he has over development on private landed estates in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [37994]
§ Mr. Kynoch[holding answer 18 July 1996]: The cornerstone of the legislative framework governing development on private landed estates in Scotland is the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 as amended. This provides the basis for development plans—structure and local plans—and for development control and other related matters.
Structure plans provide the strategic land use planning framework for 10 to 15 years ahead and are prepared by planning authorities. They must be approved by the Secretary of State before they come into force. He may approve structure plans with or without modification, or reject them.
The vast majority of decisions on planning applications are taken by planning authorities. However, the Secretary of State has powers to call in any planning application or appeal for his own determination.