Guidance published on chief planning officers

A new duty for planning authorities to appoint a chief planning officer came into force on 1 April 2024, following the latest set of Commencement Regulations to implement parts of the 2019 Act.

Meeting part of this duty, the Scottish Government has issued guidance on the role of an authority’s chief planning officer. This guidance, which was drafted with extensive input from Heads of Planning Scotland, COSLA, SOLACE and the Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland, is to be taken into account by planning authorities when appointing a chief planning officer.

It provides clarity on the role and responsibilities. Among other things, the guidance recognises chief planning officers as champions of place, playing a crucial role in supporting the achievement of national and local planning priorities.