Member

As I set out for the first time yesterday, we will publish new planning practice guidance on the agent of change, following the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework. I know that the noble Baroness, Lady McIntosh, referred extensively to the Scottish experience, as did others. Despite the agent of change being placed on a statutory footing there, there is no clear evidence of any significant effect on implementation. Scottish Ministers have called in a number of applications where this is a central issue to make sure that a suitably balanced approach is being taken. That includes arguments from both sides, the developers and the venues. This demonstrates that primary legislation has not removed the questions of implementation at a local level, and I am not persuaded by the evidence that we have seen that this approach has made a material difference on the ground.