Minutes: 08 February 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3, 4, 5 and 6 in private.

2. National Planning Framework 4:

The Committee took evidence from—

Calum Lindsay, Policy Manager Environment and Economy and Councillor Steven Heddle, Environment and Economy Spokesperson, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA);

David Dunne, Interim Chief Officer Strategic Place Planning, Aberdeen City Council;

Craig Iles, Service Lead, Planning & Building Standards, South Ayrshire Council;

Pam Ewen, Head of Planning, Fife Council and Chair , Heads of Planning Scotland;

Sarah Shaw, Head of Planning Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability, Glasgow City Council;

Iain McDiarmid, Executive Manager – Planning, Shetland Islands Council;

Jane Tennant, Chair, Royal Town Planning Institute Scottish Young Planners Network.

3. Understanding Barriers to Local Elected Office:

The Committee agreed to write to local authorities and the Improvement Service.

4. Good Food Nation (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee agreed to write to the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee.

5. New standards of fire alarms in all homes in Scotland:

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government.

6. Building Safety Bill (UK Parliament legislation):

The Committee considered its approach to the legislative consent memorandum lodged by Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government. (LCM(S6)13).

The Committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary.

7. National Planning Framework 4 (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.