Scottish Government launches consultation on land use engagement

Sheep - credit: PA

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on how to engage with communities when making decisions over land use.

The consultation, which will run from 24 March until 16 June 2017, will inform Scottish Government guidance on how to foster cooperative and positive working relationships between land owners and managers and local communities.

It aims to support good working practices that can lead to mutually beneficial solutions to land-related problems and better local outcomes for economic, environmental, social or cultural issues.

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The Government said the guidance will cover the ‘why, where, when, who and how’ of effective engagement with local people and groups.

Opening the consultation, Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Rural and urban land is one of Scotland’s most fundamental and prized assets, therefore decisions on ownership, management and use of land and buildings can have wide-reaching effects for communities.

“Collaboration is a principle at the very heart of the Scottish Government’s approach to land reform. While many land owners and managers are already working with communities for their mutual benefit, the guidance seeks to encourage further co-operation.

“The draft guidance promotes fairness about decision-making, helping ensure positive engagement is the norm – with communities informed and involved in the decisions that have the greatest impact on their lives.

“We have worked hard with partners across the private, community, third and public sectors to produce this consultation and I invite all who have a view on engaging communities in decisions about land to respond and contribute to the development of this guidance.”