Item 8 - Appendix 1
West Dunbartonshire Council · 20 September 2023
Back to Planning Committee — 20 September 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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AssessmentNo 778 Owner mspurway Resource Regeneration, Environment and Growth Service/Establishment Regeneration First Name Surname Job title Head Officer Matthew Spurway Development Planning &Place Officer (include job titles/organisation) Members Cameron Clow, Pamela Clifford (Please note: the word 'policy' is used as shorthand for stategy policy function or financial decision) Policy Title Local Place Plans The aim, objective,purpose and intended out come of policy The purpose of this report is to seek approval of an approach to Local Place Plans which will deliver new duties arising from the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, which amended the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. Local Place Plans offer the opportunity for a community led, but collaborative, approach to influencing the preparation of the Local Development Plan. The approach in this report sets out how the Council will deliver its duties in relation to this legislation and the support that will be offered to communities wishing to prepare local place plans. Service/Partners/Stakeholders/service users involved in the development and/or implementation of policy. Communities Team Does the proposals involve the procurement of any goods or services? Yes If yes please confirm that you have contacted our procurement services to discuss your requirements. No SCREENING You must indicate if there is any relevance to the four areas Duty to eliminate discrimination (E), advance equal opportunities (A) or foster good relations (F) Yes Relevance to Human Rights (HR) Yes Relevance to Health Impacts (H) Yes Relevance to Social Economic Impacts (SE) Yes Who will be affected by this policy? Communities and organisations operating within West Dunbartonshire. People who work in and visit West Dunbartonshire. Property owners and developers. Who will be/has been involved in the consultation process? Local Place Plans must be prepared by a community council or a community controlled body as defined by the community empowerment act. The community body is required to include a statement of the level and nature of support for the Local Place Plan as well as the basis on which the community body has reached that view. The consultation requirements for community bodies are not otherwise prescriptive in nature. The support set out in this policy and guidance it proposes to prepare will seek to encourage community bodies to ensure participation and the proposals that they bring forward represent a wide range of the community.
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Please outline any particular need/barriers which equality groups may have in relation to this policy list evidence you are using to support this and whether there is any negative impact on particular groups. Needs Evidence Impact Age Planning is concerned with the creation of better places. This requires development that can accommodate future changes of use, taking into account how people use places differently, for example depending on age and degree of personal mobility. Scottish Councillors 2017-22 (Improvement Service, 2018) shows the age breakdown of councillors who responded to the Improvement Service survey. The majority (60.1%) were aged between 50 and 69 years old, whereas only 17% were aged below 40. The average age of councillors who responded to the survey was 53 years old. A Fairer Scotland for Older People: framework for action (Scottish Government, 2019) tells us that older people want action to ensure they have access to opportunities to remain actively engaged with, and involved in, their communities. The Scottish Household Survey: Annual Report 2019 (Scottish Government, 2020) notes that nearly 9 in 10 adults (88 per cent) in Scotland use the internet either for work or personal use, a steady increase over time from 65 per cent in 2007. Notably, there has been a significant increase The evidence would suggest that consideration is made of putting provisions in place which encourage engagement with older people and that their aspirations relating to the development and use of land are expressed through the proposals that are contained in the LPP. It should be recognised that there should be a range of engagement practices which reflect older people's disproportionate use of the internet. Evidence would also suggest that there may be barriers to children and young people’s engagement. This highlights the need for suportive guidance which provides the scope for community bodies to seek the views of children and young people and reflect these views in their proposals on the development and use of land.
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in internet use amongst older adults aged 60+ (from 29 per cent to 66 per cent). There are lower rates of internet use among older adults than among younger adults. In 2019, almost all (99 per cent) adults aged 16- 24 reported using the internet compared to 43 per cent of those aged 75+. The equivalent report published in 2019 noted that almost nine in 10 adults (87 per cent) aged 75 and above said they felt a very strong or fairly strong sense of belonging to their community, compared to just over seven in ten (73 per cent) of those aged between 16 and 24. Evidence relating to the age characteristic relates primarily to older people's aspirations to remain active in their communities. There is additionally evidence around older people's disproportionate use of the internet. The Planning Places Survey Report (Scottish Government 2017) concluded that the majority of young people felt they should be involved in planning in their local area and that
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their local councils should look at ways to support children and young people to do this. A specific question was asked about whether LPPs would be a good thing. 104 young people answered this question with 88% of young people saying yes, that ‘LPPs’ would be a good thing. When asked what would help you get involved in preparing one of these plans, there were 76 answers to this question. Many of the responses mentioned that if there were local community meetings where they were provided with lots of information this would help them to get involved. Also, if they knew that their opinions would be taken seriously and listened to and not just used to ‘tick a box.’ Many also felt that if the opportunity to get involved was linked into their time at school, this would help. Cross Cutting Need to take account of intersectionality People can and do belong to multiple groups. WD Equalities Forum (WDEF) brings together multiple groups. WDEF in the past has contributed to our Local Housing Strategy, Local Information to WDEF is likely to work well to raise awareness. The Council will seek to use the use the communicating effectively guidance when preparing and publicising the
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Transport Strategy, Equality plans etc. invitation as well as the how to guide. The consultants preparing he how to guide will be required to follow this guidance and the council will encourage its use through the guidance and support that we are offering to communities. Disability As with the age characteristic, planning is concerned with creation of better places. This requires development that can accommodate future changes of use, taking into account how people use places differently, for example depending on the degree of personal mobility and how places can affect people's health and wellbeing. Census data from 2011 reports that the proportion of people in Scotland with a long-term activity-limiting health problem or disability was 20%. A higher proportion of women than men were limited in their day-to-day activities by a long-term health problem or disability. The 2018 Improvement Service Survey noted that the proportion of councillors who had a physical or mental health condition or illness lasting or expected to last 12 months or more was comparable with the Scottish population. A Fairer Scotland for Disabled People: delivery plan (2016) sets out active participation as one of its five ambitions - disabled people can participate as active citizens in all aspects of daily and public life in Scotland. Disabled people are The evidence would suggest that consideration is made of putting provisions in place which encourage engagement with disabled people and that their aspirations relating to the development and use of land are expressed through the proposals that are contained in the LPP. It should be recognised that there should be a range of engagement practices which reflect disabled people's disproportionate use of the internet.
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keen to be involved in shaping the places that they stay, but that there can be barriers to that engagement. Supercharged: A human catastrophe (2020) prepared by the Glasgow Disability Alliance calls for the lived experience of disabled people to be embedded in redesign of public spaces and town planning. It goes on to state that through inclusive digital and offline engagement and capacity building, disabled people’s aspirations should be raised, providing opportunities to fulfil their potential, and strengthen participation and democracy. As reported in the National Performance Framework - disability perspective: analysis (2021) disabled people were slightly less likely than non- disabled people to agree with the statement 'I can influence decisions affecting my local area' With regard to the priorities for disabled people, the particular issue of accessible housing supply has been raised, including through calls for the
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needs of groups such as older and disabled people to be explicitly considered at every stage of the development of National Planning Framework 4 and the other policies and strategies that will sit alongside it. Housing and other issues were raised in Inclusion Scotland's Disabled People’s Views of the Fairer Scotland For Disabled People Delivery Plan (2020). It set out that almost half (43%) of people said the accessibility of places had stayed the same, around a third (31%) said they had got worse, 16% said they had got better and 10% said they were not sure. The issues for disabled people were 1. There is not enough accessible housing and disabled people are still living in unsuitable accommodation which does not meet their needs. 2. Transport is inaccessible and unreliable. Disabled people are still unable to use public transport in a consistent way. 3. The built environment is often inaccessible and initiatives like
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‘shared spaces’ and others which promote active travel have had particular detrimental impacts on disabled people. The Scottish Household Survey: Annual Report 2019 (2020) noted that seventyone per cent of adults who have some form of limiting long-term physical or mental health condition or illness reported using the internet, lower than for those who have some form of non-limiting condition or illness (90 per cent) and those who have none (94 per cent). The Royal Town Planning Institute's practice advice: Mental Health and Planning (2020) notes four key themes for places: Green, Active, Pro- social and Safe. The Coronavirus (COVID- 19): health and social impact assessment (2020) noted that digital exclusion is also an issue for people with learning disabilities as they may not have access to or be able to effectively access online support and services and connect with friends and family. Social & Economic Impact Planning is concerned with creation of better Evidence from England's experience with The evidence would suggest that the invitation and
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places. This requires development that can accommodate future changes of use, taking into account how people use places differently, regardless of their social or economic status Nieghbourhood plans, suggests that more affluent communities are more likely to seek to prepare local place plans. support offered should seek to ensure that all communities are given the opportunity to prepare local place plans. Sex Planning is concerned with creation of better places. This requires development that can accommodate future changes of use, taking into account how people use places differently, for example depending on their sex. The responses to the Improvement Service survey13 of councilors (2018) indicated a gender imbalance among councillors, with 65.7% describing themselves as male, compared with 32.6% female, and 1% ‘In another way’. Research from 200424 would suggest that women were slightly more likely than men to become involved in the planning process. This was focussed on development management. The Scottish household survey: Key Findings report25 from 2020 outlined that over three-quarters (78 per cent) of adults felt a very or fairly strong sense of belonging to their neighbourhood. It also noted that older people and women were more likely to report a strong sense of belonging to their neighbourhood. The First Minister’s National Advisory The evidence would suggest that consideration is made of putting provisions in place which encourage engagement and that people's aspirations relating to the development and use of land are expressed through the proposals that are contained in the LPP. It should be recognised that there should be a range of engagement practices which reflect particular barriers to engagement which are based on a person's sex.
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Council on Women and Girls 2019 Report and Recommendations2 6 (2020) noted that: - Women have better cultural participation and sense of community belonging. Women are somewhat more likely than men to say that they have a very strong feeling of belonging to their community (38% vs 34%). - More women (28%) than men (25%) volunteer for groups or organisations. - Women are much less likely to feel safe walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark (66% vs 89% of men). There are examples of where women's stories are used to illustrate how people use their neighbourhoods. For example, Margaret's Journey in Glasgow City Council's Liveable Neighbourhoods27 document (2021). The Royal Town Planning Institute's Women in Planning (Part II)28 (2021) provides a narrative around the impact of the planning profession on the day-to-day lives of women. Many of the study respondents appeared to agree that inequalities associated with
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women’s movement through, and enjoyment of, the built environment stem from society’s car dependency. With the design of cities principally focused around creating and improving road infrastructure for the private motor vehicle, this not only presents problems for the walkability and safety of neighbourhoods, but also for women’s access to employment and educational opportunities with implications on career advancement Study respondents also reported safety concerns with respect to public transport, lack of public surveillance in town centres, and inadequate street lighting that make the built environment awkward for women. In addition to safety concerns, lack of locally accessible employment opportunities, childcare facilities, public transport services, public toilet facilities, as well as inadequate pedestrian infrastructure were frequently cited by study respondents as significant
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barriers to women’s access to equal opportunities in the built environment. This was particularly the case for those with caring responsibilities. Gender Reassign Planning is concerned with creation of better places. This requires development that can accommodate future changes of use, taking into account how people use places differently, for example depending on their Gender or Reassignment. Limited evidence, but under- representation is considered a possibility. We will encourage an inclusive approach to engaging with all groups through the guidance and support that we offer to communities. Health As with the age characteristic, planning is concerned with creation of better places. This requires development that can accommodate future changes of use, taking into account how people use places differently, for example depending on the degree of personal mobility and how places can affect people's health and wellbeing. Census data from 2011 reports that the proportion of people in Scotland with a long-term activity-limiting health problem or disability was 20%. A higher proportion of women than men were limited in their day-to-day activities by a long-term health problem or disability. The 2018 Improvement Service Survey noted that the proportion of councillors who had a physical or mental health condition or illness lasting or expected to last 12 months or more was comparable with the Scottish population. The Scottish Household Survey: Annual Report 2019 (2020) noted that The evidence would suggest that consideration is made of putting provisions in place which encourage engagement with disabled people and that their aspirations relating to the development and use of land are expressed through the proposals that are contained in the LPP. It should be recognised that there should be a range of engagement practices which reflect people with limiting long-term physical or mental health condition or illness's disproportionate use of the internet.
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seventyone per cent of adults who have some form of limiting long-term physical or mental health condition or illness reported using the internet, lower than for those who have some form of non-limiting condition or illness (90 per cent) and those who have none (94 per cent). The Royal Town Planning Institute's practice advice: Mental Health and Planning (2020) notes four key themes for places: Green, Active, Pro- social and Safe. Human Rights Using the perspective of the UNCRC is good practice to help include Children and Young People. Article 8 ECHR This includes a right to participate in essential economic, social, cultural and leisure activities. In some circumstances, public authorities may need to help you enjoy your right to a private life, including your ability to participate in society. Our approach will be informed by Human Rights considerations noted. In Council communications in relation to Local Place Plans, such as the invitation and "how to guide" we will commit to ensuring that the requirements of UNCRC and support good practice in this regard through guidance. Marriage & Civil Partnership Pregnancy & Maternity Planning is concerned with creation of better places. This requires development that can accommodate future changes of There is limited evidence in this regard, but it is considered likely that maternity and/or pregnancy may impact on We will encourage an inclusive approach to engaging with all groups through the guidance and support that we
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use, taking into account how people use places differently, for example depending on whether they are pregnant or their maternity status. peoples ability to participate in some engagement processes. offer to communities. Race Evidence below relating to the race characteristic relates primarily to people's aspirations to maintain active engagement in their communities. It also notes that there is a spatial dimension to where people live in Scotland. Data from the 2011 Census would suggest that around four per cent of people in Scotland were from minority ethnic groups - an increase of two percentage points since 2001. Council areas with large cities had the highest proportion of their population from a minority ethnic group: 12 per cent in Glasgow City, 8 per cent in City of Edinburgh and Aberdeen City and 6 per cent in Dundee City. In addition, 0.8% of the population in rural areas were from an ethnic minority background. Census data also shows that, with regard to the Gypsy / Traveler community there are spatial variations across Scotland. Just over 4,000 people in Scotland identified in the 2011 census that their ethnic group was ‘White: Gypsy/Traveller’ and this represented 0.1 per cent of the population. However, it has been suggested that this is likely to The evidence would suggest that consideration is made of putting provisions in place which encourage engagement and that people's aspirations relating to the development and use of land are expressed through the proposals that are contained in the LPP. It should be recognised that there should be a range of engagement practices which reflect particular barriers to engagement which are based on a person's race. The range of such practices will depend on local circumstances.
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underestimate the Gypsy/Traveller population due to a range of issues such as reluctance of individuals to identify as Gypsy/Traveller and challenges accessing the population living on sites and by the roadside. The highest proportion of the community reside in the Perth and Kinross Council area. Much of the evidence around the aspirations of Gypsy/Travellers has related to the voices of Gypsy/Traveller children being engaged in decision- making. We also know that many Gypsy/Travellers prefer to live on private sites, which can help support their independence, self-sufficiency and security. But they have often found it difficult to access the planning system and get the appropriate permission to develop their own sites. Making provision for the development of private sites can help Gypsy/Travellers to maintain their traditional lifestyle. White councillors are over represented in the 2018 Improvement Service survey
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(98%), compared with 96% in the Scottish population. Planning Advice Note 3/2010: Community Engagement recognises that an understanding is needed about the support particular individuals or groups require to help them engage. It notes that the needs of minority groups should be accommodated where possible, including the opportunity to access information in alternative formats such as the provision of information in alternative languages. Religion and Belief It is considered that there may be some cross cutting impact in relation to race or ethnicity. Planning Advice Note 3/2010: Community Engagement recognises that an understanding is needed about the support particular individuals or groups require to help them engage. It notes that the needs of minority groups should be accommodated where possible, including the opportunity to access information in alternative formats such as the provision of information in alternative languages. We will encourage an inclusive approach to engaging with all groups through the guidance and support that we offer to communities.
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Sexual Orientation Planning is concerned with creation of better places. This requires development that can accommodate future changes of use, taking into account how people use places differently, for example depending on their sexual orientation. Data in Sexual Orientation in Scotland 2017: summary of evidence base29 would suggest that there are in the region of 2% of people in Scotland who identify as LGBO (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Other). Spatially, the above summary of evidence considered that access to the community may be one reason why a higher proportion of LGBO people live in urban areas. Compared with the Scottish population the councillors who responded to the 2018 Improvement Service survey13 had more diverse sexual orientations (Scotland’s People Annual Report: Results from the 2016 Scottish Household Survey). 5.6% of councillors who responded identify as gay/lesbian and 1.5% identify as bi/bisexual, compared with 1.1% and 0.4% of the Scottish population. As a whole, Consultation on the Modernisation of the Planning System with ‘seldom heard’ Groups30 (2009) suggested that this group had no special needs or requirements when The evidence would suggest that consideration is made of putting provisions in place which encourage engagement and that people's aspirations relating to the development and use of land are expressed through the proposals that are contained in the LPP.
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it came to planning with their views representative of the general population. However, more recent research and guidance including in the World Bank’s Handbook for Gender-Inclusive Urban Planning and Design31 (2020) suggests that our understanding of the needs of marginalised groups is developing. Actions Policy has a negative impact on an equality group,but is still to be implemented, please provide justification for this. Will the impact of the policy be monitored and reported on an ongoing bases? Local Place Plans, prepared by communities must be accompanied by a statement in relation to the consultation which has been undertaken by the community body. This statement is one of the accompanying documents which must be recorded in the register of local place plans. When preparing the Local Development Plan, the Council will consider the extent to which a Local Place Plan is representative of local views, and seek to ensure that a wide range of views are consulted on proposals. Q7 What is you recommendation for this policy? Intoduce Please provide a meaningful summary of how you have reached the recommendation EIA 778: We will pro-actively engage with groups which are under-represented in the Local Development Plan preparation process. Potential impacts are detailed in the EIA in terms of equality and human rights as they relate to participation.