PAS hosts event at Holyrood's Festival of Politics

Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) will be hosting a high-profile event at the Scottish Parliament's Festival of Politics to debate the involvement of people in planning.

The programme of events has now been announced and can be viewed online.

PAS patron and journalist and broadcaster, Lesley Riddoch, who is chairing the event, said: "The cuts announced by the Westminster, Scottish and local governments may make it more difficult for communities to tackle those whose decisions shape their lives.

Unpopular projects may be forced through on the grounds of cheapness and value for money.

"Therefore the time and effort needed to get communities on board may seem like icing on the cake to over-stretched, under-resourced planners or developers - but when money's short involving people is actually essential.

This event is a must for anyone who believes communities must be involved without being cast as wrecking NIMBYs".

Petra Biberbach, chief executive of PAS, said: "We believe in taking planning directly to people, from our roadshows in supermarkets and training across Scotland, as well as taking part in festivals up and down the country.

"The Festival of Politics is a fantastic series of events, hosted by our national parliament, taking politics to people and giving everyone the opportunity to debate and learn.

"Planning Aid for Scotland fits very well into this ethos of active and engaged citizens getting involved in their local community and we look forward to a lively and interesting debate".

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