Enabling communities to envision their future in a ‘Zero Waste’ Scotland

Aug. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Media Release
Date: 25 Aug 2011
Embargo: Immediate
Contact: David McAllister, Communications Officer
Telephone: 0131 220 9734 / 07595 995268 (outside office hours)
Web: www.planningaidscotland.org.uk

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New training programme enables communities to envision their future in a ‘Zero Waste’ Scotland
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From September, communities all across Scotland will have the chance to get to grips with the Scottish Government’s ‘Zero Waste Plan’ and discover what it means for the future plans of their local communities.

Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) is set to deliver a series of free training workshops around Scotland, to introduce community groups to the Zero Waste Plan and explore its impact on land-use planning in their area. In addition, PAS will also deliver a series of training workshops to up skill planning professionals on the Zero Waste Plan.

The Scottish Government is working to significantly reduce the amount of waste Scotland sends to landfill. However, this will require a change in attitudes towards waste – from the amount we generate to how and where we process it.

The land-use planning system has a key role to play in helping Scotland become a ‘Zero Waste’ country. However, to be successful, the planning system needs the input and support of communities across Scotland. Communities must be able to understand and engage with this, at times, controversial topic: where should we process our waste?

Petra Biberbach, Chief Executive, Planning Aid for Scotland says:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for PAS to work closely with communities all around Scotland. The Zero Waste Plan pinpoints the land-use planning system as a key delivery mechanism for the Scottish Government’s waste targets, and it’s important that people know what this means for their communities and how to get involved in decision-making. Waste – and our attitudes towards it – is a hugely important issue.”

Planning Aid for Scotland’s training programme is supported by Zero Waste Scotland – the body established by the Scottish Government to deliver the actions set out in its Zero Waste Plan.

The Scottish Government’s ‘Zero Waste Plan’ is Scotland’s response to European legislation on waste and landfill. It sets out ambitious targets to minimise the amount of waste we produce and to recover as much as possible from Scotland’s vast waste resource – Scotland produced 17 million tonnes of waste in 2009 alone.

Iain Gulland, Director of Zero Waste Scotland says:

“Our vision of a zero waste society is one where nothing is wasted: all resources are utilised to their full potential, enabling real economic and environmental benefits here in Scotland.

“To achieve that vision, all levels of society will be required to play their part.  So, it is important that right across Scotland we are all better informed and engaged around the issues raised by the Zero Waste Plan, including any need for infrastructure to treat waste and maximise its resource potential.

“By working in partnership with Planning Aid Scotland we want to support better engagement between communities, developers and planning professionals and ensure people have access to trustworthy, independent sources of advice and information.”


Training for Community Councillors
24 September – Banchory
1 October – Peterhead
22 October – Aberdeen
22 October – Dundee
29 October – Kirkcaldy
29 October – Newton Mearns
5 November – Edinburgh
12 November – Kinross
19 November – Cupar
19 November – Glasgow
26 November – Hawick
3 December – Hamilton

Training for Planning Professionals
30 August – Dundee
12 September – Aberdeen
27 September – Glasgow
12 October – Edinburgh


To find out more and to book your free place, visit our website:
www.planningaidscotland.org.uk


ENDS




Notes to Editors

About Planning Aid for Scotland
Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) is an independent organisation, working across Scotland to improve the way people engage with the planning system. Planning is a vital public service and everyone in Scotland should be able to participate effectively and efficiently. PAS is here to provide everyone with the skills and information to engage positively with planning. As an independent organisation, impartiality is our most important guiding principle – one that we will not compromise.

   PAS enables individuals, communities and business start-ups to participate in a more efficient planning process
   PAS helps to deliver the Scottish Government’s commitment to equality and culture change in the way we go about planning in Scotland

Planning advice helpline: 0845 603 7602
www.planningaidscotland.org.uk



What do we mean by ‘planning’?

Terms such as 'planning', 'the planning system' and 'planning process' are about deciding how land is used in our towns, cities and the countryside. This includes a wide range of things - from home extensions, micro-renewable projects, building schools, shopping centres, roads, skate parks, new towns and windfarms to protecting public open spaces like playing fields, leisure centres and listed buildings. These activities in the ‘built environment’ are known as 'development' and often require planning permission.

Planning decides where development should happen, where it shouldn't and how it affects and fits into its surroundings. The planning system is essential for economic growth, protecting the environment, promoting sustainability and improving quality of life for all of us.

Scotland has recently undergone the biggest reform to its planning system for 60 years, with a strong emphasis on community engagement. Find out more about the planning system: www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/281542/0084999.pdf.




Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS). 11a South Charlotte Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4AS. office@planningaidscotland.org.uk Switchboard: 0131 220 9730 Helpline: 0845 603 7602. Registered in Scotland SC 143209. Registered as a charity SC 021337.

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Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) is an independent organisation, working across Scotland to help people shape their communities and improve the way people engage with the planning system.