Sir Menzies Campbell MP has written to John Swinney, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth asking for a full opportunity for public comment before the Fife Structure Plan is finalised.
The Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife highlighted the controversy that surrounds the Structure Plan and has called for a full opportunity for public comment to alleviate this.
Commenting Sir Menzies said, “The principles of disclosure and transparency need to be evident at all stages of the process in order for the outcome to have credibility.â€
ENDS
The Text of the letter to John Swinney MSP
John Swinney MSP
Cabinet Secretary
Finance and Sustainable Growth
St Andrews House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
16th October 2008
Dear John
Recent newspaper reports suggest that proposed modifications to the Fife Structure Plan have been intimated to SNH, SEPA and Historic Scotland but not to Fife Council. It is also reported that the Scottish Executive has resolved not to hold an Examination in Public on the Plan. Can you confirm whether either of these reports are true?
If they are, can you explain why the Council should not be advised of the proposed modifications and how such a failure is consistent with the principles of disclosure and transparency which are central to the planning process. Have the proposed modifications been intimated to any of the parties such as objectors?
How could an informed decision be taken about whether an Examination in Public was necessary until the Structure Plan has passed through all stages short of Ministerial approval?
Your officials will be well aware of the controversy which surrounds the Fife Structure Plan. Would not that controversy be alleviated if there were a full opportunity for public comment in the course of a formal Examination in Public?
Yours sincerely
Menzies Campbell
