Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997

6 Structure plans: continuity of old and preparation of new plans

(1) Each structure plan approved by the Secretary of State under the 1972 Act with respect to the district of a planning authority which is in operation immediately before the commencement of this Act shall continue in force after its commencement (subject to any alterations then in operation and to the following provisions of this Part).

(2) Where, as a result of the making of an order under section 5, the area in respect of which a planning authority are obliged (whether acting alone or jointly with another authority or authorities) to prepare a structure plan is different from the area in respect of which a structure plan is for the time being in force, they shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of State for his approval a structure plan for their district complying with the provisions of section 7(1), together with a copy of the report of any survey which they have carried out under section 4(2).

(3) The Secretary of State may direct a planning authority to carry out their duty under subsection (2) within a specified period from the direction, and any planning authority to whom such a direction is made shall comply with it.

(4) Where a structure plan area extends to the district of more than one planning authority, and the authorities concerned are unable to agree on a joint structure plan for that area, then, without prejudice to the Secretary of State’s powers under section 22 of this Act and section 62B (power of Secretary of State to establish joint boards) of the [1973 c. 65.] Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, each authority concerned may include in the plan submitted to the Secretary of State alternative proposals in respect of particular matters.

(5) Where authorities submit alternative proposals under subsection (4), such proposals shall be accompanied by a statement of the reasoning behind the proposals.

(6) The planning authority shall send with the structure plan submitted by them under this section a report of the results of their review of the relevant matters under section 4 together with any other information on which the proposals are based.

(7) A copy report submitted under subsection (2) shall include an estimate of any changes likely to occur, during such period as the planning authority consider appropriate, in the matters mentioned in section 4(3).

(8) Before submitting a structure plan under this section, the planning authority shall consult any other planning authority who are likely to be affected by the plan.