CBI calls for more mediation
CBI Scotland has recommended more use of mediation in planning as one of the policies that should be used to tackle the economic difficulties facing Scotland today.
CBI Scotland's Business Manifesto, published this week, lists nine major policy areas requiring attention. These include public sector reform and public procurement; transport; innovation, science and technology and planning.
Among the initiatives suggested in relation to planning, the CBI recommends:
"a greater use of mediation at all stages of the planning process to improve the speed and quality of outcomes and to reduce the overall cost, for example in the pre application stage of development initiatives."
The recommendation has been welcomed by John Sturrock, Chief Executive of Scotland's leading mediation business, Core Solutions. Core is already carrying out a pilot study on behalf of the Scottish Government on the use of mediation in planning cases.
"It is good to have this support for quicker, more inclusive and sustainable ways of delivering effective development in Scotland," said Mr Sturrock. "Mediation has a real role to play in the future of planning in Scotland.”
See the CBI's Business Manifesto : "Energising the Scottish economy - A business agenda for reform and recovery"