The power of public participation in local planning in Scotland: the case of conflict over residential development in the metropolitan green belt

While the principle of public participation is an acknowledged requirement of planning in most Western countries there is continuing debate, and insufficient empirical evidence, on the effectiveness of public participation in practice. This research examines the power of public participation in local planning in Scotland with particular reference to the pressing issue of conflict over residential development in the metropolitan green belt. The paper first defines key concepts underlying the research, and identifies the principal actors in the residential development process. The post-2006 institutional framework for planning in Scotland is explained to establish the legislative and procedural context for a case study of conflict between developers and the local community in a village in Glasgow's green belt. Using a combination of analysis of planning documents, interviews with local planners and developers, and a survey of village residents the empirical study provides detailed insight on the principles, practice, problems for public participation in local planning in Scotland. Finally, a number of conclusions are presented on the prospects for public participation in Scotland.