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NewsFaculty Joins Forces With Planning AidNews - date posted 18/05/07 The Faculty's Free Legal Services Unit is joining forces with Planning Aid for Scotland, a national charity which provides free and independent planning advice, information, support and training on planning and environmental issues. With its network of 120 planning professionals Planning Aid for Scotland helps community organisations and members of the public who often face a disadvantage in getting access to information on planning issues. Its aim is to explain the technical aspects of the planning system in a politically neutral way so that members of the public can play a meaningful part in planning decisions. It provides free initial telephone advice to individuals, voluntary groups, community groups, community councils and residents' groups and describes itself as "independent, non-campaigning, enabling, educational, learning, neutral and bridge-building." The Faculty's Free Legal Services Unit provides help in deserving cases where legal aid is not available and access to justice might otherwise be denied. More than 60 advocates, including the most senior members of the Bar, are members of the FLSU which provided advice in the Farepak Christmas Club case in which about 150,000 people lost a total of £45million. A memorandum of understanding has been drawn up between the Faculty and Planning Aid for Scotland in recognition of the fact that a number of the issues faced by PAS fall within the legal and technical expertise of advocates. Petra Biberbach, Executive Director of Planning Aid for Scotland, said: "I am delighted to be joining forces with the Free Legal Services Unit. We are now able to deliver a comprehensive service which will be of real value to people, making the planning system even more accessible." FLSU Chairman Stephen Woolman QC, said: "Planning is an issue that can have a huge effect on the lives of individuals and communities and the recent Planning (Scotland) Act introduces fundamental changes to Scotland's planning system. "Planning Aid for Scotland and the Faculty have agreed to use our best endeavours to establish, develop and maintain an effective working relationship which will share expertise and resources for the benefit of people affected by practical planning concerns. "It is important that we complement and enhance, rather than duplicate each other's activities." The co-operation will include liaising on responses to government consultations, organising joint community outreach activities, flagging up planning inquiries and sharing client information where this will be mutually beneficial. |
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