This page provides information about the introduction of Masterplan Consent Areas (MCAs) – a potential new way for us to shape development in our area.
Background / Introduction
Part 2 (Section 15) of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced Masterplan Consent Areas (MCAs) as a new proactive consenting mechanism.
We are able to prepare Masterplan Consent Area schemes as part of a placemaking approach to planning and consenting. It is a new way for us to shape new development in our area – enabling the type and quality of development we wish to come forward through a consenting masterplan, and to support delivery of development that can support local needs, priorities and outcomes.
Unlike planning applications which are typically led by a developer, the preparation of MCA schemes will be led by the planning authority, but can be taken forward in collaboration.
The new provisions allow us to prepare a MCA ‘Scheme’ setting out for particular places, the detail of what they are giving consent for, through the MCA scheme. There are requirements for publicity and consultation on individual schemes.
MCA schemes can streamline consent, allowing issues to be considered as part of a joined up approach, they can grant:
- planning permission,
- roads construction consent,
- listed building consent, and
- conservation area consent.
Within adopted MCA areas, development could be brought forward without the need for a full application as long as it is in line with the agreed scheme.
To support the new Masterplan Consent Regulations the Scottish Government has published Masterplan Consent Areas Guidance.
Consideration of the Duty to periodically consider making MCA schemes
Part 2 of the 2019 Act (Section 15) sets out the legal framework for preparing MCAs. The full provisions from the Act relating to MCAs and the associated regulations came into force on 5 December 2024.
Statement
We have not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bring forward a MCA scheme. We intend to consider whether it would be desirable to make any Masterplan Consent Areas as part of our work on the production of the next Local Development Plan.
This Statement fulfils our legal requirements under Schedule 5A Paragraph 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act.