Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

Members of the Scottish government are hoping to create a more effective planning system in the country, which could help those seeking to develop commercial property ventures.

In a bid to support economic recovery, new measures have come into force to make the planning process more efficient for both developers and communities.

Local review bodies will be established, allowing councillors to look at small-scale developments rather than the government.

Meanwhile, developers will need to consult with nearby residents in future before submitting plans for major developments within an area.

It is hoped more information will also be made available to people concerning planning decisions.

Stewart Stevenson, infrastructure minister, commented that it is important the planning system becomes more joined up.

He said: "The creation of local review bodies will enable planning appeals for small developments to move more swiftly through the planning system - rather than the matter requiring consideration by [a] minister."

The government recently backed a scheme to build more affordable homes in rural areas of the country.