SNP attempts to reform planning in Scotland have been dismissed as a “power grab” by the Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, Jackson Carlaw MSP.
MSPs have just debated the first stage of the Planning (Scotland) Bill at Holyrood.
While the Scottish Conservatives voted to allow the legislation to advance at this stage, a number of concerns have been raised and must be addressed at future stages.
Mr Carlaw believes that the proposals contain too much centralisation.
The proposed legislation has provision for the monitoring of the performance and training of local Councillors in relation to planning.
Those plans would see a National Planning Performance Co-Ordinator check up on local officials in order to report back to the Scottish Government.
The Party added that while the Bill contained some positive elements, much would leave housebuilders, environmental activists and communities unimpressed.
Commenting Eastwood MSP, Jackson Carlaw said:
"Under this proposed legislation all roads would lead to Edinburgh, which would be completely unacceptable to the people of Eastwood.
"The creation of a Planning Performance Co-Ordinator smacks of big government keeping an eye on local government who - in their view - aren't up to scratch.
"This would be a dangerous trend to set.
"Local people already feel planning doesn't always work for them and that is something that we need to change but this Bill won't do that.
"This Bill needs ripped apart so that we can produce an Act which delivers for the good people of Eastwood.