Councils in Scotland must have an open space strategy in place when reviewing planning applications, it has emerged.

The policy is designed to help protect existing open land and to deliver healthier, greener and safer networks for new spaces.

In turn, this will mean development plans must set out specific requirements for the provision of open space, with the consultation process for facilities such as tennis courts and bowling greens also to be affected.

As a result, the news may be of interest to people seeking planning jobs and those looking to make use of a regional recruitment portal to attract such candidates.

Planning minister Stewart Stevenson said: "By strengthening protection for existing open spaces we will ensure that the future needs of all our communities are provided for.

"In devising their own strategies, councils will be better equipped to manage, protect and enhance open spaces within their areas."

Earlier this month, a unified set of guidelines for process planning applications were introduced across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

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