249.Section 50 inserts a new section 1A into the 1997 Act, which requires each planning authority to have a chief planning officer to advise the authority about their functions under the planning Acts and any other functions relating to development. When appointing a chief planning officer, the planning authority must be satisfied that the officer has appropriate qualifications and experience, having regard to any guidance on that matter issued by the Scottish Ministers.
Overview of the Act Chief planning officers Section 50:  Chief planning officers