s 16C Effective community engagement: guidance
(1) The Scottish Ministers may issue guidance to planning authorities about undertaking effective community engagement in relation to the local development plan. (2) Guidance under subsection (1) may include in particular guidance on— (a) how, in preparing a local development plan, planning authorities are to undertake effective community engagement, (b) ways in which planning authorities should consult communities and encourage them to contribute to the preparation of a local development plan, (c) any other matters relevant to the functions of planning authorities in relation to community engagement in local development plans. (3) Before issuing guidance under this section, the Scottish Ministers must consult such persons as they consider appropriate. (4) The Scottish Ministers must publish in such manner as they consider appropriate any guidance issued under this section. (5) A planning authority must have regard to any guidance issued to them under this section. (6) The Scottish Ministers may vary or revoke guidance issued under this section.