It’s arrived! Monday 3 August marked an important day on every planner's calendar. Yes, it was a public holiday, but more importantly it was the day when new arrangements come into place for dealing with planning applications and appeals, and giving communities a greater say. The day may have passed, but planning reform is here to stay.

In response, Planning Aid for Scotland, a national charity providing training and free advice on planning and environmental matters through a network of professional volunteers, has produced a series of podcasts which can be accessed at http://www.planningaidscotland.org.uk/index.php?cid=13#a159.

The podcasts explore the effect of planning reform on all of us, and demonstrate how Planning Aid for Scotland’s professional and independent planning advice service can help. The Advice Line can be contacted on 0845 603 7602.