Scotland planning news, April 2018
03 Apr 2018
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Headline news |
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Housing completions increase in latest statistics
The latest housing statistics for Scotland (Quarterly Update) shows how new build completions increased to 17,601, a 5% increase in the year ending September 2017. The increase was mostly due to increases in private-led completions (9%, totalling 1,194 homes), and by local authorities (21%, totalling 239 homes); on the other hand, housing associations completed fewer homes, showing a 19% reduction when compared to last year (totalling 525 homes).
For new build starts in the twelve months to September 2017, there was a 9% increase (totalling 19,440 new starts), when compared to the same period of last year.
Scottish Government, Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update
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Quote of the month |
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| Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart announcing £26m of funding for local regeneration schemes | ||
New rail investment strategy for Scotland
Transport Scotland, the national transport agency for Scotland, has published its ‘Rail Enhancements & Capital Investment Strategy’, which highlights the planned strategic investments for rail improvements over the next decade.
The Strategy takes a new ‘pipeline-based approach’, which follows on from a procedure Network Rail has developed to plan for future rail projects which are currently at different stages of progress. The new approach places emphasis on a more systematic approach to investment, to ensure best value for public funds at every stage of project design, development and delivery.
In the foreword to the Strategy, Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says:
‘[…] we have developed this Strategy which will outline a more efficient and rigorous approach to the specification and oversight of future rail projects bringing greater accountability and greater levels of assurance.’
Transport Scotland, Rail Enhancements & Capital Investment Strategy
Funding awards to local regeneration projects in disadvantaged areas
The Scottish Government has announced that 24 projects across Scotland will benefit from a share of £26m funding to support local regeneration in disadvantaged areas.
The funding is part of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), aimed at supporting projects to tackle inequality and support inclusive growth. The announced investment is expected to support the creation of more than 1,400 jobs, the reuse of 23 local buildings, as well as supporting over 300 businesses and community enterprises.
Scottish Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart said:
‘The focus of the projects range from tackling social isolation, mitigating welfare cuts, providing training opportunities, creating business space and increasing tourism – to name but a few.’
Scottish Government, £26 million for local regeneration
Low Emission Zones consultation: analysis of responses
The Scottish Government has published an analysis of the responses it received to Transport Scotland’s consultation on Low Emission Zones (LEZs). The 967 responses that were submitted will help inform the LEZ policy making process, by shaping the guiding design principles, and establishing and operating the first Scottish LEZs (expected before 2020 in the four largest cities).
Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said:
‘[…] I am delighted that this important consultation received close to one thousand responses from a variety of sectors, with 95.5% of respondents supporting the principle of LEZs to help improve air quality in Scotland.’
Scottish Government, Responses to Low Emission Zone (LEZ) consultation now analysed
Charitable Bond investment programme expanded
The Scottish Government has announced a £15m expansion of the Charitable Bond investment programme, which has enabled the construction of more than 1,000 affordable homes since 2014.
Charitable bonds are a means for providing loans to social housing providers, that are then repaid over a period of up to ten years. The 2018/19 budget for charitable investment has now been increased to £40m (it was £25m).
Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said:
‘We are the only government in the UK to invest in charitable bonds. The interest we receive from the bonds is given to social housing providers and is another important step towards achieving our target for affordable homes.’
Scottish Government, More action on affordable housing
Planning Bill: strategic environmental assessment action plan
On 20 March, the Scottish Government published its Strategic Environmental Assessment Action Plan, setting out the proposed work that will be undertaken with key agencies and planning authorities, ‘to ensure that a stronger and simpler planning system is supported rather than undermined by accessible, relevant and good quality environmental information’.
Scottish Government, Planning Bill: Strategic Environmental Assessment action plan
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The Lichfields perspective |
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| Nicola Woodward PD and Head of Lichfields’ Edinburgh office | ||
Disclaimer: This publication has been written in general terms and cannot be relied on to cover specific situations. We recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Lichfields accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication. Lichfields is the trading name of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Limited. Registered in England, no.2778116