News article 18/09/2012

(Issued 18 September 2012) 
 

Home building industry body Homes for Scotland welcomed today’s statement to Parliament by Planning Minister Derek Mackay, in which the Minister stressed the importance of the planning system in creating sustainable economic growth for Scotland.

The organisation’s Director of Planning Allan Lundmark said:

“The Minister has made clear in his statement that promoting sustainable growth remains the priority of the Scottish Government. He has also expressed a commitment that the planning system remains a key tool for promoting growth, and Homes for Scotland welcomes his intent to move quickly to make further improvements in response to the Next Steps consultation.

“While planning remains crucial, there are a number of areas which can further be improved upon in order to deliver the most effective outcomes. It is particularly interesting that Mr Mackay sees the need to review Scottish Planning Policy, which was not something which featured strongly in the consultation, and which sends a strong message concerning the need to restate and strengthen the key messages around planning and delivery of development.

“We will work closely alongside our colleagues in Government to identify ways in which planning can facilitate the development Scotland needs to emerge from recession.”