With the building of new homes in Scotland having slumped to its lowest level in almost 70 years, Homes for Scotland (HFS) has welcomed publication of the Scottish Government’s vision for planning which is set out today in National Planning Framework 3 and Scottish Planning Policy.

Of particular note is the presumption in favour of development which is especially significant given that only six of Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities have the required five year effective land supply to support housing in place.

Blair Melville, HFS Head of Planning Strategy (right), said:

“Whilst a sense of optimism has been returning to the market, the industry still too often encounters a system which is frustrating and delaying development rather than encouraging and facilitating it.

“This is highlighted by recent planning performance statistics which show an average decision time of 36 weeks for major applications – more than double the 16 week statutory timescale.

“With less than 15,000 new homes completed last year, the lowest level since 1947, we welcome the firm view expressed by the Planning Minister that local authorities must focus on delivery of the many thousands of homes of all tenures that Scotland desperately needs.  His commitment to use the full range of powers available to him to ensure this is especially significant given current proposals to increase planning fees.”