On Friday 4th December the RTPI-CIH Planning for Housing Network will be formally launched in Scotland at a major Conference 'Planning for Housing Needs'. This launch will be the last piece in the jigsaw of launches that have now covered the UK. The RTPI in Scotland and CIH Scotland will both ensure that the Network is well informed and that their Members, alongside all others involved with Scottish housing delivery, are being encouraged to join - for free. 

The Scottish Government has used its devolved powers to create planning and housing arrangements that are unique to Scotland and this section of the Member website is intended to introduce and fully reflect the Scottish approach.
From August 2009 the majority of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 will be in force with regard to Development Planning and Development Management (including appeals, local reviews and enforcement). Scottish Ministers are responsible for the National Planning Framework for Scotland (NPF) which sits at the top of the policy hierarchy and is the long term strategy for the development of Scotland over the next 25 years. The National Planning Framework is supported by the Scottish Planning Policy (a final consolidation to arrive at a single document is expected completed before the end of 2009; meanwhile Scottish Planning Policy 3 - Planning for Homes (2008) sets out the Scottish Government's policy on the identification of housing requirements, the provision of land for housing and the delivery of homes through the planning system) and Planning Advice Notes (PAN), and the latter include a number that relate specifically to housing - PANs 44, 67, 72 & 74.

The Scottish Government's Firm Foundations consultation set out a commitment to further the integration of land use planning and housing strategy through a strengthened national policy framework. The strategic assessment of housing need and markets is a key component of this and Housing Need and Demand Assessment Guidance is available. The guidance sets out an approach to provide evidence to inform the development of Local Housing Strategies and Development Plans. 

A Scottish Government and CoSLA  publication in 2008 ‘Local Housing Strategy Guidance’ proposed that the submission of local housing strategies will be linked to the submission dates of development plans. This approach will aid both efficiency and transparency. But it does rely upon the two professions having a rather more intimate understanding of each others skills, successes and working timescales. The Network can make a particular contribution here.

CURRENT POLICY & PRACTICE NEWS:

Draft Housing (Scotland) Bill Consultation
The Scottish Government has published an analysis of responses to its recent consultation on the Housing (Scotland) Bill 2009 which set out inter alia proposals to establish a Scottish Social Housing Charter.

Planning appeals process speeds up
The rate at which planning appeals are being dealt with has increased, according to figures published by the Scottish Government. In the last six months, more than 80% of written planning appeals were dealt with within 12 weeks. This compares to 27% in the year 2008-09. It is hoped that this will help to fuel recovery by giving greater certainty of decision-making.

Affordable Housing
Inside Housing has reported that the number of affordable homes built in Scotland reached record levels this year, according to Scottish Government statistics.

Polnoon
This pioneering low-carbon community badged the 'conservation area of tomorrow' will “set new standards in urban planning in Scotland”.

Scotland Land Use Strategy for 2010
Scotland has taken the first steps towards developing a land use strategy for the 21st century with new research published from the first event Land Use Summit. The research found that rural land makes up 97% of the country, accounts for one in every 6 jobs and generates over £17bn a year for the economy. The Summit aimed to promote the development of Scotland’s first integrated Land Use Strategy to help meet 21st century challenges such as food security, energy production and tackling climate change.

CIH Scotland Chair Gives Insight into Building Quality Homes
CIH Scotland Chair Craig Stirrat has given his insight into building quality homes in Scotland. He considers the more homes agenda, the challenges around affordable housing under the financial constraints. He also considers existing homes and successful neighbourhoods. You can read the Chair's insight here under Planning for Housing in Scotland and you can also give your views.

LATEST PUBLICATIONS:

Community Regeneration Action Plan

CURRENT CONSULTATIONS:

Glasgow City Council
Glasgow City Council has launched a consultation on its new local housing strategy for 2011 to 2016. It is looking for views from those who have an interest in the delivery of housing in the Glasgow area and the consultation runs until 18th December 2009

Energy Efficiency Consultation
This Scottish Government consultation document sets out a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency by the public sector in Scotland, focusing on its impact on energy and economic development, housing and transport and on the role it can play in delivering climate change targets. The consultation runs till the 5th January 2010. 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN SCOTLAND:

Planning for Housing Needs Conference - 4th December, Grovesnor Hilton, Edinburgh
CIH Scotland in partnership with RTPI offers an exciting new event looking at planning for housing needs in Scotland. This day long event will also see the formal launch of the RTPI and CIH Planning for Housing Network in Scotland. For further information and to book contact scotland.policy@cih.org  or call 0131 225 4544.

Investing in Affordable Housing: A Radical Re-think? - Tuesday 15th December, Edinburgh
With Scotland facing its worst economic downturn in recent times and tight public spending ahead, the time is right for a radical re-think about how we fund and deliver new affordable housing. Following research, currently being finalised by CIH Scotland, this event will discuss a variety of innovative approaches to investing in affordable housing development.
For further details or to book contact Lovely Soares lovely.soares@cih.org or call 0131 225 4544.

Author:

Andrew Matheson

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

02-Dec-09

Categories:

 

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