The Planning for Housing Network in Scotland

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. The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 covers 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.

Latest Policy & Practice News:  

Scotland is building five times as many council houses than the UK Government, official statistics reveal. Last year (2011), council housing building amounted to 19.4 homes per 100,000 population compared with 3.5 homes per 100,000 in England.

Houses in Multiple Occupation: The Scottish Government has published a circular on the provision and management of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) through the planning system, as well as advice on the interface between the HMO licensing scheme and the planning system.

Sustainable Housing Strategy: The Scottish Government has issued a consultation paper on its vision for warm, high quality, affordable, low carbon homes and a housing sector that helps to establish a successful low carbon economy across Scotland - 'Homes that don't cost the earth'.

Scottish Housing projects worth over £2.5 million that will help first time buyers get a step on the property ladder have been given the go ahead. The New Supply Shared Equity with Developers scheme involves participating house builders taking equity stakes jointly with the Scottish Government in new homes.

An increase in house prices is not always a cause for celebration as it harks back to the so-called "golden age" of house values hikes, so says David Bookbinder, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at CIH Scotland.

Scotland Land Use Strategy
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 Scotlands first integrated Land Use Strategy to help meet 21st century challenges such as food security, energy production and tackling climate change.

Speak Up for Rural Scotland
This is a 2010 consultation document from the Scottish Government containing advice provided by the Rural Development Council.

Current Consultations:

Homes that don't cost the earth: a consultation on Scotland's Sustainable Housing Strategy: The Scottish Government wants everyone in Scotland to be able to live in a high quality, affordable, low carbon homes and a housing sector that helps to establish a successful low carbon economy across Scotland.

Developing an Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing: This consultation seeks views and input on the proposed Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH) to further improve the energy efficiency of social housing in Scotland.

Events:

The Planning System: Making it Work for Housing
In late 2010 CIH & RTPI in Scotland offered a joint Conference event addressing current shared issues. The presentations are available via this link.