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Month: February 2023

Planning for greener communities

Posted on by EleanorASSC

Planning for greener communities

New long-term plan and policy comes into effect.

Projects returning former industrial or derelict sites to community use will be more likely to be approved following the introduction of long term planning reforms.

Planning Minister Tom Arthur visited the £4.2 million Lochshore development at the former Glengarnock Steelworks in Ayrshire to see progress transforming a former heavy industry site into parkland for the benefit of local people and visitors.

Local authorities are encouraged to support proposals for development that will help restore green spaces under the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), as part of local development plans. The policy against which planning applications will be assessed for the next decade comes into effect today.

Policies in the NPF4 will also:

  • enable more renewable energy generation, outside National Parks and National Scenic Areas, to support the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels
  • Regenerate city and town centres to help them adapt to economic change while restricting some out of town retail and drive through developments
  • Support the delivery of good quality, affordable homes in neighbourhoods where people can easily access shops, schools and workplaces within a 20 minute walk or cycle

Mr Arthur said:

“The Scottish Government has supported this transformation from a derelict site which was holding back development in North Ayrshire into a significant new visitor attraction and sports facility.

“Our reforms represent a turning point for planning, a strong signal of support for healthier communities and prosperous local economies. They can help promote local renewal at sites across Scotland in line with the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

“This Framework gives local planners across the country the green light to build the fairer, greener Scotland we want to see to tackle climate change and benefit future generations.”

North Ayrshire Council Provost Anthea Dickson said:

“We are delighted to welcome the Minister and show what an incredible facility we have here in the Garnock Valley.

“Since officially opening late last year, the Lochshore Park Hub has already proven to be a popular destination for local residents and visitors alike. Not only is it an attractive, vibrant facility but as we move on to the next stages of its development, the benefits it provides will become even greater.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without close collaboration with the local community who have been integral to its development from the very early stages – it’s a real testament to community spirit.”

Background

Find out more about NPF4 here.

Read the document in full here.

Glengarnock Iron and Steelworks produced rails for the growing rail network from 1843 and closed in 1985. The site covers around 250 hectares, including Kilbirnie Loch, and is being restored to include parkland and new facilities for a local rugby club and community sports. Lochshore Park Hub was opened in October 2022 to provide food and drink, function rooms and changing rooms. The Scottish Government supported the development through its Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

Parity with Private Landlords

Posted on by Fiona Campbell

The ASSC recommends that the Scottish Government review whether licensing is the correct conduit to deliver the legislation most effectively. The ASSC suggests that there should be a review of how applications are handled in light of landlords registration, pivoting the licensing legislation to align with the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004. This would satisfy the aims of the regulations, covering the safety of the activity and any antisocial behaviour.

Alternative methods have been explored and presented to the Scottish Government, but we consider this approach to be the most proportionate and effective given the Scottish Government’s position on these regulations.

Landlord’s Registration lasts for three years, mirroring exactly the health and safety aspect of the short-term let policies. A landlord receives notification that the registration is due for renewal and the application can be made online or on paper. 14 local authorities will only accept online applications for STL licences, which amounts to discrimination.

Renewals are not onerous or burdensome, requiring confirmation that a landlord continues to comply with the statutory guidance, which covers the same health and safety requirements of the short-term let licence. There is no requirement for layout or site plans showing fire protection etc, maximum occupancy or additional conditions. The cost across Scotland is £68 for principal owner plus £16 per property (plus £137 for late application). This is considered to be proportionate, targeted and appropriate, and the small accommodation sector would welcome this regulation.

The Scottish Government’s BRIA stated that STL fees were meant to fall within a bracket of £214-£436 for a three-year licence, based on the principle of cost recovery.

However, we note that the following councils have fees that are higher than the Scottish Government’s expectations: Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, City of Edinburgh, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, Highland, Midlothian, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, and West Dunbartonshire.For instance, for City of Edinburgh Council it is up to a maximum of £5,869 for secondary letting and £1,130 within Argyll and Bute Council for secondary lets.

  • How can the Scottish Government be sure that licensing authorities can demonstrate that they are compliant with the legislative directive to be charging fees on a cost recovery basis?
  • How can it cost £84 to administer private landlord registration, yet the same process seeminly costs £5,869 per annum in Edinburgh?

This is not parity. It is discrimination.

Evidence to LGHP Committee January 2023