PUBLIC funding helped bring large swathes of Scotland’s derelict land back into use between 2011 and last year according to updated statistics. And 4,000 hectares are developable in the short term.
The figures are among the main findings in the new report from Scotland’s chief statistician on the extent of vacant and derelict land.
The 2012 survey recorded an over-all decrease of 114 hectares over the previous year. Urban vacant land was reduced by 91 hectares and derelict land by 23 hectares.
Over the period from 2006-12 there was a 3% decrease in that type of land to 10,984 hectares although changes were more varied at local authority level. Some councils – for example Falkirk, South Lanarkshire and Glasgow – showed large drops while others such as North Ayrshire recorded larger-than-average increases.
The main use for the 285 hectares brought back into productive use between 2011 and last year was residential development. In addition, 2,476 hectares were identified as having a potential preferred or intended residential use with 1,772 hectares seen as having potential for office development.
Nearly 4,000 hectares were reported to be developable in the short term and so have an expectation of development within the next five years.
Comparing the results of surveys in 2005 and 2012, a total of 286 hectares were brought back into use in Dundee, Glasgow, Highland, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire with either a full or partial contribution from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund.
