The challenges facing those tasked with delivering Scotland’s new homes are “getting ever steeper”, the chief executive of trade body Homes for Scotland has warned.
Nicola Barclay voiced her concerns while addressing 1100 senior industry representatives in Edinburgh recently, where she likened home building to climbing a mountain.
Nicola said, “Just when you think you’re at the top, you see how much further you still have to go. Whether it’s developer contributions, planning applications, pre-commencement conditions, utility connections – the list goes on: one false summit after another with each getting more difficult to tackle.”
She continued, “I am immensely proud of this industry which is one of the most resilient in Scotland, having survived the worst recession in living memory. For those of us still here, we have emerged stronger, more passionate and more determined to succeed than ever before.
“And this makes the challenges we face – this mountain we have to climb – all the more frustrating, particularly when you consider our importance to both the economy and the Scottish Government’s housing delivery programme.”
Nicola also recognised the achievement of member companies Mactaggart & Mickel, Cruden and CCG in receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development for the 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village.
“I wish all developments were treated by our politicians in the same way,” Nicola said. “We all know this wasn’t your average site – there was no way that this project was going to be allowed to be delayed. But it is a great demonstration of what can be achieved when public and private sectors work together to achieve a successful outcome.”
She added, “If Scotland is ever going to solve its housing crisis, every development needs to be given the same level of support and commitment.”
