HOMES for Scotland (HFS) has expressed ‘grave concern’ following the dismissal of 16 out of 18 planning appeals that would have provided 3,500 homes in the country.
Kevin Murphy, HFS head of planning, said, “In the context of what is a nationally recognised housing emergency, with 693,000 households in Scotland identified as being in some form of need and record numbers in temporary accommodation, and at a time when the construction of new homes is rapidly declining, it is a source of grave concern that appeals to deliver c3,500 new homes have been dismissed.
“With most in areas which have declared local housing emergencies, these homes would have made an important contribution towards meeting need, however small in an overall context. For example, 3,500 homes would help over 21% of the number of households in temporary accommodation. In marked contrast, 125 represents less than 1%.
“Whilst we will be reviewing the appeals to understand the nuances of each, it should be remembered that the Scottish Government has already written to local authorities, stating that it expected to see ‘an emergency-led focus in decision-making on plans and applications. This provided clarification on policy, emphasising diversity of tenure and promoting more positive and construction collaboration across sectors to support delivery.
“It would appear, however, that this in itself has not been sufficiently directive and that it is time to take more drastic emergency action such as reinstating the presumption of sustainable development where there is a shortfall in land supply until respective local development plans are in place.”
