Rural Community Gateway

The Scottish Government has a goal of increasing the number of new homes built in Scotland from 10,000 per year to 35,000 per year by the middle of the next decade. The SPP3 will help deliver the government’s housing objectives to deliver more homes of higher quality and environmental standards.

Planning Minister Stewart Stevenson said, "Scotland needs more homes. We must improve the supply of homes to buy, to rent and for low cost home ownership across Scotland, especially in areas facing housing pressures.

"While demand for new housing, particularly affordable housing, has risen in recent years, there has been no corresponding increase in housebuilding. If Scotland is to benefit from more sustainable economic growth, we must build more homes to higher standards. A modern, efficient, planning system is key to unlocking that."

The draft policy encourages councils to work together to identify and release more land for housing, and to work together to assess housing requirements across housing market areas.

You will find the SPP3 draft policy in the Rural Gateway documents library. You can respond to the consultation until 31st March 2008.

What do you think about planning restrictions?

At the end of last year we launched our Great Rural Debate on Housing, asking you if restrictive planning regulations is the main cause of a lack of affordable housing in rural Scotland. We've had great feedback so far and there is still time to take part.

Before giving us your views you can read the views of Derek Logie, Chief Executive of the Rural Housing Service and Ian Bailey, first-time buyer. You can then add your comments and vote in our poll. The poll will stay open until Monday 14th January 2008.

We will feedback the results and your comments to relevant Scottish Government departments and other agencies.

Have your say at major conference

The Rural Housing Service are able to offer a limited number of bursaries for people from community groups, such as community trusts and councils, to attend their annual conference. So, if you have something to say about affordable housing and would like to have your voice heard at a major housing event get in touch with Derek Logie of the Rural Housing Service at derek@ruralhousingservice.org. The conference takes place on 29th February 2008 in Birnam, further details can be found on the Rural Housing Service website.

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