Rural Community Gateway

The majority of respondents think planning plays a part, but is not the main reason, while just over a fifth of respondents think planning is the main reason for a lack of affordable housing in rural Scotland. You can see the poll results in full below.

Our first Great Rural Debate featured contributions from Derek Logie, Chief Executive of the Rural Housing Service and Ian Bailey, a frustrated first time buyer, giving their views on the statement above. After reading their thoughts, you were invited to vote in the poll and to add your comments.

We have had a great response to our call for comments with many informative and thought-provoking contributions raising lots of issues surrounding affordable housing such as:

• Limited job opportunities and low paid, seasonal work making housing unaffordable for many
• Issues of second home ownership, holiday homes and ‘commuter villages’
• Focus on first time buyers
• Addressing the problem of low social housing stock
• Problems getting land for self build projects
• The need for more housing vs keeping the countryside green
• Problems finding affordable accommodation to rent, and short term leases.

Although the poll has now closed, we would still encourage participation in the Great Rural Debate on Housing and we would like to know what you think about our contributors’ articles and the many interesting issues raised in comments so far. We will be feeding back all comments and the results of the poll to relevant agencies and Scottish Government departments soon.

Poll results

Restrictive planning regulations are a blight on rural Scotland, and the main reason for a lack affordable housing.

1% I’m not sure
19% I disagree with the statement
57% I think planning plays a part but is not the main reason
21% I agree with the statement

Click here for poll results pie chart.

Housing conference bursaries

If you are interested in issues of affordable housing you may be interested in attending the Rural Housing Service’s annual conference in Birnam on 29th February 2008. You will find more details in the Rural Gateway events section.

The Rural Housing Service are able to offer a limited number of bursaries to delegates from community groups, thanks to a grant from Communities Scotland. If you want to know more contact Derek Logie at Derek@ruralhousingscotland.org

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