Last week saw the publication of the the draft amendments for housing policy and associated consultation by the Scottish Government. HOPS welcome the steps being taken to bring clarity in a deeply complex policy area. We have previously provided detailed thoughts on this matter in our response to the Housing Technical Paper for NPF 4 and our previous research paper “Creating Great Places for People – HOPS Recommendations on Planning for Housing” (both of which can be read in full here). Through these papers HOPS had raised concerns on a number of matters and have put together a set of recommendations based on the following key principles:
- clarification of delivery roles between the public and private sector;
- simplicity and clarity in the terminology utilised;
- reduction in the number of terms with a focus on delivery of Targets;
- fuller engagement between housing and planning professionals;
- provision of fuller information at Evidence Report stage of the Local Development Plan; and,
- corporate responsibility for housing Targets and delivery.
The draft amendments for housing policy have provided a positive step in addressing some of these elements. HOPS are currently taking time with the members of our Development Planning sub-committee to discuss proposals raised in the consultation. We are also looking to see the potential effects on the system from other perspectives and will seek to speak to a variety of stakeholders to help inform our response. For HOPS and others it is imperative that close work continues with the Scottish Government through the NPF 4 Housing Advisory Panel.
HOPS Executive 24th July 2020
