SFHA calls for planning system that enables more quality social housing and better places
SFHA responds to Scottish Government’s Planning White Paper Consultation
The SFHA has responded to the Scottish Government’s Planning White Paper Consultation, People, Places and Planning, by calling for a planning system that enables the provision of more quality social housing and the creation of better places.
David Stewart, SFHA Policy lead, said:
“Housing associations have a strong track record in providing and managing quality social housing, in regenerating local communities and in placemaking. Our members are the principal providers of new build social housing in Scotland.
“Our response to the White Paper, compiled following consultation with members, focussed on access to affordable land as the biggest challenge to providing the quality social housing that we know Scotland needs. A study commissioned by SFHA and other housing bodies found that Scotland needs 60,000 homes for social rent over the next five years to meet housing need. The Scottish Government responded by setting a target of 50,000 affordable homes, 35,000 of which are for social rent, backed up by £3 billion of investment.
“Land is key to future supply of new housing. The SFHA has also proposed a number of possible solutions to unlock land, including land being transferred at existing use value, zoning of land for social housing, the introduction of a derelict land tax to incentivise development and the use of Compulsory Purchase and Sales Orders.”
The SFHA also suggested that providing housing in town centres may help to regenerate town centres while providing homes close to amenities and services.