Time to tackle housing crisis

Recent figures from the Scottish Government have shown that the number of new houses completed in Scotland has fallen.

In North Lanarkshire only 821 new builds were completed last year. Prior to 2009 that figure was regularly well over 1000.

As ever, the SNP have been preoccupied by independence and have taken their eye off the ball and allowed house building to stall, whilst families are struggling to find an affordable place to rent or own.

The Scottish Government need to ensure that homes are being built that benefit all sections of society.

Yet there must be a balance. New building should not come at the expense of our green belts.

Much of the land around North Lanarkshire is green belt and also acts as a distinctive barrier, separating smaller villages from our larger towns, protecting their individuality.

I know local residents are concerned about potential developments such as around Calderbank and Carnbroe, especially given the SNP government’s track record of overturning local planning decisions.

The Scottish Conservatives have announced a range of recommendations to divert away from large-scale building on green belt land by making it easier to build on brownfield sites and for individuals to selfbuild.

It is clear the Scottish Government need to think outside the box too.

Our local high streets have many unoccupied rooms above shops.

Consideration should be given to turning these into affordable flats.

Not only would this provide housing for families struggling to find it but those who live locally would be more likely to shop locally, supporting our local businesses.

The Scottish Government have announced housebuilding targets which, if previous records stand, they will struggle to meet.

It is time for them to focus fully on the job at hand and think of local solutions which will benefit everyone.

On the wrong road

City deals are taking off throughout Scotland with the latest, thanks to the Chancellor’s autumn statement, being in Stirling and Clackmannanshire.

They bring millions of pounds in investment to areas, which is a good thing if done properly and with the backing of communities.

In Parliament last week I highlighted two projects in the Glasgow City Deal, which affects this area, that I think are misguided and should be dropped.

The plan for a link road in Holytown and a huge scheme for a new dual carriageway in East Kilbride will, in my view, not bring any benefits to locals but will whet the appetite of roads engineers.

North and South Lanarkshire councils should think again.

The SNP have been preoccupied by independence and taken their eye off the ball