On planning ing demand
providing choice across all tenures for the residents of Scotland.
“Some 80,000 fewer homes than needed have been built in Scotland since the economic crash, which has contributed to the chronic undersupply of housing our country faces.
“We must now build on this solid foundation to ensure that our industry can continue to increase the supply of new homes our growing population needs.
“Ensuring we have a supportive planning system is absolutely fundamental to achieving this.”
Barclay warned that an increase in planning permission is crucial to tackling the country’s housing crisis.
She added: “Although figures for housing completions are encouraging, there was a dramatic 44.5 per cent drop in the number of homes receiving planning consent in the last quarter of 2018.
“This must serve as a warning that we cannot be complacent if deliver large-scale regeneration projects. Neil McKay, managing director at Urban Union, said: “This is a pivotal period for the housing sector as we seek to meet the needs of people across Scotland.
“It is essential that more affordable housing is created, but at the moment there is a clear and daunting shortage and concerns around what will happen with Help to Buy.
“At Urban Union, more than two-thirds of our sales have been secured with Help to Buy, but its future is uncertain.
“We need to learn from the current scheme and ensure that a new initiative is launched which removes the barriers facing people looking to get on the property ladder.
“At the same time, we have to make sure there is the housing stock to meet demand, which means reducing the period between planning and actually building the homes.
“Much of the responsibility lies with the Scottish Government and local authorities.
“But there is also a need for private organisations to help the public sector when it comes to issues such as financing.
“That will help to reduce the shortage and ultimately benefit communities throughout the country.” For more details about the work of Homes for Scotland and its various member organisations, please visit www.homesforscotland.com