Fresh bid to clean up derelict land sites

A councillor has backed a report on tackling derelict land sites.

The document was put together by the Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce, set up last year by the Scottish Land Commission and Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Councillor Kenny MacLaren said: “There are plenty of areas within Paisley and Renfrewshire which could benefit from the suggestions within this report.”

The report proposes, among other things, the use of rich data Scotland has about vacant and derelict sites to promote opportunities for re-use of land.

Vacant and derelict sites could be used for new housing, allotment and parks. as well as attracting investment for jobs and industry.

Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Too much land in Scotland is currently unused.

“The Scottish Government recognises the huge opportunity that represents, and it’s our priority to ensure that as much of that land as possible is unlocked – acting as a catalyst for community and environmental regeneration.”

Councillor MacLaren added: “Bringing these unloved urban spaces back into productive use can play a major role in reducing social inequalities; addressing climate change; improving health and delivering inclusive growth.

“However, it is a concern that the Scottish Land Commission haven’t looked at the Annual Ground Rent model as a potential solution to bringing derelict sites back into use.

“Information from the campaign highlights that taxing the land – depending on its use – could easily replace business tax and encourage all landowners to use their land and property more productively.”