Community’s right to buy
Councillor welcomes plan
A H a m i l t o n co u n c i l l o r h a s we l comed the introduction of community right to buy for abandoned, n e g l e c t e d o r detrimental land and buildings.
Introduced by the Scottish Government and implemented in June, the scheme offers community groups and organisations the right to buy property which is abandoned, neglected or where the use or management has caused harm to the wellbeing of the community.
Under the legislation, communities are able to register an interest for up to five years and ensure a fair price through an independent valuation.
Ha m i l t o n S o u t h councillor Josh Wilson said: “Virtually every town in Scotland has areas that, often through absentee landlords, have fallen out of use and although often historically significant, have become an eye sore due to neglect.
“We have seen it in areas across Hamilton and although there is a will to regenerate these underused and unsightly areas, it is often impossible or frustratingly slow because of who owns the land or building.
“Th i s l e g i s l a t i o n has the potential to be tra n s f o rmat i v e , offering communities the opportunity to bring these buildings and pieces of land back into use, and potentially revitalise their community.”
For further information, contact the Community Land Team at The Scottish Government by emailing crtb@gov.scot