LOBBYING FOR LAND

Professional bodies and special interest groups alike all agree that self-build can play a major role in solving Scotland’s housing problems

The Scottish Government’s joined-up thinking on housing, the National Planning Framework, is the long-term plan for development up to 2045. The plan goes through several drafts and consultations and its fourth draft refers to self-build as a solution to affordable housing in rural areas and greater diversity in home ownership.

It also supports the use of vacant or derelict land which is good news for anyone wanting to self-build in existing communities on an infill site or derelict land.

Angela Doran, who represents the National Custom and Self Build Association in Scotland, welcomes the news: ‘These are some really positive inclusions, which could help to scale up self and custom build in Scotland.

‘The association would like to see more direct references to self and custom build and the ways in which it can deliver adaptable housing and rural - as well as urban - housing solutions. We will continue to lobby for greater reference to custom and self build.’

The Association has also welcomed the passing of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 into law. It provides for planning authorities in Scotland to ‘prepare and maintain’ a list of anyone interested in acquiring land for self building in the authority’s area.

Angela said: ‘This is a significant step forward. Currently the only council in Scotland to hold a register is Glasgow City Council which has held one since 2015 and now has a pioneering self-build programme which releases affordable serviced plots to the public.’