Accelerating home-building in Scotland: Summary of consultation responses

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Question 6) Do you have any other suggestions for measures which could use levers available, or which could be put in place through the planning system, to deliver more homes at pace?

A total of 81 respondents answered this open question and provided comment.

A number of respondents referred to the need to replenish deliverable housing land, improve flexibility in the planning process, increase SME capacity, and ensure that funding is given to affordable housing. Others discussed the potential use of the More Homes Scotland Agency as a tool to unlock stalled and difficult sites for affordable housing. Others suggested that there needs to be more of a focus on infrastructure delivery, whether through a national fund, or delivery programmes.

Some respondents suggested a need to increase capacity in the planning system, to ensure it is a quicker process. Some suggested that by introducing timescales for statutory consultees to respond, with their responses being disregarded if not submitted in time. With regards to improving capacity, some suggested that the planning system needs greater resourcing, and that applications that are Approval of Matters Specified in Conditions should be handled by planning officers.

Others suggested that offsite construction, or master planning including modular builds, being a measure to improve build-out rates. Respondents also pointed to the existing tool of MCAs, which could be strengthened and used to improve delivery. Some suggested that there should be a move to a zoning system, which would provide automatic planning permission if an application meets specified requirements.

Question 6a) Please provide any evidence of how these potential measures would influence build-out rates.

A total of 39 respondents answered this open question and provided comment.

A number of respondents referred to the Scottish Government housing land research paper from December 2020. Site viability was frequently cited as a primary constraint, with respondents noting that additional costs, uncertainty or delays can render development unviable and prevent sites from coming forward. Others mentioned that evidence points to delays in the planning system and high costs being the biggest barrier to delivery and build-out rates. Many respondents argued that slower delivery is more often a result of systemic issues within the planning and infrastructure system rather than deliberate delay by developers.

Some respondents highlighted the importance of improved coordination between public sector bodies, particularly in relation to infrastructure provision and consenting processes. Others referred to proactive partnerships between local authorities and developers during the LDP process that have helped produce higher delivery rates.