Greens plan to give councils ability to tackle ‘landbanking’ of vacant sites

Greens are to seek to change the law to give councils new powers to charge the owners of derelict land and buildings.

MSP Ross Greer said the move will help tackle “landbanking”, a practice which can see companies buy vacant plots in a bid to prevent rival firms from developing them.

With the owners of unused sites having previously benefited from reduced rates bills, the West Scotland MSP said this had resulted in “greedy companies and wealthy individuals sitting on derelict land and treating it as a personal cash cow”.

Mr Greer argued: “These sites could be used for the benefit of local people, for example as housing, rather than feathering the nests of people who are already very wealthy.

“Far too many town and city centres are being held to ransom by land owners who are more interested in maximising their own profits than creating thriving high streets and local environments.

“It’s time to bring abandoned and neglected land and properties back into community use. That would be good for local businesses and for communities.”

Mr Greer said he will put forward amendments to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, currently going through Holyrood, to make the change.

If backed, his proposals could give councils the power to apply an extra charge on derelict sites instead, raising money for local services and pushing the owners to either use the land or sell it.

The Green MSP, currently running to be his party’s co-leader, said: “I hope that MSPs will back my proposals, which would be a crucial step towards improving our town centres, freeing up land for affordable housing, supporting community regeneration and taking power back from the super-rich who are hoarding land and wealth.”