Planning system changes could ‘speed up and streamline’ housebuilding – minister

Ministers could change Scotland’s planning system in a bid to “speed up and streamline” the supply of new homes.

Public finance minister Ivan McKee said changes to permitted development, to allow some developments to go ahead without the need for planning permission, could help as part of efforts to tackle Scotland’s housing emergency.

He has launched a Scottish Government consultation on the issue – the day after Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan promised £4.9 billion over the next four years to help build more affordable homes in Scotland.

The funding is part of an emergency action plan aimed at tackling rising homelessness numbers and Scotland’s housing shortfall.

Meanwhile, the proposals open to consultation could allow certain small scale residential developments to proceed without a planning application, a move which would cut costs and red tape for developers.

Mr McKee said: “Making changes to permitted development could help to speed up and streamline the provision of new homes and help to tackle the housing emergency.

“We are keen to hear views on options for introducing new permitted development rights, or amending existing ones, in relation to rural homes, town centre living and certain minor and uncontentious developments.

“As well as supporting housing delivery, the potential changes would let planning authorities focus their efforts more on assessing and making decisions on planning applications more swiftly.”

The consultation, which runs until October 27, is also considering if changes should be made to the system to make it easier to install air source heat pumps for homes and to connect buildings to heat networks – both measures which could help boost take-up of alternatives to fossil fuel heating systems.