Industry body Homes for Scotland (HFS) has said it has signed a new collaborative agreement with Scottish Water.

The deal comes amid a more positive outlook for the housing sector.

In a statement, HFS said it had developed a Protocol for Engagement with the water utility provider to enable the housing sector to benefit from a joint approach to tackling matters such as development impact assessments and cost contributions.

Numerous resources are spent each year in renewing and upgrading Scotland's water and drainage infrastructure to support new housing developments, and the industry body added that close collaborative working is essential if Scotland is 5to attract investment in new homes.

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Jim Preston, Homes For Scotland Chairman, said: "Whilst confidence in the housing market may be increasing, output is at its lowest level in 70 years, so we need to do all we can to remove any impediments inhibiting production.

"Following constructive dialogue with Scottish Water, I am therefore delighted to sign this agreement on behalf of Homes for Scotland for the benefit of the sector as a whole."

Ronnie Mercer, Scottish Water Chair, added: "House building and construction plays an important role in the Scottish economy, with new development requiring connections to Scotland's essential water and waste water infrastructure.

"In facilitating these new connections, Scottish Water helps support economic development in communities across Scotland, enabling new customers to enjoy the benefits of the high-quality and excellent value services we provide.

"That's why I'm delighted to sign this collaborative agreement with Homes for Scotland, which demonstrates our shared commitment to working together in the successful planning and delivery of new housing developments."

(JP/IT)