Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
02/03/2017

Home Builders Oppose Rise In Planning Fees

Construction News Image
Plans to increase the maximum fee level for planning applications are being opposed by Scottish home builders.

Under the proposals, the maximum fee level for planning applications will rise to £125,000.

However, Homes for Scotland (HfS) Planning Director Tammy Adams said while home builders do not oppose the principle of reviewing and increasing fees, they are against the idea due to Scotland's "disastrously slow" planning system.

In recent months, the average decision time for major housing applications has been 48.5 weeks – more than three times the statutory 16 week period.

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

Ms Adams said this figure also does not include the likes of negotiating Section 75 Agreements or road construction consents.

"The slowness of Scotland's planning system works against the common goal of all those who want to increase the delivery of much-needed new homes," she said.

"Indeed, our members tell us it has never been harder to get homes out of the ground.

"As no evidence has been provided to suggest the planning fee is the root cause of poor performance, or that the increase now proposed will guarantee a material improvement to applicants, we cannot support the measures currently being put forward.

"Homes for Scotland is ready and willing to engage positively with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders on how a stronger and more supportable package of measures can be put together to improve planning performance and justify a review of planning fees."

Ms Adams added the organisation will be requesting a meeting with officials and Ministers as soon as the consultation over the proposal closes.

(LM/MH)

Latest Construction News

03/05/2024

The Wheatley Group has been given planning permission from Glasgow City Council to convert the 1930s B-listed Bellgrove Hotel into 14 modern, energy-efficient and affordable flats – eight of which will be wheelchair accessible. Permission has also been granted for a further 56 flats to be built on ...
03/05/2024

Renewable energy leader Drax has announced that it will invest £80 million in a major refurbishment of its iconic 'Hollow Mountain' Cruachan pumped storage hydro power station in Scotland. Global hydropower technology supplier ANDRITZ has been appointed as the main contractor for the Cruachan ...
03/05/2024

Clark Contracts has welcomed the news that the former Dalmarnock Purifier Studios, now branded as EastWorks, has been awarded the Refurbished/Recycled workplace award at the prestigious British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards 2024. The 120-year-old former purifier shed, owned by Clyde Gateway, ...
03/05/2024

Stirling Council has launched a public consultation to shape future developments at the Viewforth and Burghmuir Road areas. The new draft framework and planning brief for Viewforth and Burghmuir covers a key area of the city centre that includes the Viewforth site, existing council buildings, ...
03/05/2024

Morrison Community Care (CCG) Holdco has secured planning permission or its latest project in South Queensferry, marking its third consecutive success. Forming part of a wider 44-hectare masterplan that will include 980 new homes, a primary school and commercial premises on Builyon Road, south of ...
03/05/2024

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have carried out a review of the last two years of the Community Regeneration Funding Programme, ahead of agreeing changes to how the 2024/25 programme will be delivered. Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Following a successful two ...
03/05/2024

Perth and Kinross Council and partners are set to progress community-led projects aimed at revitalising homes and improving rural transport links, following a winning bid for Innovate UK Pathfinder Places funding. Funding of £150,000 has been secured following a successful Phase 1 Pathfinder ...
03/05/2024

SGN engineers working on the H100 Fife project have helped support the Methilhill Community Children's Initiative (MCCI) by building an eco-toilet in the charity's learning garden. MCCI provides a safe and engaging space for local children to participate in various outdoor activities, including ...
03/05/2024

SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation, has published a draft of its 2024 election manifesto detailing six strategic policy proposals designed to support its members and the broader plumbing and heating profession. Once finalised, the manifesto will be central to ...
03/05/2024

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published their 2024-25 Annual Operating Plan, detailing how they will protect and improve Scotland's environment over the next 12 months. The publication follows the launch of a new Corporate Plan at the end of March, which set out the ...
Morris & Spottiswood LtdRBT Underfloor LimitedBurnside Plant Hire LtdKattrak International Hidromek SalesScotdeck LtdThe Big Block Co LtdSafe Access (Highland) Ltd.Bairds Windows LtdThe Human Touch Scaffolding Co LtdBabbity Environmental
Terms and Conditions
2024/05/06 09:49:40