A total of 94,416 new homes must be built across South-East Scotland by 2030, according to an new report.

The report aims to support the next strategic development plan for South-East Scotland, SESplan 2, by proposing 30,000 more new homes than originally planned.

An independent reporter highlighted some key findings:

• To meet this target, more land (not limited to previously developed / brownfield land) will need to be allocated for home building.

• Planning authorities must recognise and address the shortfalls in supply that commonly arise as plans age. If too few homes are built in the first few years – more will need to be built in the rest of the plan period.

-- Advertisement --

Homes for Scotland Director of Planning Tammy Swift-Adams voiced the company-wide support of the report, after expressing concern regarding housing shortages in Edinburgh, the Lothians and southern Fife.

She said: "Rising to the challenge of housing need and demand is the only way that Scotland's housing crisis can be eased so I am delighted with the support for home building provided by the Reporter today.

"This breaks a damaging recent trend of development plans that don't make adequate provision for much-needed new homes.

"I am hugely proud of the work of our planning team and members in amassing a strong evidence base and putting forward positive and persuasive arguments as to why SESplan 2 must take a gutsy and responsible approach to ease Scotland's housing crisis.

"It is often said that planning isn't what prevents a resurgence in home-building. That's not entirely true. If a plan doesn't make full provision for the number of homes we know are needed, it is much harder for would-be developers to get new sites allocated and consented.

"The Planning (Scotland) Bill currently going through Parliament is a chance to embed that positive spirit – but it is up to all of us involved in planning and development to make it work."

(CM/MH)