Research into the financial value of planning agreements reached by Scotland's 32 Councils showed East Dunbartonshire to be top of the negotiating league, securing more than £27m from developers over three years.

The Scottish Government collated data about 1,000 legal agreements between planning services and developers from 2004-2007 with a total value of £86.6m.

The most common purpose of these agreements with developers is to secure funding for roads infrastructure and recreation space and a commitment to build affordable housing contributions to public transport.

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In East Dunbartonshire, effective partnership working through projects like Kirkintilloch's Initiative, contributed significantly to the area's tally.

Councillor Simon Hutchison, Chair of East Dunbartonshire's Planning Board praised Planning Officers and partners for the work they have done in attracting so much investment from developers keen to build in East Dunbartonshire.

He said: "For such a small authority to be responsible for almost one third of the contributions made across the whole of Scotland is a great achievement. East Dunbartonshire is a desirable place to live and is an attractive location for business too.

"It is vital that when negotiating with developers that we achieve as much as we can in terms of provision of open space, upgrading of roads or pavements and contributions to public transport.

"Key for this area, facing a huge affordable housing challenge, is that we talk with developers early on about our adopted policy on pushing for housing developments over 15 units to include 40% social rented housing.

"Looking at the Scottish Government's statistics, it is clear that we are punching above our weight."

(GK)