The home building industry has welcomed the reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of the planning system announced today by John Swinney but stressed that their success was dependent on adequate resourcing and culture change at a local level.

Jonathan Fair, Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland, the industry body which represents companies building 95% of the country's new homes, said: "A faster, smarter planning system focused on promoting high-quality development is essential for the future of Scotland. Planning authorities need to be resourced properly to do the job, but equally important is a change in mindset within planning authorities and local communities to embrace joint working with the development industry.

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"The Scottish Government's proposals put the ball firmly in the court of local planning authorities to plan positively for sustainable economic growth. The housing industry can and will play its part in delivering that growth through the reformed planning system."

(GK/JM)