Scotland round-up: Derelict and vacant land proposals published; Glasgow redevelopment application submitted

Derelict and vacant land proposals published in Scotland

RTPI Scotland has welcomed the recommendations set out in a new report by the country’s Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce.

The Planner

Spending review should be used to build resilient communities

The government should empower local authorities and local economic partnerships (LEPs) to lead the redesign of the built environment through the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR).

The Planner

Johnson makes pledge on new green ‘ambitious targets’

The prime minister has allocated £160 million to upgrade ports as he commits the government to increasing the UK’s offshore wind capacity to meet new green “ambitious targets”.

The Planner

Population figures published

Latest population statistics compiled by National Records of Scotland show a record high of 5.46 million; the lowest number of births recorded since records began in 1855, with fewer than 50,000 registered; and an all-time low of just over 26,000 marriages logged.

National Records of Scotland

Glasgow redevelopment application submitted

Mosaic Architecture + Design has submitted a planning application on behalf of the Calmont Group for the redevelopment of the former headquarters of NHS Glasgow in the heart of the city centre into a development providing 92 private-rented sector flats.

Scottish Housing News

Major revamp for historic Banchory waterworks

Aberdeenshire’s historic Victorian waterworks at Invercannie, Banchory, is getting a £52 million revamp involving a new water storage tank, air filtration plant and a new pumping station and pipework.

Scottish Water

Green light for Jedburgh distilleries

Plans for a complex of two whisky distilleries at the former Jedforest Hotel near Jedburgh have been approved by Scottish Borders Council after consent for an earlier proposal had expired.

BBC News

Go-ahead for Outlander beauty spot project near Stirling

A £2.7 million scheme to turn an iconic Scottish beauty spot made famous by TV’s Outlander series into a tourist attraction is to go ahead after Stirling councillors rejected the advice of their own officials, who had recommended that the project, earmarked for Finnich Glen, should be refused. 

Glasgow Herald

Edinburgh New Town development row

Residents in flats next door to the major development proposed for the former RBS site in the New Town area of the capital are calling for a rethink of the proposals, which they claim will affect their privacy. 

BBC News

Arbroath fernery makeover

The only fernery of its type remaining on Scotland’s east coast – the B-listed attraction at Hospitalfield near Arbroath – is to be lovingly reborn as part of an £11 million redevelopment of the 19th century Arts and Craft house and gardens.  

Glasgow Herald

Key Bowling land deal completed

A deal to transfer ownership of land at ExxonMobil’s former Esso site in Bowling to West Dunbartonshire Council has been completed. The transfer means that proposals to transform the site by creating a major industrial and commercial development can accelerate.

West Dunbartonshire Council 

Meadowbank masterplan approved

The masterplan for five hectares of council-owned land next to the new Meadowbank Sports Centre has been approved by Edinburgh City Council. It will see the area provide a low-car, low-carbon community of 600 energy-efficient homes – at least 35 per cent of which will be affordable.

Edinburgh City Council

Clydebank design codes

A set of design codes to ensure that all new developments at Queens Quay on Clydebank meet the same high standard has been agreed and introduced by West Dunbartonshire Council. 

Scottish Construction Now

Stirling distillery project unveiled

Proposals for a new £15 million whisky distillery and visitor attraction near Stirling have been unveiled.

Scottish Construction Now