Scotland round-up: Local housing decision times down in Scotland; Green light for new 500-home neighbourhood for Elgin

Local housing decision times down in Scotland – stats

The average decision time for local housing developments in Scotland decreased by just over a week in Q3 of 2017 when compared with the previous quarter, according to statistics released by the Scottish Government's chief statistician.

The Planner

Green light for new 500-home neighbourhood for Elgin

Moray Council’s planning committee has approved planning permission in principle for a new neighbourhood for Elgin comprising around 500 new homes, which is the first phase of a wider scheme expected to include 1,500 houses.

The Planner

Research: 6,000 fracking wells needed to halve UK gas imports

Research published by Friends of the Earth has suggested that one well would need to be drilled and fracked every for 15 years to produce enough gas to halve the amount imported to the UK.

The Planner

RTPI launches interactive board game for students

The RTPI has launched an interactive role-play board game – called Place Makers – for students aged 14-18 to get them thinking about planning and inspire the next generation to join the profession.

RTPI

Borders transport study options published

Improving bus services to Edinburgh, Newcastle and Carlisle and to hospitals serving the Borders council area, along with enhanced park and ride facilities and an active travel network across the area, are among 21 options recommended for further appraisal work in the Borders Transport Corridors Study draft report.

Scottish Government

Campaign launched against tram extension

Independent councillor Lewis Ritchie has launched a campaign against the proposed Edinburgh tram extension to Leith, claiming it will devastate local businesses.

Edinburgh Evening News

Inverness factory extension

A new manufacturing line has been officially opened at a wood panels factory near Inverness as part of £95 million investment in the plant which has almost doubled the size of the site at Dalcross.

BBC News

Green light for surf project in disused quarry near capital

Plans to build what would be Scotland’s first artificial surfing arena have been approved for a disused quarry near Ratho, outside Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Evening News

Funding boost for Kilmarnock Halo regeneration project

Scottish Power has made a commitment to provide £5 million worth of sponsorship over five years to the Halo Scotland urban regeneration project in Kilmarnock, run by entrepreneur Marie Macklin.

Glasgow Herald

Dundee site picked for mini-prison for women

The location of a former Dundee primary school has been announced as the preferred choice for the location of a new mini-prison for women.

BBC News

Mobile masts make waves

Parts of Scotland are getting 4G mobile phone network coverage for the first time as new masts are erected in some of the country’s most remote places.

The Scotsman

Berwickshire turbines approved on appeal

An eight-turbine wind farm proposed for a site in Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders has been approved on appeal by a Scottish reporter.

BBC News

Glasgow pitches for 5G trial

City chiefs hope that Glasgow could become the UK’s testbed for 5G, the next generation of mobile technology, and have applied to the UK Government to take part in an innovative trial of the technology.

The Scotsman

Aberdeen FC move now a done deal

Aberdeen City Council has formally approved the £50 million development of Aberdeen Football Club’s new stadium and training facilities at Kingsford, near Westhill.

BBC News

Village plan near Heriot-Watt campus refused

Edinburgh City Council's development management sub-committee has refused permission for a new village comprising 200 houses, accommodation for 200 students and a GP practice in the suburb of Currie, near the Heriot-Watt University campus.

BBC News

‘Boris bikes’ firm lined up for Edinburgh’s cycle-hire scheme?

The firm that runs the so-called ‘Boris Bikes’ scheme in London is poised to win the contract for a similar project in Edinburgh, The Scotsman has revealed.

The Scotsman

New Culloden development threat

Culloden is facing a new threat of development with plans now lodged for a holiday park within the official battlefield boundary, involving 14 lodges, plus a 100-seat restaurant and leisure facilities, on land at Feabuie, Culloden Moor.

The Scotsman