Scotland round-up: Major ministerial reshuffle preserves Stewart’s planning role; Green power record for 2017

Major ministerial reshuffle preserves Stewart’s planning role

First minister Nicola Sturgeon's biggest cabinet reshuffle to date saw the resignation this week of Angela Constance, the former Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities. Planning minister Kevin Stewart remains in post.

The Planner

Scottish organisations unite against third party right of appeal

Representatives from a range of Scottish organisations including RTPI Scotland have written an open letter to Scottish planning minister Kevin Stewart and MSPs, calling on the Scottish government not to consider introducing a third-party or ‘equal’ right of appeal in the Scottish Planning Bill.

The Planner

Green power record for 2017

Provisional annual statistics for 2017 show it was a record year for renewable generation, with the equivalent of an estimated 69 per cent of Scotland’s electricity consumption being met from renewables.

Scottish Government

Cockenzie sub-station concern

East Lothian Council has recommended that Scottish ministers refuse planning permission for an electricity substation on the former Cockenzie Power Station site. It belives the project could prejudice the future development of the site and the economic potential of the area.

Scottish Construction Now

Meadowbank makeover

Failure to secure a new Meadowbank Stadium could set back sport in Edinburgh by 'several years', the leader of the city council has warned. It comes as the local authority meets to determine whether the facility should have a £41 million makeover partly bankrolled by selling land for new housing.

The Scotsman

Climate change bill probe

Scotland’s proposed new law committing the administration to new climate change targets will be investigated by a Holyrood Committee to see if the measures are ambitious enough.

Scottish Parliament

Corstophine regeneration plan

Regeneration of a row of shops in Corstorphine is in prospect as proposals for new shops and flats at the former Woolworths site wait to be approved by Edinburgh City Council.

Edinburgh Evening News

Fountain Brewery cheers

Redevelopment of the former Fountain Brewery site in the capital has moved a step closer after councillors approved plans for a mixed-use development providing new commercial floorspace and a hotel.

Edinburgh Evening News

Off-road cycle path network urged

Transform Scotland, the alliance of sustainable transport supporters, has said that Scotland needs a dedicated off-road network of cycle-paths to make the touring experience less dangerous and unpleasant for cyclists.

Glasgow Herald

Aberdeen quarry scheme appeal

Toronto-based Carttera has said it will appeal the decision by Aberdeen City members to reject its 299-flat scheme overlooking the famous Rubislaw Quarry.

Scottish Housing News

Pollockshaws homes progress

The transformation of one of Glasgow’s key regeneration areas is to make further progress now the city council has given the green light to developer Urban Union for 137 new homes at Pollokshaws.

Scottish Housing News

Trams’ profits and passengers on the up

Edinburgh's trams recorded better than expected results last year, with both passenger numbers and profits up.

BBC News

Developers blamed for blighting capital’s live music venues

Developers have been blamed for Edinburgh losing its musical 'mojo' as live venues close.

The Scotsman

Demo poser over listed building business rates

Proposals to levy business rates on vacant listed buildings could lead to an increase in 'illegal demolitions,' the administration has conceded.

Glasgow Herald

Stranraer harbour safety check

Dumfries & Galloway Council has been told to carry out a 'fundamental review' of safety at Stranraer harbour.