Scotland round-up: Scottish ministers back two new major wind farms; Concerns raised about further delays to Fife local plan

Scottish ministers back two new major wind farms

Scottish government ministers have approved proposals for two separate major wind farm developments this week.

The Planner

Young Planners' Conference round-up

Read our selection of stories touching on some of the key issues and highlights from this year's Young Planners’ Conference held in Belfast on 14-15 October.

The Planner

Habitat III: Built environment groups launch advisory group for humanitarian action

The RTPI, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Institution of Structural Engineers have joined together to form the UK’s first advisory group on built environment issues within a global humanitarian context.

The Planner

Slow progress towards review of compulsory purchase orders in Scotland, says expert

Much-needed reform of the law on compulsory purchase in Scotland remains a long way off following the conclusion of a law reform project by the Scottish Law Commission, an expert has warned.

Out-Law.com

Citibase aiming for 15 Scottish business centres

Business centre operator Citibase has unveiled a three-year plan to enlarge its Scottish operations to 15 hubs. It currently has four north of the Border.

The Scotsman

Concerns raised about further delays to Fife local plan

Fife Council has expressed concern following further delay in the government’s consideration of its local development plan.

Fife Council

Scottish Land Commission to create jobs

The Scottish Land Commission is to be based in Inverness, bringing about 20 new jobs to the city, land reform minister Roseanna Cunningham has announced.

Scottish Government

Virtual view of Dumfries Whitesands flood protection scheme offered

A virtual reality view of how flood protection plans could transform the Whitesands area of Dumfries has gone on display.

BBC News

PBA to advise on options for an infrastructure levy across Scotland

Peter Brett Associates has been appointed by the government to lead a research project on the options for the introduction of a Scottish version of the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Peter Brett Associates

Work begins on £1 billion St James revamp

Ten years later than originally planned, the £1 billion revamp of Edinburgh’s St James Centre has finally got under way.

Edinburgh Evening News

Kendoon to Tongland power line proposals scrutinised

Scaled-back plans for a major power line upgrade in Dumfries and Galloway are set to go on public display shortly.

BBC News

Homes plan for quarry site attacked over school places

Controversial plans to build hundreds of homes on former mining land in Renfrewshire have been revived, prompting fears a top school will struggle to cope with rising rolls.

Herald Scotland

£1 million boost for Broad Street revitalisation plans 

Aberdeen City Council’s plans to revitalise Broad Street have been boosted by funding of just over £1 million from Sustrans Scotland for the pedestrian-priority project. Meanwhile, pedestrian and cycle counters have been installed around Aberdeen to monitor numbers of people using pavements and cycleways.

Aberdeen City Council

Moat Brae Peter Pan pirate ship plans approved

Dumfries and Galloway Council has approved proposals for a pirate ship in the grounds of Moat Brae, the house which helped inspire JM Barrie to write his Peter Pan works.

BBC News