Scotland round-up: Scottish planning review update; Green light for 870-home Moray suburb

Stewart sets out Scottish Government stall on planning reforms

The Scottish Government has launched a fresh round of consultation on its planning reforms and given the clearest indication yet of what is likely to be involved in promised new primary and secondary legislation.

The Planner

RTPI Scotland: Ministers need to consider issues beyond planning system

RTPI Scotland has said that the ongoing review of the Scottish planning system needs to be considering the issues beyond the planning system which shape development, including access to land and resourcing of the planning service.

The Planner

Green light for 870-home Moray suburb

Moray councillors have approved a major planning application for a new suburb of 870 homes on the southern flank of Elgin, which extends the boundary of the settlement.

The Planner

Construction industry lays bare the skills shortage

An ageing workforce and an unattractive image of the job means the construction industry is lacking the skills and capacity to deliver the homes the country needs, an audience at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference heard.

The Planner

Complete the RTPI membership survey

RTPI members are being encouraged to take part in the Institute's all-member survey.

RTPI 

Skye islanders call for 30-year tourism strategy

Tourism on the Isle of Skye requires a strategy over the next 30 years to cope with growing popularity, claim residents.

The Scotsman

Planning permission refused for Cowie Housing

Stirling Council has refused planning applications for two adjoining housing proposals in Cowie with a combined total of 500 new units because of a wrangle over education contributions.

Stirling Council

Building conservation hub opens at Stirling munitions depot

A new national building conservation hub combining research, education and visitor attractions has been opened at a former munitions depot in Stirling. It will serve as centre of expertise in preserving and restoring Scotland’s historical buildings and ancient monuments.

The Scotsman

New look for historic Edinburgh University student union

The look of Edinburgh University’s iconic Teviot Row House is set to change under proposals for a multimillion-pound modern extension, published on the university’s Facebook page.

The Scotsman

Work to start on Angus homes

Taylor Wimpey East Scotland has confirmed that 330 new homes are set to be built on land off the A92 in Monifieth following a Section 75 Agreement with Angus Council.

Build Scotland 

290 Ayrshire homes approved

Taylor Wimpey West Scotland and Lynch Homes have received planning permission from South Ayrshire Council to provide 290 new homes on land off Main Street in Barassie, to the north-eastern edge of Troon.

Taylor Wimpey

Dumfries maternity unit conversion approved

A £14 million maternity unit conversion plan in Dumfries has been approved by the Scottish Government.

BBC News

Scottish areas worst for broadband speeds, says Which?

Orkney, followed by Shetland and Highland, have come bottom of a table ranking UK local authority areas by broadband speeds, according to research by consumer group Which?

BBC News

New £500m development in Inverness given green light

Developer Hazeldene (Inverness) Ltd has been given the go-ahead in principle for the phased development of a new town designed to provide 2,500 homes, a town centre and commercial floor space on a 79-hectare site at Stratton and East Seafield on the edge of Inverness.

The Scotsman

Plans lodged for more than 400 Inverurie homes

Developers Malcolm Allan Housebuilders and Chap Homes have submitted joint plans to Aberdeenshire Council for a development of 416 dwellings and several commercial units on a 37-hectare site at Inverurie.

Scottish Construction Now

Edinburgh trams make a profit

Edinburgh Trams announced its first profits this week – two years earlier than forecast.

Edinburgh Evening News