Scotland round-up: SEPA objects to huge Glasgow housing project because of flood risks; Scots planning bill is an ‘opportunity’ to deliver affordable housing

SEPA objects to huge Glasgow housing project because of flood risks

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has lodged a formal objection to ambitious proposals for up to 800 new homes at Govan’s long-derelict Graving Dock, Glasgow, because of serious flood risk.

The Planner

Scots planning bill is an ‘opportunity’ to deliver affordable housing

The Planning (Scotland) Bill is an opportunity to put in place a system that delivers a longer-term increased supply of affordable housing, according to the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.

The Planner

Edinburgh uni to go fossil fuel-free by 2021

The University of Edinburgh has announced that it will complete its transition out of fossil fuel investments within three years.

The Planner

RTPI: Invest in infrastructure in coastal cities

The RTPI has said that infrastructure investment in the UK ports and coastal cities would help to mitigate Brexit’s impact on the economy.

The Planner

RTPI launches online ethics tool

The RTPI has launched a new bite-size online learning module on professional ethics to provide members with more clarity and support in this area.

The Planner

West Lothian hospital redevelopment progress

A housing developer is set to take over the West Lothian site of the former Bangour Village psychiatric hospital, which includes 15 listed buildings, with plans to build 891 houses.

Scottish Housing News

Luxury holiday resort mooted for Borders golf course

Plans to turn a former Borders golf course into an upmarket holiday estate including more than 250 holiday lodges, 200 touring caravan pitches, tree houses, glamping pods, a clubhouse and restaurant have taken a step forward now a proposal of application notice has been lodged with Scottish Borders Council for the site near West Linton.

BBC News

Mobile phone coverage concern

The UK Government must act to fix Scotland's ‘unacceptable’ mobile phone coverage, the Federation of Small Businesses has told Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee.

BBC News

Anti-Trump golf course petition

A petition signed by 31,000 people opposed to the Trump Organisation’s plans for a second golf course, earmarked for a site at Balmedie, has been handed to the planning authority, Aberdeenshire Council.

The Scotsman

Camera, lights – dosh for Glasgow

Film, broadcast and other media productions have generated £15 million for Glasgow’s economy during 2017.

BBC News

Glasgow homes plan at Pacific Quay

Stewart Milne Homes has filed a request for full planning permission to build 203 homes designed by Haus Architects adjacent to Festival Park at Glasgow’s Pacific Quay.

Urban Realm

Edinburgh rugby club moots new home next to Murrayfield

Edinburgh Rugby is looking to build its own home in a new 7,000-seater arena next to the BT Murrayfield stadium, The Scotsman has revealed.

The Scotsman

Glasgow student homes developments

A Glasgow property developer has struck a £500 million deal with a US investor that will see it build 5,000 student accommodation bedrooms around the UK, starting with a 400-bed project on the north bank of the Clyde.

Glasgow Herald

Edinburgh to benefit from ultrafast broadband

Edinburgh is one of eight UK cities to be the first to benefit from an ultrafast broadband network, which will see households able to get speeds of up to one gigabyte per second.

The Scotsman

Embo golf course collusion?

Senior Scottish government figures have held ‘behind-the-scenes’ meetings with the American developer of a controversial golf course near Embo in Sutherland, it can be revealed.

The Scotsman

New homes for West Lothian

Stirling-based homebuilder Avant Homes has been granted planning permission to build 110 new homes at a £21 million development in Armadale, West Lothian.

Scottish Construction Now

Edinburgh arts space under threat

The capital’s biggest independent arts complex is under threat after landlords sold its base, the former government building St Margaret’s House in London Road, to developers for £15 million.

The Scotsman

Affordable homes feared too pokey for disabled

Scotland’s next generation of affordable homes will be too small for many disabled people who rely on wheelchairs or other mobility aids, according to the government’s own research.

The Scotsman

Holiday project for The Wicker Man island

Proposals to create a luxury holiday location on Tanera Mòr, the largest of the Summer Isles archipelago thought to have inspired the cult horror film The Wicker Man, have been unveiled.

The Scotsman

Illegal dredging at protected west coast marine site

Scallop divers have uncovered evidence of illegal dredge fishing within a protected nature conservation area in the Firth of Lorn off Scotland’s west coast.

The Scotsman

Glasgow pipe scheme raises hackles

Proposals to develop a major water pipeline around the historic Milngavie reservoir in Glasgow and through one of Scotland’s most popular beauty spots has caused controversy.

Glasgow Herald

Film director bemoans dearth of studio facilities

A Hollywood director has told MSPs the lack of studio facilities in Scotland is ‘crippling’ the country’s film and television sector.

Glasgow Herald

Salmon farming probe by MSPs

The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee has announced an inquiry into the country’s farmed salmon industry in a move that follows a recent decision by the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee to investigate the environmental impacts of the sector.

Scottish Parliament