Growing
Scotlands economy
Scottish Property Federation - Branklin Lays Down Planning Gauntlet
Scottish communities minister Rhona Brankin
launched the Scottish Property Federation (SPF) last night,
telling industry leaders they were "the key to a smart,
successful, confident and growing Scotland" as well as laying
down the gauntlet to planners to help make the system work.
The property and construction sectors account for 14% of
Scottish GDP.
Over 200 Scottish property professionals and MSPs filled
Edinburgh Castle for the launch, which also saw an SPF report
entitled 'Growing Scotland's Economy' which can be downloaded
here:
http://www.bpf.org.uk/newsroom/document/23078/growing-scotlands-economy
Praising the SPF, which had been set up by the British Property
Federation (BPF), the minister said it would be an "effective
voice for the sector", stating that the success of the
government's key objectives depended on the property industry.
She said: "Our key objectives - the regeneration of
disadvantaged areas, the provision of good quality education,
health and leisure, the creation of safe, sustainable
communities - all of these depend on the wealth that growth
creates; and they depend directly on developing physical
infrastructure, townscapes and facilities we require."
Ms Brankin urged developers to speak up over last December's
Planning (Scotland) Act, which brought about a fundamental
shake-up of the industry. She said: "We won't get it right
without your input, and we promise we will listen and take your
views into account.'
Acknowledging the industry's frustration over the planning
system, indicated that both developers and planners could move
the system forward now new legislation had been passed. She said
planners must learn to "understand the economics of development
that affect the decision making process" and that the industry
could help them do this.
She added: "The critical point is that it is about changing
the culture, not just the legal framework. The devil will be in
the detail. That detail will be in secondary legislation,
guidance and advice."
BPF chief executive Liz Peace said: 'Ministers can be reassured
that we are keen to export the advocacy techniques we have used
to great effect in London. We will say when we are deeply
worried. When we do, it will be based on our real experience and
facts. We hope that the SPF will soon develop a close and
fruitful working relationship with our colleagues in Scotland."
David Hunter, past president of the BPF and founder of Hunter
Advisers, is the inaugural chairman.
Email:
ateacher@bpf.org.uk