We were pleased to host a seminar "Widening housing choice", arranged by Joyce Hartley Planning. It was very timely - shortly afterwards the Scottish Government published its planning delivery advice on build to rent (BTR).
The Scottish Government wants to encourage a growing BTR sector. The planning delivery advice takes a stronger approach than the March 2016 draft:
- BTR is now described as a "significant"opportunity to increase the overall rate of delivery of housing
- planning authoritiesare to take a"positive approach"
- they should be responsive to varying approaches, as BTR has different economics from build for sale
- there should be flexibility in relation to density, minimum space standards and single aspect units
The Housing Minister also announced a challenge fund for custom and self-built homes. At the seminar we heard about the self-build development being promoted by Glasgow City Council in Maryhill.
The seminar was a reminder thatwidening housing choice is about addressing specific needs, as well as people's aspirations. It's a jigsaw with many pieces.It's also about who provides the housing, with councils having less resources, and housing associations facing new challenges/ pressures.
BTR is an opportunity to widen both housing choice and providers. The planning delivery advice is an important step forward.
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