For example, the Glasgow & Clyde Valley HNDA (March 2016) notes and expected shortfall of 5,600 to 5,900 wheelchair accessible units. At the time of its writing the HNDA there were 3 operational Gypsy/ Traveller sites across the 8 partner local authorities accommodating 149 of the estimated 1, 410 Gypsy Travellers living in the area at the time of the 2011 census. The problem with the current planning system in Scotland is that if need or demand is not expressed in the HNDA and translated into the Local Plan then Planning Committees can rightfully reject applications on the basis that they fall outside of planned need. However as we have shown above there appear to be weaknesses in the approach to planning which may result in either underestimates of the true demand or inaccuracies in demand due to the use of old data. The proposed system On paper the new approach to planning set out in the Bill is to be welcomed as it offers the potential for previously overlooked groups to have their needs prioritised in the National Planning Framework and Scottish Planning Policy. Under the new regime Local Development Plans which are based on poorly researched data, or ones which respond poorly to evident need can be sent back to the Local Authority for further examination. They have the potential for central government to essentially adjust local plans which do not set out plans to deliver Gypsy/ Traveller sites, or have lower than expected projections of the need for adapted and accessible housing. In principle the Commission strongly supports this move to greater national planning as we believe that both accessible housing and site provision are elements of national infrastructure essential if we are to meet the challenges set out above. However, having considered the likely timescale for the introduction and implementation of the Bill into law, we do not expect this Bill to result in any new sites being established before 2024. The picture is less clear for disabled people but we are concerned by recent Scottish Government announcements about negotiating and establishing targets with Local Authorities. The Commission believes that only by adopting a system of quotas for new build housing, similar to that in place in London, will make any meaningful impact on provision in Scotland.
For example, the Glasgow & Clyde Valley HNDA (March 2016) notes and expected shortfall of 5,600 to 5,900 wheelchair accessible units. At the time of its writing the HNDA there were 3 operational Gypsy/ Traveller sites across the 8 partner local authorities accommodating 149 of the estimated 1, 410 Gypsy Travellers living in the area at the time of the 2011 census. The problem with the current planning system in Scotland is that if need or demand is not expressed in the HNDA and translated into the Local Plan then Planning Committees can rightfully reject applications on the basis that they fall outside of planned need. However as we have shown above there appear to be weaknesses in the approach to planning which may result in either underestimates of the true demand or inaccuracies in demand due to the use of old data. The proposed system On paper the new approach to planning set out in the Bill is to be welcomed as it offers the potential for previously overlooked groups to have their needs prioritised in the National Planning Framework and Scottish Planning Policy. Under the new regime Local Development Plans which are based on poorly researched data, or ones which respond poorly to evident need can be sent back to the Local Authority for further examination. They have the potential for central government to essentially adjust local plans which do not set out plans to deliver Gypsy/ Traveller sites, or have lower than expected projections of the need for adapted and accessible housing. In principle the Commission strongly supports this move to greater national planning as we believe that both accessible housing and site provision are elements of national infrastructure essential if we are to meet the challenges set out above. However, having considered the likely timescale for the introduction and implementation of the Bill into law, we do not expect this Bill to result in any new sites being established before 2024. The picture is less clear for disabled people but we are concerned by recent Scottish Government announcements about negotiating and establishing targets with Local Authorities. The Commission believes that only by adopting a system of quotas for new build housing, similar to that in place in London, will make any meaningful impact on provision in Scotland.
planning_scotland_bill.docx