Tag: housing

‘Empowering communities’: help transform the planning system

Views sought for planning modernisation

Plans for major changes to the Scottish planning system have been published. Planning Minister Kevin Stewart launched the consultation during a visit to the Pennywell regeneration development yesterday.

The Scottish Government has set out 20 proposals for revamping the system, which will support economic growth, delivery of houses and increase community involvement in planning decisions. They form a consultation which will pave the way for a planning bill to be brought forward this year.

The proposals build on recommendations of an independent review carried out by a panel of experts last year. Key changes include zoning more land for housing, promoting self-build and removing the need to apply for planning permission for more types of development. The consultation also seeks views on new rights for communities to produce their own plans for their local area.

The Pennywell project will deliver 719 new energy efficient homes for the area with 356 properties for affordable rent and 363 for private sale, and has been a catalyst for wider regeneration through providing infrastructure improvements, local investment, local jobs, training opportunities and community engagement.

Speaking during his visit to the development , Mr Stewart said: “Planning affects everyone’s lives, from making sure we have the right types of homes to driving forward regeneration.

“We need a strong and efficient system to support these aims and for long-term economic growth. I believe these proposals will mean we are better placed to make high quality development happen sooner and in the right places.

“I firmly believe that Scotland’s planners can lead the delivery of great places, empower communities and provide a stable environment for investment through the uncertain times we live in. I would encourage everyone with an interest in planning – developers and businesses, professionals and local authorities, communities and members of the public – to tell us what they think of our proposals for change.”

The consultation, “Places, people and planning” runs until Tuesday 4 April, and can be accessed at https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/planning-architecture/a-consultation-on-the-future-of-planning 

 

 

 

Side by Side? Labour councillors to host community event

sidebyside

Housing and care services are in crisis. Can local community co-operatives help to meet local needs?

These are questions for a ‘radical’ new community project in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Side by Side aims to explore how we can learn from each other and work together to create positive practical change in our local neighbourhood.

Housing, environment and care of the young and elderly were the top concerns to emerge from two community Open Space events in the last 12 months.  The first event identified the needs; the second came up with bold ideas to fill gaps in local services – including housing and childcare co-operatives

Now Side by Side aims to take the next step with The Gathering, at Norton Park Conference Centre on Saturday 3 December.  And this time the event will start by celebrating the successes and achievements of local groups who are already changing lives.     

‘Through our events we discovered fantastic creative enterprises in Edinburgh Northern and Leith,’ says Fay Young, one of the organisers, ‘But not everyone knows about them. We hope to learn from each other to build on what is here already and generate new ideas to enhance quality of life in our area.’  

Keynote speaker Josh Littlejohn, co-founder of Social Bite, will set the tone of an event which seeks to ‘share best practice and build on local achievements’. A panel of experts from Pilton Community Health Project, Port of Leith Housing Association, Shrub Swap and Reuse Hub and North Edinburgh Childcare will also provide first hand accounts of successful community enterprises and projects.

Workshop discussions and outcomes will be led and decided by the audience and facilitated by Judith Chivers. Proposals put forward by The Gathering will contribute to a community manifesto for our neighbourhood in time for the local authority elections in May 2017. 

Side by Side has grown from two Open Space community discussion events hosted by Councillor Lesley Hinds, in December 2015 and April 2016.  Local organisations and residents were invited to explore how we might make use of new powers coming to the Scottish Parliament to improve life in our part of Edinburgh. 

Councillor Hinds who is standing down after 33 years on City of Edinburgh Council said:  ‘I promised to turn words into action and that is what The Gathering aims to do. My colleagues will ensure this is taken forward”.

Side by Side is a community project open to all. The Gathering will be introduced and hosted by Labour Councillors for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and is supported by Leith Open Space, an intercultural community discussion group formed in 2005.

Edinburgh based Selah Corbin, a cinematic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose work has been likened to “paintings that come alive”   will provide the music and a light lunch of delicious food from Punjabi Junction will be served.

To take part, book now on   Eventbrite   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/side-by-side-edinburgh-northern-and-leith-gathering-tickets-28336222404?aff=es2

and follow Facebook.com/SBSGathering   and   http://www.edinburghlabournorthernandleith.org.uk/ for updates.

For further information please contact Marion Donaldson councillormariondonaldson@gmail.com

Many Edinburgh workers priced out of home ownership

GMB calls for more social housing

building houses

Workers on average earnings in Scotland are priced out of the housing market in 21 out of 32 areas, according to the GMB trade union. Their new report shows current average house prices are up to 7.6 times average earnings, making it impossible for may to buy a home. Edinburgh workers face the toughest challenge. Continue reading Many Edinburgh workers priced out of home ownership

Hundreds of affordable homes set for Shrubhill

shrubhill

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart marked the start of work on a new affordable housing development in the capital when he visit Shrubhill yesterday. Mr Stewart joined representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council and property developers Places for People, during his visit to the development which will provide 236 much needed affordable homes in the north of the city. Continue reading Hundreds of affordable homes set for Shrubhill