Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement Review: report to Scottish Parliament

Revised Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement - Principle 3

Analysis Summary

Principle 3 was seen by a majority of respondents as remaining relevant to current land issues. A number of respondents, including community organisations, were strongly in support of retaining Principle 3 with its current wording. Other comments addressed how to improve the delivery of Principle 3 and included that community ownership, leasing or use of land and buildings should be a normal, designed part of community planning, development and regeneration. Concern was raised over the conflicts that can arise between different projects from either the public or private sector, or community bodies, and the potential for these conflicts to delay delivery of new homes, businesses and public facilities.

Scottish Government Response

Following the consultation, the Scottish Government has decided not to make any changes to Principle 3. The principle, which focusses on the importance of local communities having the opportunity to own, lease or use building and land remains a key Scottish Government policy, supported by a range of legislation, other measures such as the Scottish Land Fund, and organisations that support communities. It recognises the role this can play in supporting the community's wellbeing and future development. Following a consultation suggestion to include a reference to sustainability, the Advisory Notes have been updated to reflect the role Principle 3 can play in supporting future development and sustainability.

As set out in the Scottish Government response to Principle 2, the Scottish Government considered it important for Principle 3 to remain as a stand-alone principle, rather than merging it with Principle 2, to highlight its ongoing commitment to supporting community ownership.

There were a number of comments made in consultation responses relating to the delivery of this principle, and mechanisms to support it and this has been picked up in the Advisory Notes, where appropriate.