Scottish communities minister Rhona Brankin last night urged the property industry to voice its views on regeneration and the planning system to bring about 'a change of culture' in government
Speaking at the launch of the Scottish Property Federation last night at Edinburgh Castle, she told 200 Scottish property professionals and MSPs that Scotland 'depends directly on you' to deliver economic growth and the regeneration of disadvantaged areas.
She welcomed the group, which has been set up by the British Property Federation, as 'an effective voice for the sector at the heart of the growth dynamic in Scotland'. Brankin promised to tackle issues inhibiting regeneration, including 'a more rigorous approach to CPO, where capacity and skills are in short supply.'
The Scottish property industry is still getting to grips with December's planning act, and Brankin warned: 'The devil is in the detail of secondary legislation and supplementary guidance. We won't get it right without your input, and we promise we will listen and take your views into account.'
BPF chief executive Liz Peace said the SPF would provide a lobbying voice for the industry inside Holyrood, pointing out that property and construction sectors account for 14% of Scottish GDP.
'Ministers can be reassured that we are keen to export the advocacy techniques we have used to great effect in London,' she said. 'We will say when we are deeply worried. When we do, it will be based on our real experience and facts.'
David Hunter, past president of the BPF and founder of Hunter Advisers, is the inaugural chairman.