Hidden consequence of urban land-grab

PLANS to give urban communities a right to buy land may backfire because of the complexity of the proposed changes to the law, it has been claimed.

The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill amends land reform legislation by allowing bodies to register an interest in respect of not only rural land, but also land in towns and cities.

Alan McCreadie, secretary to the Law Society’s planning committee, welcomed the intention behind the bill, but warned of unintended consequences.

“What would happen if a community registered its interest in urban land which is already subject to a redevelopment proposal?

“While Scottish Ministers could decide that registra- tion is not in the public interest, the uncertainty could have an adverse impact on investment decisions for developers.”

He said the land reform legislation had benefited people in Scotland’s rural communities and the society would want to ensure the same kind of success in our towns and cities.

The society also highlighted the procedure for registering community interest in abandoned or neglected land, undefined in the bill, was similar to Compulsory Purchase and “there should therefore be a requirement for a viable business plan and robust development proposals.

Mr McCreadie said it may be advisable to set up a central body to steer community bodies through the bill.