An Aberdeenshire Council chief has called for the local authority to take a “harder line” on developers to encourage them to build more affordable housing.
Head of planning and building standards, Robert Gray, was detailing suggestions to councillors on how the local authority’s planning system could be improved at yesterday’s infrastructure services committee.
The discussions were prompted following the Scottish Government’s announcement of a total review of the Scottish planning system.
Mr Gray added outlined a series of potential changes which could streamline the planning process – including by progressing applications quicker.
He added that the market for housing in Aberdeenshire was now undergoing a huge change.
Mr Gray said: “We allocate enough land but we are not building fast enough. This is where it become difficult for planners.
“We are not building a range of accommodation, we are just building a lot of big houses. The market is changing towards small, affordable housing.
“Really if it is about affordable housing more than anything else, I think it is more about budget than the planning process.
“If there is anything we can do to make housing happen faster or more affordable housing we should do it.”
Inverurie councillor Bryan Stuart said: “We are desperately in need of affordable housing. There is a fundamental issue there, with affordable homes basically being uses as a negotiating ploy by planners.
“If developers were aware they could loose consent it might make them more wary about pulling these tricks.”