Communities may get the right to buy up derelict land

Friday 14 September 2012

RADICAL plans could see community groups given the right to buy land or buildings that are unused and causing problems even if the owner does not wish to sell.

GETTING STUCK IN: Under radical proposals derelict land could be purchased and turned into community allotments. Picture: Colin Mearns

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Magnus Gardham and Martin Williams

The new compulsory purchase powers – proposed as part of the Scottish Government's Community Empowerment Bill – were welcomed by activists although business leaders were not as supportive.

Community compulsory purchase was suggested by local government minister Derek Mackay as he stepped up a public consultation on the bill. He also outlined plans for "participatory budgeting" which would give community groups control over local authority funds.

The fresh proposals have been added to a list of other ideas first set out when the Government's exploratory consultation was launched in June. They include granting local groups an urban right to buy, mirroring existing legislation which allows rural communities to buy land where they live and work if it comes on the market. Community groups could also be given the right to take over unused or underused public or privately owned land if the owners cannot prove they have a future use for it.The plan has been called a "community right to grow" and raises the prospect of gardens and allotments springing up on derelict plots in towns and cities.Mr Mackay widened the range of proposals this week as he sought to stimulate interest in the consultation, which ends on September 26.Yesterday he described the Community Empowerment Bill as "potentially the biggest transfer of power since devolution".He added: "This consultation sets out ideas to support Scotland's communities to take independent action to achieve their goals and aspirations and to have their voices heard in the decisions that affect them. "The ideas in this consultation are designed to strengthen community participation, unlock enterprising community development and renew communities. These ideas were developed following discussions with the wider public, private, third and community sectors. We want to see how we can remove bureaucratic barriers and develop a meaningful and effective legislative framework to support community activity."However, CBI Scotland said owners often had good reasons for leaving land or buildings unused. Assistant director David Lonsdale said: "Scottish ministers are already seeking to introduce an £18 million-a-year business rates penalty on firms which have empty premises, and this move could add an extra layer of uncertainty and make it even harder to attract investment into vacant commercial or industrial properties or land."But Mark McRitchie, chief executive of the Community Central Hall in Maryhill, Glasgow, said: "It is about creating a positive culture. Local authorities and others worry there is threat. But this is about helping community organisations and development trusts who are used to rolling up their sleeves and doing things."It could make the difference between projects happening or not and allowing facilities to be used in a better way." For groups such as the North Glasgow Community Food Initiative (NGCFI) – which encourages people to get involved in growing food and eating healthily – the plans will make it easier for them to access land.Martha Wardrop, chairman of NGCFI, said: "For organisations keen on growing fruit and vegetables in urban areas, good quality land is very precious."If community organisations can better access land, and bring it back into productive use for the benefit of local people and promote better health and physical activity, then it should be welcomed. "We have relied on leases before. This plan would open up opportunities for us to secure land on a permanent basis."A bill will follow the consultation next year and new powers are expected to come into force in 2014.

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Communities may get the right to buy up derelict land

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