Chamber and committees

In cases where proposed works to a listed building have been scrutinised by the regulatory authorities and a Listed Building Consent is deemed unnecessary the issue of ‘damage’ should not arise because all proposed works are assessed on the basis of their potential impact on the special architectural or historic character of the building in question. Local planning authorities decide what requires consent and determine any associated applications.

In cases where unauthorised works have been carried out on a listed building the local authority can take enforcement action or seek to prosecute those responsible under the terms of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation) (Scotland) Act 1997 to rectify the damage caused to the historic fabric. Most local authorities have published enforcement guidance and they will seek to investigate any breach if brought to their attention.

In addition Section 137 of Scottish Planning Policy 2014 states how the planning system should promote the care and protection of the designated and non-designated historic environment assets and enable positive change which is informed by a clear understanding of the importance of the heritage assets affected and ensure their future use. Change should be sensitively managed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the fabric and setting of the asset, and ensure that its special characteristics are protected, conserved or enhanced.

The information requested is not held centrally. However, Historic Environment Scotland has advised that it estimates that just over 98% of pre-1919 residential buildings are not listed.

It is the responsibility of building owners to ensure that any works to their properties comply with appropriate standards and to employ suitably qualified tradespeople. Impartial and Independent Advice funded by the Scottish Government on energy efficiency retrofit work is available to all property owners through Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282.

The number of young people (aged 16-24) starting a Modern Apprenticeship in construction related industries for 2016-17 was 3,273 up from 3,155 in 2015-16.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-13033 on 12 December 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

Through the More Homes Scotland approach, Scottish Government is encouraging and supporting a range of interventions to increase the supply of homes within the affordable and private housing sectors and this includes rent to buy models. We currently have a rent to buy pilot scheme with the Highland Small Communities Housing Trust.

The National Housing Trust initiative can also potentially offer tenants the option to purchase their homes. This initiative offers tenants a private residential tenancy (or short assured tenancy) product. The option to buy the home is explored with tenants during their tenancy.

We are continually considering new innovative delivery options to increase the supply of new homes and Rent to Buy models have been discussed with stakeholders and partners as part of on-going engagement.

The range of different accredited professionals to be employed on energy efficiency retrofit for traditional buildings will depend on the specific circumstances of the building. The Scottish Government does not hold information centrally on this issue.

We will publish a routemap for Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme in 2018. As part of the development of the Programme we are working with relevant professional accreditation bodies, industry representatives, consumer protection agencies and the skills and enterprise agencies to assess overall current and future capacity requirements over the 15-20 year timescale for the programme.

The number of modern apprentice starts in construction related training in 2016-17 has increased to 5,934 up from 4,894 in 2015-16. This increased investment demonstrates the Scottish Government commitment to meet the demand for apprenticeships in the construction sector.

Closing the gap between planning and delivering new homes is one of the key themes of the ongoing planning review in Scotland. We will consider all available and relevant evidence related to housing delivery as we continue to progress changes to the planning system and develop future policy.

New towns are not a new solution – or the only solution. Housing development is needed at all scales – from new communities to redevelopment of vacant sites in settlements. We expect local authorities to take a lead in saying where development should take place based upon local requirements and capacity for growth.

It is the role of local authorities, in consultation with their stakeholders and communities to determine how housing growth will be delivered in its area. It is not for Government to impose new towns on communities but to provide the strategic framework to allow these decisions to be taken and implemented locally.