ANDREW Sutherland, chairman of the Scottish Property Federation and Joint MD of Miller Developments, said: ‘The proposals in the Bill deserve a cautious welcome from the Scottish real estate sector. ‘Altogether they hold some promising suggestions to move from a regulatory system to a positive and active enabler of good quality development, with appropriate early engagement and focus on growing the economy to secure new investment and development. ‘If we are to drive local economic growth, jobs and investment we must have strong public leadership and an efficient, aspirational and delivery-focused planning service. ‘However, we continue to hold major reservations over the prospect of a Scottish Infrastructure Levy and further discretionary fees when we are yet to see a step change in performance. ‘We look forward to seeing these concerns addressed further if the Bill is fully to realise its potential to unlock development and deliver the much-needed infrastructure for our growing population and business needs.’ As a membership organisation the Scottish Property Federation (SPF) is the voice of Scotland’s real estate industry.
Established in 2007, SPF represents more than 185 organisations operating in Scotland.