Removing barriers to housing developments in the Lothians and the West of Scotland was identified as one of the key challenges in increasing Scotland's housing supply by Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell yesterday.

Maxwell was speaking as the Housing Supply Task Force, set up last June to tackle the lack of housing availability, published its mid-term progress statement and outlined its forward programme.

The report highlighted key obstacles in the housing supply system and potential solutions. Some of the challenges identified were improving access to land supply, reducing delays in the planning system, addressing local opposition to developments through greater community engagement by local authorities and developers.


The Taskforce, made up of the Communities Minister, representatives from COSLA and from housing-related organisations, will start by examining in more detail housing developments at Edinburgh Waterfront, the South East Wedge, Wallyford and Winchburgh.

Maxwell said: "I have been impressed by the determination and commitment shown by the members, but the need for more housing in Scotland remains acute. I expect the next phase of Task Force activity to see results appearing on the ground.

"This report brings to a close the first stage of the Task Force's work and provides a solid base from which to move into the next phase of its activities."

(GK/JM)