Land Deals Could Fund Extensive Regeneration Plan

Some of Scotland’s most deprived areas could secure a multi-million pound funding boost if a campaign to persuade the executive to change policy on the sale of some brownfield sites succeeds.

Senior local government figures in Glasgow claim there is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform parts of the city and are lining up high-level discussions with the executive. They insist a mere tweaking of a funding formula established five years ago when Glasgow City Council gave up its housing stock could claw in tens of millions to transform some of its worst neighbourhoods.

The money would be ring-fenced and spent on quality social housing, infrastructure, community facilities and employment opportunities in eight “priority regeneration” areas across Glasgow. Leading councillors in the Labour-led city council insist it can be achieved at no cost to the public purse. They have written to Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell for a meeting to hammer out an agreement.

If the appeal is successful, a change to the “land protocol” could be announced when Mr Maxwell unveils his position on housing next month. Under the protocol 90% of the proceeds from the sale of surplus land to developers after redundant housing is demolished goes back to the executive.