Scottish Government
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New rules to safeguard croft land
New planning legislation designed to maintain the long-term viability of crofting communities has been proposed.
The Scottish Government has yesterday proposed to Parliament that new planning rules should be introduced to strengthen protection of crofting land. If passed, the rules will ensure the Crofters Commission is consulted on planning applications which could significantly affect the extent or quality of croft land, and that their views inform planning decisions.
Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham said:
"Consulting the Crofters Commission on those developments which could lead to reduced quality and ultimately the loss of crofting land is a positive step forward to safeguarding land for the future of crofting and crofting communities.
"This Government is delivering on the undertaking I gave to Parliament during the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill, passed by Parliament in July 2010, to amend planning regulations to ensure the Crofters Commission's views are taken into account in determining planning applications on croft land. Effective communication between planners and the Commission is vital to the survival of good quality croft land. The Commission is also piloting a crofting planning questionnaire with Highland Council to further assist planners with identifying development on croft land.
"With each initiative we further our aim of reversing the decline in this way of life and strengthening its position as the backbone of our remote, rural communities."
