A welcome change

THE Scottish Government’s chief planning officer has issued guidance to planning bodies that Section 75 agreements should no longer be used.

The announcement will be welcomed by those planning a family home in the countryside, whether tied with a business, on an old croft, a family-owned site or a heavily discounted plot.

It will also provide some hope to those who have a Section 75 agreement as part of their current planning conditions and find their hands are tied.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority – as the area’s main planning authority – has not been issuing the restriction willy-nilly.

But there is no doubt where they have been used, and – to be fair to the park authority, it is invariably to comply with the country’s planning law – they have caused undoubted hardship.

Section 75s have prevented young couples and families, most with ties to the area, from building their own home here because they have been unable to borrow from lenders.

In some cases, those affected have given up before starting, and others less fortunate have started and endured huge financial stress.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has recognised the problem and held talks with the Council for Mortgage Lenders.

But in the current economic downturn, this will not matter a jot when it comes to the lending to individuals by banks and building societies.

The Scottish Government should therefore be applauded for taking the initiative on this.

It will not lead to the countryside being festooned with inappropriate development, but it will help some families at their wits’ ends trying to build for the future.

*****

THE Friends of Crossroads local branch has taken the decision to wind up.

For the past 18 years, members have raised funds so that respite can be given to those in the strath caring for loved ones, whether a young son with autism or a mother with dementia. They have done a fantastic job.

Their parent charity, Crossroads (Badenoch and Strathspey) Care Attendant Scheme, will continue for now at least, and has £51,000 that it is looking to distribute to charities and groups which carry out similar work in the local area. They shouldn’t be shy in coming forward.

Given the forthcoming cuts to the council’s home-based respite care service, this money could fill some vital gaps in provision.

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