This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2006
31/01/2007
The statistical bulletin Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2006, including its location, previous uses, intended and new uses and the length of time it has lain vacant or derelict, is published today.
The bulletin reports that there has been a decrease in the amount of derelict land and urban vacant land recorded in the survey, from 10,596 hectares in 2002 to 10,386 hectares in 2006. This is partly attributable to land being brought back into productive use, and partly due to land being removed due to naturalisation.
Of the 10,386 hectares recorded in 2006, 7,480 hectares were classed as derelict (incapable of beneficial use without treatment) and 2,905 hectares were classed as 'urban vacant'.
The 2006 survey recorded an overall decrease of 103 hectares compared with the 2005 survey. Urban vacant land increased by 32 hectares while derelict land decreased by 134 hectares (figures may not sum due to rounding).
The 2006 survey shows that compared with the previous survey:
- 557 hectares of vacant and derelict land were brought back into productive use. The main new use for this land was residential development (195 hectares).
- Local authorities identified 329 distinct new sites accounting for 455 hectares of vacant and derelict land. Existing sites increased in size by a further 63 hectares.
Where the length of time for which land had lain unused was known, 34 per cent of vacant and derelict land within settlements and 46 per cent of derelict land within the countryside had been unused since before 1986.
Of the 557 hectares brought back into use, 164 hectares received some public funding (either a full or partial contribution) . Considering the results of the 2005 and 2006 survey together, a total of 54 hectares were brought back into use in Dundee City, Glasgow City and North Lanarkshire, with either a full or partial contribution from the Scottish Executive's Vacant and Derelict Land Fund.