If there is doubt as between 'vacant' or 'open space' give open space the benefit of the doubt, i.e. the site is not vacant. However where land has been treated and prepared for development, eg for industry, include as vacant even if it functions temporarily as open space.

2.1.3 Future Development of Open Space: open space remains not vacant even where identified for development and should not be included in the survey unless or until it has acquired the characteristics of urban vacant land.

2.1.4 Area Renewal Sites (renewal of public sector housing estates): should be included as vacant only after demolition has started. The site boundary should be based on the area for intended redevelopment which may encompass old roads, incidental open space etc. but should be defined to exclude any occupied buildings or buildings whose demolition is not certain.

Note: Area Renewal specifically refers to the renewal of public sector housing estates and is to be distinguished from the normal process of urban regeneration. It is identified as a special case because of its prevalence in the major urban areas and the need to simplify and clarify how it should be classified for this survey.

2.1.5 A site which is part vacant and part derelict should be included as derelict.

2.1.6 Do not include:

i. Sites which cover less than 0.1 hectare. However, if several small contiguous sites of less than 0.1 ha. are regarded as a single site for redevelopment/refurbishment purposes, then a SINGLE combined entry for the aggregated area may be made, provided that this is at least 0.1 ha.

ii. Land held for operational needs (for example railways, and mineral workings).

iii. Saltings, marshes or such like.

iv. Agricultural Land within the curtilage of an agricultural holding (even if it is set aside, fallow or unsightly).

v. Countryside or abandoned farmland, unless the site is characterised by specific unsightliness or neglect associated with former urban or industrial activity or severe concentrations of tipping. If classification is in doubt, do not include as vacant.

vi. Agricultural land or countryside identified for future development, (e.g. a greenfield release for housing, industry). Such land will generally remain outwith the scope of the vacant land exercise altogether. However, if development proceeds, pockets of such land might be judged as vacant if they become unsightly and/or remain undeveloped within the new urban envelope, ie. if they take on the characteristics of urban vacant land.

2.1.7 Other matters:

i. Industrial Sites Register (ISR) or Housing Land Annual Return (HLAR) sites if vacant should be included in the SVDLS.

ii. Where development has been started then abandoned, the likelihood of completion and the state of dereliction/unsightliness will be considerations in deciding whether the site should be classified as vacant, derelict, or neither.

2.2 DERELICT LAND (Urban and Rural)

2.2.1 Derelict land (and buildings) is land which has been so damaged by development or use that it is incapable of development for beneficial use without rehabilitation, and which is not being used either for the purpose for which it is held or for use acceptable in the local plan. A site should be treated as derelict even if treatment is required only for the buildings thereon. All sites where contamination is known or suspected are classed as derelict.

Note: Typical examples of derelict land include: disused mines and mineral workings, abandoned industrial land and disused manufacturing sites.

2.2.2 Derelict sites which are operational should be split into their operational and obsolete parts if possible. Where this is not possible then please assess whether priority is given to the operational use or to site rehabilitation within 5 years, and include in the survey if the priority is to site rehabilitation.

2.2.3 A site which is part vacant and part derelict should be included as derelict.

2.2.4 Industrial Sites Register (ISR) or Housing Land Annual Return (HLAR) sites if derelict should be included in the SVDLS (see also 2.1.6 (i)).

2.2.5 Area Renewal Sites should be included as derelict only if specific problems such as contamination or adverse mineral workings are known or suspected (ref. 2.1.4).

2.2.6 Do not include:

i. sites which cover less than 0.1 hectare. However, if several small contiguous sites of less than 0.1 ha. are regarded as a single site for redevelopment/refurbishment purposes, then a SINGLE combined entry for the aggregated area may be made, provided that this is at least 0.1 hectare;

ii. operational sites where rehabilitation would not be possible or appropriate within five years;

iii. land which is derelict through natural causes (for example neglected woodland/farmland, marshland or mudflats) and which appears to have blended into the landscape.

SCOTTISH VACANT AND DERELICT LAND SURVEY - DATA PROTOCOL

1. The SVDLS data for each local authority area is owned by the originating local authority which has responsibility for its content, accuracy, maintenance and update.

2. The Scottish Office, Scottish Enterprise National, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Local Enterprise Companies will refer requests for SVDLS site specific data to the respective local authority.

3. The Scottish Office hold a full set of the data for their internal use, for managing the survey and national monitoring purposes.

4. Scottish Enterprise National and Highlands & Islands Enterprise hold data for internal use.

5. The Scottish Office may publish aggregated data (defined as data from which site specific information cannot be disclosed).

6. Scottish Enterprise National and Highlands & Islands Enterprise may provide Local Enterprise Companies with data at an aggregated level.

7. Local authorities will make their own individual arrangements to provide Local Enterprise Companies, Scottish Enterprise National and other agencies with data. Exceptionally they may have to refuse the request for reasons of confidentiality. Agencies in receipt of data should respect its confidential nature.

8. If a Local Enterprise Company or SEN/HIE have information which would help the local authority to update or complete the SVDLS they will supply it. Exceptionally they may be unable to provide the data for reasons of confidentiality.

9. Confidential data from statistical enquiries will be handled in accordance with the Government Statistical Service Code of Practice, and with the Data Protection Act.

January 1996

Additional copies of this bulletin may be obtained from:

The Stationery Office Bookshop

71 Lothian Road

Edinburgh

EH3 9AZ

Telephone (direct line): 0131 622 7050

Any enquiries about this bulletin should be made to:

Alasdair McIntosh

Economic Advice and Statistics

Scottish Office Development Department

1-G10

Victoria Quay

Edinburgh

EH6 6QQ

Telephone (direct line): 0131 244 0442