The following is an extract from the Land Reform Consultation.
The vast majority of land in Scotland is owned by the private sector. Landowners are instrumental in promoting sustainable local development and supporting communities. However, in some instances the scale or pattern of land ownership, and the decisions of landowners, can be a barrier to sustainable development in an area. Providing mechanisms to address such situations could allow for potential barriers to sustainable local economic and social development to be overcome.
In situations where there was sufficient evidence that current ownership patterns and decisions on land were causing such barriers, then landowners could be directed by Scottish Ministers or other public bodies to take steps to remove those barriers, including working with the public sector body or the local community. Subject to the nature of the barrier, the evidence available and solution required, this may involve the owner being required to release or sell land.
It will be important to ensure any proposal complies with the requirements of EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights. The detail of how such a process would work is still being considered and we would welcome your views.
We asked:
- Do you agree that there should be powers given to Scottish Ministers or another public body to direct private landowners to take action to overcome barriers to sustainable development in an area?
- What do you think the benefits would be and do you have any recommendations about how these can best be achieved?
- Do you have any concerns or alternative ways to achieve the same aim?
Useful links:
Rural Affairs, Environment and Climate Change Committee – Land Reform
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/77795.aspx
Scottish Human Rights Commission
http://scottishhumanrights.com/news/latestnews/landreform