Scottish Liberal Democrats back calls for more homes to be built around stations

At their conference in Edinburgh this weekend, Scottish Liberal Democrats have backed proposals for the SNP government to establish Station Growth Zones, which would allow more housing to be built near railway stations, subway stations, tram stops and other major public transport interchanges.

Housing in a Station Growth Zone is typically built in an 800-metre radius, or around a 10-minute walk, from transport stations.

Specifically, Scottish Liberal Democrats have backed calls for the Scottish Government to:

• Establish Station Growth Zones around qualifying railway stations, subway stations, tram stops and other major public transport interchanges.
• Define these zones as covering, by default, all land within approximately 800 metres’ walking distance of the station entrance.
• Amend national planning policy so that there is a strong statutory presumption in favour of higher density residential and mixed-use development within Station Growth Zones.
• Publish a national programme identifying a publicly owned land suitable for station-led housing development.

Scottish Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson Morven-May MacCallum MSP said:

“Building more homes within walking distance of high-quality public transport is a win-win for everyone.

“It reduces dependence on private cars, supports town and city centres, improves the viability of public transport and helps us meet our climate objectives.

“The success of these plans has been demonstrated in other countries in Europe and Asia, where they have led to stronger local economies and public transport systems.

“It’s an example of practical and sensible action that the SNP can take right now, with the powers they have, to tackle the housing crisis and boost our economy."