The Scottish Property Federation has called for more aggressive use of compulsory purchase powers to seize property from owners who are holding up the recovery of town centres.
Stephen Lewis, vice-chairman of the federation, will give evidence to Holyrood’s economy committee today.
In its submission to the committee, the federation said lockdown crystallised the “clear market distress” already being felt by town centre shops, with major retailers such as Debenhams and House of Fraser abandoning the high street.
Small businesses that might fill the void were deterred by high business rates, utility bills, service charges and insurance.
Residential conversion is one of the few remaining viable options, but some owners would rather leave a former office vacant.
The federation argued: “Areas characterised by vacant sites, buildings beyond economic life and historic inappropriate uses are frequently characterised by fragmented title and lease ownership. To facilitate delivery of planning policies, regeneration and place making, perhaps now is the time to consider more aggressive use of compulsory purchase powers.”
