The Scottish Minister for Local Government and Planning, Derek Mackay MSP, visited the country's busiest private sale housing development where he confirmed the Government's commitment to reforming the current planning system.
The Minister toured Springfield Properties' Riverside Point in Braehead to learn more about the activities of NHBC, the UK's largest new homes warranty provider.
Following his visit the Minister says:
"It has been great to visit Riverside Point and see for myself how the development is helping regenerate this part of Renfrewshire. I'm encouraged that Springfield Properties have a 'can do' attitude when it comes to building new homes that are energy efficient and will contribute to our climate change agenda.
"The Scottish Government is committed to reforming our planning system as part of our efforts to build sustainable economic growth. Everyone involved has a part to play in a quicker, more responsive planning system. Early, meaningful engagement and sound project management are key to efficiency and I am absolutely committed to delivering improved planning performance.
"We are working together with local government colleagues and other interested parties to make sure this happens."
Springfield Properties, which currently employs around 60 skilled workers building over 60 homes a year at this development alone, was praised by the Minister for their efforts in regenerating the area. He also praised them for building energy efficient homes and highlighted the Government's commitment to improving planning
Sandy Adam, Springfield chairman, believes the planning system will change for the better, he says: "It was with pleasure that we hosted the Minister's visit to see firsthand both our own initiatives and those of NHBC. We believe the Minister's proposals for a more efficient planning system will have a positive impact on economic growth and we are keen to see them take effect.
"We particularly support the changes which will make the system less focused on process and more focused on good, well-timed outcomes which are essential for economic recovery.
"It currently takes on average 22 months for us to deliver a home, 18 months in planning and four months to build. Springfield currently spend up to three times as much on getting planning consents as we do on buying blocks to build our houses!
"Both the public and private sectors have a responsibility to make these changes work so that projects can be undertaken more quickly. In turn creating the investment in jobs and homes which will make Scotland an even more attractive place to live and work."
Annual results for the year-end to May 2012 revealed a significant rise in the headline figures for Springfield, with turnover up 32% to £53m from £40m in 2011 and profit rising to £3.9m, a 56% rise £2.5m in 2011's. During the last financial year Springfield, which has bases in Elgin and Larbert, handed over 190 private houses and 235 affordable houses.