AS PART of its Local Development Plan, the Scottish Borders Council is calling for suitable development sites to build new homes for the region, offering a 'huge opportunity' to local landowners.

According to land and business consultancy George F White, the move is part of the Scottish Government's long-term growth strategy, which requires local authorities to identify a generous housing land supply and maintain this supply for at least five years.

The Borders' Local Development Plan was found to have a shortage of 916 homes, leading the council to invite assessments of land that can accommodate more than five homes where landowners are willing to make this available for housing delivery over the next five years and beyond.

Planning consultant at White', Stephanie Linnell, said: “This is an ideal opportunity for landowners to seek professional and informed advice about their assets and potential development land. We are currently working with a number of landowners across the region providing specialist advice on planning policy and enforcement issues as well as site appraisals, planning applications and site valuations.

“The planning system in both England and Scotland can be very complicated, but navigated successfully it can be a tool to significantly raise the value of land and property in a variety of ways," said Ms Linnell. "For example, from gaining planning permission for an extension on your home, to gaining planning permission for a housing site and selling to a developer.

"Please be aware that the ‘Call for Sites’ closes on August 7, 2017, therefore any formal responses need to be submitted prior to this date."