Vacant and derelict land

The Council’s Land Planning Policy team monitors vacant and derelict land within East Dunbartonshire as part of the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS). The SVDLS is a survey to establish the extent and state of vacant and derelict land in Scotland.

The survey - operating since 1988 - is managed by the Scottish Government Communities Analytical Services. Most councils submit data annually with the survey base date of 31 March.

The data collected provides an invaluable source of information relating to vacant and derelict sites, and helps in reinforcing and justifying national policy - established to bring about the re-use and regeneration of these land resources.

The most recent survey can be viewed by opening the document below:

List: Vacant and Derelict Land survey

Map:  Further details on vacant and derelict land in East Dunbartonshire can be found by viewing our StoryMap (external link opens in new window).

Vacant land is defined as previously-developed land, without physical constraint, which the planning authority has indicated is currently available for redevelopment. For the purposes of the annual survey, vacant sites must satisfy all of the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 0.1 hectares in size
  • Must be located within a settlement (as defined in the Development Plan)
  • Must have previously been developed (includes sites which have only had basic ground preparatory works to create a development platform)
  • Must not be in use (except as temporary open space) or include a useable building and must have a new use in the Plan (or via planning permission)
  • Must be ready for new development (i.e. no physical impediments caused by a previous development which would prevent new development)
  • Must have a new use intended for it in the Plan (or via planning permission)

Derelict sites are those on previously-developed land, which have a physical constraint caused by previous use, which hampers redevelopment or naturalisation. For the purposes of the annual survey, derelict sites must satisfy all of the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 0.1 hectares in size
  • Must have previously been developed (includes sites which have only had basic ground preparatory works to create a development platform)
  • Must not be ready for new development without rehabilitation (ie there must be an impediment, caused by a previous development, which would prevent new development)
  • Must not be in use (except as temporary open space)
  • Must not be a Scheduled Ancient Monument or cemetery
  • Must not have useable building(s) on-site.

If you would like further information about vacant and derelict land within East Dunbartonshire, contact the Land Planning Policy team by emailing development plan or by phone on 0300 123 4510.