BESAC(04): Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS) working group
1. The SVDLS working group met in November 2003 (the minutes/agenda are available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/scotstats/committees/environment/groups/svdls/default.asp). At this meeting the group discussed how SVDLS data might be presented for use in the Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics Site. The working group agreed to convene a subgroup to investigate different options further.
2. The group also discussed the provision of an additional set of guidance notes which would focus on the practical elements of surveying sites.
3. The working group has since agreed to carry out a pilot survey of vacant sites in small settlements (GRO(S) settlements with a population of over 500 and under 2000) alongside the 2004 survey. 9 local authorities have volunteered to carry out the pilot survey.
4. The 2003 survey ( http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00311-00.asp) was published on January 27 2004.
Environment & Planning Statistics Branch
Scottish Executive Development Department
June 2004