Consultation On The Proposed Community Empowerment - Scottish ...

4.12 Other respondents concentrated more on how “community” is defined.
Among community councils, other community organisations and individuals in
particular, a number suggested existing community council boundaries could
be used. The most prevalent view however was that urban communities have
to define themselves – which would enable communities based on common
interest as well as those defined geographically to participate. It was
suggested that any self defining community should be properly constituted
and able to fulfil equality and open access requirements.
4.13 The consultation also asked how an urban and rural community right to buy
would work alongside each other. The most commonly held view was that
since urban and rural provisions should as far as possible be aligned with
each other, there should be no particular issue or conflict in working alongside
each other. While the possibility of competing interests was identified, most
respondents felt that this was something to be managed both between and
indeed within communities and areas.
4.14 Finally, some respondents noted that a wealth of experience has been built up
in operating community right to buy and other purchases in rural areas and
that this can be drawn on in the urban context:
“.... the outputs from communities who have acquired their
land have been significant, including: wide-ranging
community regeneration; job creation; facilities
enhancement; increased community participation; greater
community confidence, population growth and generally
enhanced resilience. On the subject of whether or not urban
communities should have a right to buy, HIE would be
pleased to share our organisational learning....”
(Highlands and Islands Enterprise)
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