Top ten most read stories of 2020

Such was the unprecedented nature of the coronavirus pandemic, the Scottish Government’s plan for a phased return of construction from lockdown was the most read story of 2020.

Unveiling its route map out of the current lockdown restrictions, the government permitted the construction sector to return to work on a phased basis from May 28, with physical distancing measures in place and staggered start times and flexible working encouraged.

A tenant’s appeal to recover £14,000 pre-payment from landlord being rejected by the Upper Tribunal was second on the list.

The article followed the case of a “low income” tenant who sued his former landlord for repayment of his deposit of almost £14,000 on the basis that the pre-payment arrangement was a “requirement” that was “imposed” upon him that had his appeal dismissed.

North Lanarkshire Council accounted for the next two most read articles as it pressed ahead with its tower demolition planning and expanded its housing buy back scheme.

The initiative saw an additional 143 properties turned into homes for families to rent.

Fifth in the list was proposals for two closed Aberdeen hotels to make way for hundreds of new homes. The landmark former hotel, Hilton Treetops on Springfield Road closed suddenly in February and may be knocked down to make room for new homes at the site. Similarly, the family-run The Mariner Hotel in Great Western Road will remain closed at the coronavirus lockdown as the owners lodged plans with the council to build homes in its place.

In sixth position, plans are being drawn up for four new villages on the north eastern edge of Glasgow which would provide around 1,500 homes.

Community consultations got under way over the proposals for land beside Easterhouse, which has been designated as part of a Community Growth Area in the Glasgow City Development Plan.

A father’s successful appeal to assign tenancy of housing association property to daughter was number seven.

The housing association tenant whose application to assign the tenancy of the property to his daughter was rejected successfully challenged the landlord’s decision.

This was followed by a report which found that the number of empty homes in Aberdeen has almost tripled in the last four years.

According to the latest numbers, a total of 1,919 properties in Aberdeen have been empty for at least 12 months.

North Lanarkshire Council appeared for the third time in the list with news of its open market purchase scheme being on course to deliver 140 homes this year.

Last, but not least, was Abertay Housing Association beginning work at a housing development at former Dundee primary school site.

Work to deliver 43 affordable homes on the site of a former primary school in Dundee began in August.

Thanks to all our readers, contributors and advertisers for keeping SHN sustained during the tough months. We’ll be back in 2021!