More homes could be built within walking distance of railway stations and major public transport connections under new proposals backed by the Scottish Liberal Democrats at their party conference in Edinburgh this weekend.
The party is calling on the Scottish Government to establish Station Growth Zones, creating designated areas where housing development would be encouraged around existing railway stations, subway stations, tram stops and other major transport interchanges.
Under the proposals, the zones would generally extend around 800 metres walking distance from a station entrance, equivalent to approximately ten minutes on foot.
The ambition is to bring more people closer to public transport while helping address Scotland’s housing shortage and supporting the economic life of towns and cities.
Rather than simply building new housing developments wherever land becomes available, the policy would encourage more homes in locations where transport connections and established communities already exist.
The approach could have implications for communities across Scotland, including Highland towns where railway stations remain important connections for residents, businesses and visitors.
However, the proposals would not mean that every piece of land close to a station would automatically become available for housing.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats want national planning policy amended to establish a strong statutory presumption in favour of higher density housing and developments combining residential and other uses within qualifying zones.
That would create a more supportive planning framework for suitable projects, although individual proposals would still need to be assessed against relevant planning requirements.
The party is also calling for a national programme to identify publicly owned land which could accommodate new homes near transport connections.
The proposals reflect a broader argument that housing, public transport and economic development should be considered together rather than treated as separate challenges.
Scottish Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson Morven-May MacCallum MSP said:
“Building more homes within walking distance of high-quality public transport is a win-win for everyone.
“It reduces dependence on private cars, supports town and city centres, improves the viability of public transport and helps us meet our climate objectives.
“The success of these plans has been demonstrated in other countries in Europe and Asia, where they have led to stronger local economies and public transport systems.
“It’s an example of practical and sensible action that the SNP can take right now, with the powers they have, to tackle the housing crisis and boost our economy.”
Supporters of this approach believe placing more homes close to stations could help sustain local shops and services, while making public transport a more convenient option for everyday journeys.
For rural areas, however, the practical benefits would depend on the availability of suitable land, the frequency of transport services and the capacity of existing infrastructure.
A railway station within walking distance is an advantage, but its usefulness also depends on whether trains operate at the times people need them.
There would also be questions about how higher density development could be accommodated in established communities, particularly where local roads, schools and other services are already under pressure.
The conference decision establishes the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ support for the policy, but it does not represent a change to the planning system.
That would require action from the Scottish Government.
The proposal nevertheless opens an important discussion about how Scotland can provide more homes while making better use of the public transport connections it already has.
For communities struggling to balance housing demand, accessibility and the protection of their local character, the challenge would be ensuring that new development genuinely improves the places where people live.
