THE National Farmers' Union of
Scotland and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland have added their voices to those advising the Government that the way land is
managed is more important than who is the landowner.
In its submission to the Scottish Office's Land Policy Reform Group, the RICS emphasises the importance of good land management rather than land ownership in achieving significant results for rural development, whether through direct employment, tourism or diversification.
Andrew Hamilton, chairman of the institution's rural practice division, said: ''There are good and bad managers among public and private
owners.
''Bad management, from whatever sector, has a negative impact on rural communities.
''We suggest there is a general need for management plans to be drawn-up, setting out objectives for land use and encouragement given for those plans to be available publicly.''
The NFUS said most members did not believe it was of any importance who the landowner was, whether a corporate entity, a private individual or a public body.
While some limitation of ownership or residency obligations might be considered it was how land was managed that was the important issue.
The union, in its submission, argues that a prohibition on corporate ownership could seriously inhibit
investment.
''Private money invested in rural areas would have to be replaced by public money if rural decay is to be avoided.
''Whether the owner of the land is corporate, foreign, absentee or owner-occupier, the vital element is to ensure that the land and the surrounding rural area are used effectively for the people who live and work there and for the wider public interest.
''The standard of management must always be the criterion.''
On the landlord-tenant issue the union maintains its stance that the Farm Business Tenancy, introduced in England and Wales in 1995, would not be suitable in Scotland.
It argues that the resolution of disputes, particularly with regard to rent, has become protracted and expensive.
It recommends consideration be given to extending the jurisdiction of the Land Court as a means of resolving disputes between landlord and tenant.
''Enlightened landowners already encourage tenants to participate in agri-environment schemes and the union would wish to make these schemes available to all tenants.'' The union believes positive incentives should be introduced to improve the way in which land is used.
It expresses serious reservations regarding the proposal to combine the Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Countryside Premium Schemes.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Landowners' Federation and the Scottish National Party have met to discuss the issue of land reform.
Maurice Hankey, director of the SLF, said they had agreed that the difficulties being experienced within Scottish agriculture, and the need for affordable rural housing, should have a far higher profile in Government priorities.
The federation recognised landowners had responsibilities as well as rights and agreed that those seeking to take on land ownership should have the necessary resources to service the purchase and the sustainable development of the
property.
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