Scottish finance minister Ian McKee, an MSP for the Scottish National Party, told parliament that more needed to be done to unlock housing development.

He cited government statistics that estimate over 164,000 homes in Scotland have planning permission but have not yet been built.

In addition, he claimed land has been allocated for development of 60,000 homes but not received planning permission.

To combat delays, McKee announced the government will create a new planning “hub” to support housing delivery.

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“Its approach will be informed by evidence and shaped in agreement with key partners from the public and private sectors, including the convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Heads of Planning Scotland, the Improvement Service and housebuilders,” he told parliament.

“We want the hub to enable more efficient, responsive and timely decisions and delivery. We are also supporting early adopters of masterplan consent areas and ensuring that new local development plans include a pipeline of delivering housing land.”

Elsewhere, McKee said the government would be working with housebuilders to learn more about stalled sites and how interventions can be made to improve progress.

He said compulsory purchase agreements will also be used to stimulate housing delivery.