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Before I bring in Ronnie MacRae I want to ask Ailsa Raeburn about the idea that the planning system could put a cap on second homes. Would you imagine that that sits in local development plans or in local place plans?

So, if a community wanted to do a self-build, it could ask the planning authority where the available land is and the planning authority would have to show it that?

I might need to follow up on that.

I just want to clarify that you meant that your question was for Mike and Ronnie rather than Mike and Russel.

But, as we have been saying, if we are going to increase the target, we will need to iron out all the other wrinkles very quickly. Otherwise, we can increase the target and say that it will be met by a certain date, but we will still not meet it.

Russel Griggs brought up building capacity for communities. Do you or Pauline Smith have thoughts on what we need to be doing to build that capacity? Where do we need to start?

Good morning, and welcome to the 13th meeting in 2024 of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. I remind all members and witnesses to ensure that their devices are in silent mode. Pam Gosal joins us remotely and we have received apologies from Gordon MacDonald.

Under agenda item 1, does the committee agree to take item 3 in private?

Members indicated agreement.

On your point about there being confusion, could you say a bit more about what happens on the ground? Does the confusion slow things down? How do the two different pieces come up against each other?

Do you have a sense of why there is resistance to do it? Is it a slow Government process?

Thank you. I will bring in Russel Griggs and then go back to Pam Gosal, who I think has another question.