Scottish mineral producers call for planning reform to support construction growth

By Danny BallPublished On: July 27th, 2026Categories: Rebuild, Top Stories

Scotland’s mineral products sector has called on the Scottish Government to introduce planning reforms, reduce regulatory barriers and support domestic materials producers, warning that delays and rising costs could constrain future construction activity.

In a new report, Priorities for Scotland, the Mineral Products Association Scotland (MPAS) says lengthy planning processes, increasing taxation and high energy prices are placing pressure on businesses responsible for supplying essential construction materials across the country.

The report sets out a series of recommendations ahead of the new Scottish Parliament term, including maintaining a competitive Scottish Aggregates Tax, reforming mineral planning and permitting systems, and establishing a Scottish Minerals Forum to improve engagement between industry and government.

Construction materials sector outlines policy priorities

MPAS argues that addressing these issues would help secure the long-term supply of aggregates, concrete and asphalt required to deliver housing, infrastructure and decarbonisation projects across Scotland.

The report also highlights the economic contribution of the sector, which directly employs more than 5,000 people, generates more than £500 million in gross value added (GVA) and produces almost 30 million tonnes of mineral products each year.

Alan Doak, Director of MPAS, said: “The mineral products sector is the foundation of Scotland’s economy, and the materials we produce are essential for homes, schools and hospitals, as well as vital transport and energy infrastructure.

“Scotland’s geology means we have abundant mineral resources, but their planning, processing and supply must not be taken for granted.

“Scottish firms in our sector are facing a number of acute challenges – a growing cumulative tax burden, high energy costs and inadequate replenishment of permitted aggregate reserves.

“These must be resolved so we can keep on supplying the construction projects and industries that power Scotland’s economy.”

Industry warns planning delays could affect future supply

Alongside calls to keep the Scottish Aggregates Tax aligned with the rest of the UK, MPAS is urging ministers to review planning and permitting processes to improve certainty for operators and ensure sufficient mineral reserves are available to meet future construction demand.

The association is also calling for greater investment in carbon capture technologies and energy infrastructure, as well as the creation of a Scottish Minerals Forum to strengthen collaboration between government and industry on long-term policy.

Doak added: “As the Scottish Government looks ahead to its next Programme for Government and Budget, it should take on board these common-sense measures to allow us to maximise our contribution to Scotland’s economy and help the Scottish Government achieve its ambitions.

“That includes no increase to the Scottish Aggregates Tax rate beyond what the rest of the UK pays; tackling unnecessary cost, delay, uncertainty and bureaucracy in Scotland’s planning and permitting systems; investing in carbon capture technologies and energy infrastructure; and setting up a Scottish Minerals Forum so we can address these and other issues with the Scottish Government on a long-term basis.”