Planning Service
Development Plan
The Development Plan is a statement of the Comhairle’s views with regard to development and land use within the Western Isles area and is formulated after consultation with official bodies and the general public. It provides the policy framework within which planning applications submitted to the Comhairle are assessed.
The statutory Development Plan currently comprises the Western Isles Structure Plan (approved December 2003) and the Western Isles Local Plan (adopted 5 June 2008).
Western Isles Structure Plan
The Structure Plan provides the strategic land use planning framework for sustaining the communities of the Western Isles
Western Isles Local Plan
Working within the approved Western Isles Structure Plan, the Local Plan sets out detailed land use policies and proposals to help guide future development and land use change in the islands.
New Local Development Plan
In future the statutory development plan for the Outer Hebrides will comprise a single Local Development Plan (LDP) which will include a strategic vision and spatial strategy for the area. As a first stage in preparing the LDP the Comhairle is producing a Main Issues Report to stimulate discussion and consultation on the broad approaches the new Plan could take. Consultation will be held on the Main Issues Report early in 2010.
It should be noted that the Western Isles Structure Plan and Local Plan will remain in force as the area’s statutory development plan until the new Local Development Plan is adopted.
Supplementary Guidance
The Development Plan is supported by Supplementary Guidance covering a range of detailed planning matters.
National Planning Framework
The Development Plan also takes account of national policy guidance and advice including the National Planning Framework (NPF).
(Extract from National Planning Framework web site)
"The National Planning Framework (NPF) is a strategy for the long-term development of Scotland's towns, cities and countryside. It is concerned with how we want Scotland to develop over the next 20 to 25 years and where things need to happen to make that possible. The NPF identifies key strategic infrastructure needs and will allow investment to be directed to ensure that each part of the country can develop to its full potential. Put simply, the NPF is about shaping Scotland's future."
