The Comhairle Planning Service

Introduction

The Planning System is the framework which guides the use and development of land in the public interest. The planning system affects our whole environment, is responsible for the physical structure and design of where we live and work and shapes our communities. The following pages provide information and guidance on different aspects of the Planning System as it applies to the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar area.

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 documents which comprise the Development Plan can be found in this page.

Supplementary Planning Guidance: The Development Plan is supplemented by a variety of policies and strategies which provide detailed guidance on a range of planning matters.

Development Management (Planning Applications): Central to the planning system is the requirement to obtain Planning Permission for development of land, unless consent is deemed to be granted by a planning regulation or order.   Development is defined as “the carrying out of building, engineering mining or other operations in, on, over or under land or the making of any material change in the use of buildings or other land or the operation of a marine fish farm …”. Details on how to apply for planning permission, planning application forms and how to view planning applications on-line can be found here.

Online Planning Information: The planning portal allows you to view and if you wish submit comment on Planning Applications on-line. The launch of the portal is the first phase of a two year national e-planning project which aims to Provide a better planning service to citizens and business and increase access to and involvement in the planning process. Details of the information which will be made available on the on-line planning information portal and how to contact the Planning service on related issues can be found here.

Projects & Initiatives: The Planning Service is engaged in progression and support of a number of development and land use related projects and Initiatives, details of which can be found here.

Related Services: The Comhairle is the statutory provider of a range of public services, many of which have a close relationship with the planning service. Links to these can be found here.

Large scale Wind Farm Development: Details of the large scale wind farm applications and how to comment on these can be found here.

Useful Links: Planning Information and guidance is available from a number of bodies including the Scottish Government. This page provides some useful links.

Contact Information: Contact information for the Development Management team