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The Comhairle has produced a finalised draft version of the Western Isles Local Plan, and is inviting the public to comment upon it.
The Plan sets out a framework of detailed land use policies and proposals to help assess and positively guide development in the Western Isles over the next five years or so. A range of policy topics are covered including service infrastructure, housing, built heritage conservation and flooding. Proposals sites are shown for business, housing and community developments. Advice is also provided on housing development in settlements, design and car parking.
Visiting the islands at the launch of the consultation period Scotland’s Chief Planner Jim Mackinnon complimented the Comhairle’s Local Plan. He stated that “the focused and attractive document provides a strategy for sustaining the communities of the Western Isles and fits well with Scottish Executive efforts to modernise and improve development planning.”
In welcoming the Plan, Councillor Archie Campbell, Chair of the Comhairle’s Sustainable Development Committee stressed that “Public involvement in the Plan’s preparation is important if it is to be effective and fully respond to the challenges facing our islands. Accordingly I would encourage local communities, businesses, agencies and other interested parties to let us know their views.”
Copies of the Plan can be viewed at Council offices, local libraries and community development offices as well as the Council’s web site at www.cne-siar.gov.uk. The closing date for comments is 9 December 2005.
Further information on the Plan can be obtained from Derek Laidlaw on 01859 502367.
Notes for the Editor
1. The Comhairle has a statutory duty to produce a Development Plan for land-use planning in its administrative area. A Development Plan is made up of a Structure Plan (strategic policy), and one or more Local Plans (detailed land use policies and proposals).
2. The Western Isles Structure Plan was approved 2003 and the single island wide Local Plan when eventually adopted by Comhairle will replace the existing area based local plan coverage.
3. This Finalised Local Plan has been produced following engagement with key stakeholders. As part of the current statutory public consultation on the Plan (31 October-9 December 2005) the Comhairle contacted over 500 local and national organisations and individuals.
4. For more information on the Western Isles Local plan please contact Derek Laidlaw (Strategic Planning & Projects section) on 01859 502367, email dlaidlaw@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ends
Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk |
