Final chance to comment on the next local development plan

A six-week consultation on the county’s Proposed Local Development Plan gets under way today, Thursday.

The six-week consultation will give the public the opportunity to comment on the proposed plan before it goes to the Scottish Government for the final “examination” stage.

After adoption, the proposed plan will become Orkney’s next Local Development Plan and the main document used to decide planning applications within the county.

The proposed plan was recently approved by the OIC after two years’ engagement with the public, community and planning stakeholders, and represents their settled view on planning policies and allocations from 2017, for a five-year period.

Some of the areas that are covered in the proposed plan are Orkney’s historic environment, housing development, the renewables industry and planning in the marine environment.

The draft Settlement Statement Supplementary Guidance for Orkney will also be made available for comment from today.

The guidance is a document that details the towns, villages and rural settlements, and their development boundaries and land allocations which are the plan’s focus for sustainable development.

Roddy Mackay, the OIC’s head of planning and regulatory services, said: “The Orkney Local Development Plan affects all people that live and work in Orkney, enabling a range of development which will ensure that Orkney’s economy continues to grow while protecting the lifestyle and heritage that the islands offer.

“This work to review the local plan has been ongoing for the last two years and is part of the legal process.

“In this final stage, we are seeking formal assurance that the policies and proposals which have emerged through this lengthy consultation are reflective of the public views on planning for Orkney.”

He added: “We hope that people get involved in this final consultation period, as this plan is what will be instrumental when determining future planning applications for the next five years.”

The documents can be found at www.orkney.gov.uk, with printed copies at the OIC, the Stromness Warehouse Buildings, Kirkwall Library and the mobile libraries.

The consultation period closes on the 16 June. Written comments should be made during this period and addressed to the Planning Manager via email or by post to Development and Marine Planning, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY.

Throughout this period members of the Development and Marine Planning Team will be available to discuss these consultation documents by phoning 01856 573535, or by sending them an email.

The consultation closes on June 16.