New council video highlights planning in Orkney

Orkney Islands Council has produced a short video to raise awareness of the current public consultation into the Proposed Orkney Local Development Plan.

The video aims to give folk an insight into planning and how decisions are made and policies developed.

Featuring Councillor Rob Crichton, chairman of the planning committee, as well as staff from the OIC’s development and marine planning team, the video looks at different areas that planning affects. Some of these are housing and business development, planning in the marine environment and protecting Orkney’s natural heritage.

Councillor Crichton said: “This video gives an overview of just how important planning is, and aims to demonstrate the wide range of areas that planning covers. It includes unique footage – such as aerial views of the islands, rare wildlife and the dramatic coastline – so definitely worth setting aside three minutes to watch it.”

Stuart West, the Council’s Planning Manager, said: “We are now midway through the final consultation phase for the new Local Development Plan, and this will be your last chance to have your say and offer comments and feedback before it goes to the Scottish Government for approval.

“Once approved, the Proposed Plan will be the main document used to decide planning applications within the county, so we hope that people get involved in this final consultation period.
“It’s important for us, as a council, to hear what people think and to get feedback while these consultation periods are taking place, so we can consider the wider views of the public.”

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