Sutherland Local Plan consultation drawing to a close
The deadline for submitting comments on the draft Sutherland Local Plan is drawing to a close. The Highland Council is seeking responses by 5 pm on Friday 1 February, having published the Plan in November and held meetings and drop-in sessions over the past few weeks.
David Cowie, Principal Planner leading work on the Sutherland Local Plan, thanked those members of the public who have contributed so far, by attending events or commenting.
He said: “As we enter the final week of consultation on the Plan, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of making their views known in writing as part of this consultation. If we receive suggestions of changes people feel we should make to the Plan then we will consider those carefully. There will not be a further opportunity to raise new comment on any proposals which remain unchanged in later stages of the plan process. Anyone who has concerns about the Plan should register them with us in writing by the deadline. “
As part of the consultation the Council has written directly to the neighbours of sites which the Draft Plan proposes for development.
Mr Cowie explained: “I’m sure that by writing to the neighbours of sites directly, we have helped to raise people’s awareness of the proposals and of the opportunity to comment. Certainly quite a lot of the neighbours have already responded and sent us their thoughts. There remains opportunity for anyone else and indeed for any organisations with an interest in the future development of Sutherland, to send us their representations before the end of the consultation period.”
To make a representation the public can send a letter, email or complete and return the form which is available at the places where the Plan may be viewed. Representations on the Local Plan Deposit Draft and comments on the accompanying Draft Environmental Report should be sent to the Director of Planning & Development, The Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX or e-mailed to sutherlandlp@highland.gov.uk
Mr Cowie added: “We ask that those submitting objections or supporting representations should state their name and address, the particular part of the plan documentation and matters to which their objection or supporting representation relate and the grounds on which they are made. This will enable us to give proper consideration to their points and to keep in touch with them as our preparation of the Plan progresses, including any proposed changes to it.”
The Deposit Draft Local Plan documents, including the Draft Environmental Report, are still available for the public to view at The Highland Council Service Points, Public Libraries and Post Offices in Sutherland. The documents are also at the Area Planning and Building Standards Office (The Meadows, Dornoch), at the Planning and Development Service Headquarters (Glenurquhart Road, Inverness), on The Highland Council website http://www.www.highland.gov.uk/ and on the mobile libraries operating in Sutherland.
After the consultation period has ended, Council planners will analyse the matters raised and carry out discussions on key issues with various parties, including the Council’s Ward Members for the area. A report will then be prepared for consideration by the Council’s Planning, Environment & Development Committee on the results of consultation and officers’ recommended course of action, including for any changes to the Plan.
Members of the public seeking further information about the Sutherland Local Plan may also contact the Local Plan team by telephone, e-mail or post: