Caithness and Sutherland Proposed Local Development Plan

For the first time the Highland Community Planning Partnership have endorsed a Development Plan published by The Highland Council and have agreed to working with the Council in monitoring its delivery.

The Proposed Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan (CaSPlan), was published for consultation on 22 January and will run until 18 March 2016. The Plan contains a vision for what we want to happen in the Caithness and Sutherland area by 2035. This vision has been agreed by the Highland Community Planning Partners and reflects the aims of both the Council’s programme and the Single Outcome Agreement.

Published alongside CaSPlan is the Proposed Action Programme which shows how the Plan can be implemented on the ground.

Scott Dalgarno, Development Plans Manager explains, “Key projects and actions which are necessary to deliver the vision set out in CaSPlan are identified in the Proposed Action Programme. We have consulted Scottish Ministers, Key Agencies and other parties mentioned in the Action Programme during the preparation of it. It has also been considered and endorsed by the Highland Community Planning Partnership who will have a key role in subsequent monitoring of progress with implementation”.

Strategic infrastructure projects for Caithness and Sutherland are identified, such as delivery of a National Digital Fibre Network and the A9 Berriedale Braes Improvement Scheme. Actions for specific settlements are also included, for example Dornoch Sports Centre and path upgrades at the Smoo Cave site.

The proposed local development plan, along with the Proposed Action Programme, is on consultation from 22 January until midday 18 March 2016. The easiest way to view the Plan and make any comments is online at consult.highland.gov.uk.

Anyone who wishes to make any comments should follow the instructions on this website. It may also be viewed at public and mobile libraries and the Council’s Service Points within the Plan area and in Tain, and at planning offices in Wick (Caithness House), Golspie (Drummuie Offices) and Inverness (Council HQ).If you are not able to access or use the website (for example if you cannot access the internet) please contact the Development Plans Team on 01349 886608 and we will provide an alternative method for you to submit your comments.