Apparently, the Scottish Government is considering whether to raise planning fees as early as August in return for speedier decision making. It is reported that up to 20% of a hike could be justified as present fees only cover 83% of Planning System costs (not sure if thats an uptodate recession-affected figure). Understandably, on the basis speedier decisions and better attention saves money all round, the larger developers are keen on the idea but point out, getting their money back if their decisions are delayed, would not be unreasonable !
Unless planning authority resources are increased dramatically, it would seem such an arrangement might not be the most straightforward streamlining idea to implement in practice. Chances are we will get the fee increase, and soon, but merely alligned to some further committment to performance examination.

As part of Scottish Government's attempts to streamline the planning System, enhance the service and provide more openness and accountability, Highland Council has recently launched its ePlanning system whereby planning applications can be submitted and existing applications can be viewed, tracked and commented upon online. Simple searches can be conducted by address, postcode or application reference or more advanced searches via applicant name, community council/ward area, Committee date etc. A slightly irritating aspect I have found so far is, unless you know the applicant's name, it will not accompany the application details once found, nor will the decision date (delegated or Committee) if the application has been determined. These are useful details in providing comprehensive 'at a glance' information. Google the determined application reference number and eventually you ought to find the Planing Officer's report but I would have thought it easier to have provided that basic info as part of the initial search. Maybe, the info is there and it just my initial attempts to access the system but, if these advances are to be a success, they must be quick, efficient and user friendly. I have no doubt a tremendous amount of work has gone into creating the system and the general philosophy is to be welcomed. Hopefully, any initial teething problems will be be quickly overcome. Personally, my biggest problem will be trusting the accuracy of the data base but maybe that confidence will come through continued use over time.
To get started the initial link to check out and register as a user is http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/eplanning/

Highland Council has recently undertaken a review of the existing Housing in the Countryside Development Planning Policy Guidance.  The review examined the effectiveness and fit for purpose of the existing houisng in the countryside policy as set out in the Structure Plan, Local Plans and associated Development Plan Policy Guidance. The interim guidance provides the Council’s policy approach to Housing in the Countryside in advance of the Highland wide Local Development Plan. The Council now invites feedback on the document and changes to policy approach to housing in the countryside. The document is available at Council Headquarters, Inverness and online from Friday 24^th April for a period of 4 weeks. The closing date for responses is Friday, 22^nd May 2009.

Check

http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/consultations.htm

This policy will be of particular interest to those seekiing to develop a house or houses in those areas of the Highland countryside currently subject to the over-prohibitive Hinterland policy. Once reviewed, the policy will dictate the pattern of rural housing development for many years to come.

Personally, I believe there was little or no justification for a policy which restricts development purely in terms of its distance relationship with Inverness. Its limitations were expressed at its conception and my gut reaction is these appear to have been passed over and the inpression now is we are dealing with a review to an established policy whose foundations are beyond question. I think this is presents a basic weakness in the new policy. Also, I do not believe it goes nearly far enough to meet the spirit of the guidance issued by the Scottish Government. The areas of 'relaxation'' only serve to confuse and, as they are currently presented, may result in denying some of the best opportunities the countryside has to offer for accomodating new housing whilst seemingly encouraging the potential for some misplaced and less than ideal development .

I'd be interested to know other perspectives on the new policy and , of course, if I can help you present your observations to Highland Council, just get in touch.

Highland Council has updated its Development Plan Scheme which explains what future local development plans for Highland will contain; when they are likely to be produced; and how individuals, communities and organisations can be involved in making these plans.

The Scheme may be viewed at http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/developmentplans/developmentplanscheme.ht
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Should you be at all interested in the forthcoming round of Local Development Plans then it is well worth a read in order to understand the processes and procedures being pursued by Highland Council in tems of strategic planning

From 6 April 2009,  the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 obliges potential major development applicants to engage in pre-application discussions with local planning authorities. Highland Council has published its Guidelines on this new procedure and these can be found at ;

http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/3356F297-5C65-4B93-8F9B-D444ED740846/0/maj_dev_SPG_Feb09_forWEB.pdf 

The objective is to help make the planning process more efficient by encouraging early and effective consultation thus avoiding some of the difficult situations that may arise during the application process.

A Major Development team will meet on a monthly basis in Inverness and a pre-application request form must be lodged with the Council at last 4 weeks before the meeting date sought.

Highland Planning is available to accept Major Development pre-application commissions.

Somewhat fittingly, on Friday 13th, I learnt the web host, Register.com, had lost my original webpage. I have commenced reconstruction and will hopefully have everything updated before too long.
Thank you for your patience.

Dave