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Town Planning and Development Consultancy
Dave
Macdonald Tigh na Greine, Quebec Bridge, Tain IV19 1NG
Tel : 01862 892209 Mob : 07778 194976
Welcome A native Highlander, Dave graduated in Town and Country Planning
from Glasgow School of Art in 1978. He spent 12 years working in local authority Planning Departments within the Highland
Area and Aberdeen City. A combination of Planning Consultancy and other business interests followed. His 'hands-on' experience
in the 'outside world' have afforded valuable insight into the development issues facing individuals and the business community,
allowing him to draw upon a unique perspective in bridging the modern day needs of the Highland people and the demands of
an evolving, seemingly ever more complex yet often under-resourced Planning system.
You may be starting out on a project or have began to lose control of a planning application under determination.
You might need to turn around a refusal via DPEA Appeal or Council Review. Have you ideas for a future use of land but are
not sure how to progress ? Whatever your situation, Highland Planning will work with you, first by listening to your
needs and aspirations, then by moving your proposals forward or putting them back on track through relevant channels, ultimately
striving towards a successful conclusion in the shortest possible time. Highland Planning can offer the
following services :
Policy and
Planning Law Interpretation Development Appraisals Planning Applications and Mediation - Letters
of Representation
Local Plan Submissions
Planning Hearings Planning Appeals, and Applications for Reviews
Sustainable
Design Statements Project Management
Whatever your needs, and for for an informal consultation to establish how I
might be of assistance, you may reach me by e-mail or by telephone. Please use the contact details at the top
of the page. Thank you for viewing my website. Dave Macdonald Dip TP MRTPI |
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Holday cottage to rent - Sanday, Orkney Isles
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Housing in the CountrysideHighland 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 24th April for a period of 4 weeks. The closing date for responses is Friday, 22nd
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.
11:52 am edt
Development Plan SchemeHighland 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
mShould 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
11:19 am edt
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