Tornagrain - the first 200?

According to this web page on the web site of Ben Pentreath & Associates the architects are working with the landowner and DPZ on a more detailed masterplan for the first 200 dwellings at 'Tornagrain' (shouldn't it say 'New Town near Tornagrain' since there is already a little settlement called 'Tornagrain' in existence) with a planning application expected in early 2013.  BP&A also state on the page here that they have been working at Poundbury for a number of years.  

Why not flick through the drawings on the Poundbury page given that the drawings may provide an insight into what to expect at the 'Tornagrain' site in the not too distant future...

The Herald Scotland 'Voice of Property' (14 Feb 2013) also mentions 'Tornagrain' as part of a section stating:

...This could be the year that sees progress on some of the 11 exemplar projects that make up part of the Scottish Government's Sustainable Communities Initiative (SSCI) which have the potential to provide hundreds of new homes, put new towns and villages on the map, and give the construction industry a boost.

...When complete, Tornagrain, a planned new town in the Highlands between Inverness and Nairn, will be home to 10,000 people. Designed by American architect and urban planner Andres Duany, Tornagrain was granted outline planning permission last September and the detailed planning application for the first phase will go to the council in the spring. 

It all seems such a long time since an initial announcement was made on the BBC (Wed 01 June 2005) and of course it was too be called 'Castle Stuart' then:

...Andrew Howard, managing director of Moray Estates, said the new development was being called Castle Stuart, after the name of the estate on which the settlement would be built.

"This is a great opportunity for Inverness and the Highlands area to plan its population growth and it would be extremely good for the economy," he said.

"By planning this in an organised and structured way it allows everyone to plan what the settlement will look like."

It all seems such a long time ago since PTEa drew up an 'Outline Masterplan' (October 2004)     for 'Castle Stuart'.  

Is interest in planning matters waning locally?

As we approach episode '5 of 8' of the BBC 2 series 'The Planners'  I am filled with a nagging sense that whilst a documentary series, which follows '...planning applications and the contentious processes behind them...', may make good Thursday evening telly for the nation, local interest in planning matters may be waning.

What do readers think?

Latest on Pre-App Consultation and Planning Modernisation

News just in from 'Planning and Building' (Scottish Government e Newsletter) - Extract

With the recent legislative changes on Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) we will be revising Circular 4/2009: Development Management Procedures in this regard.  Also, the one year review of the modernised planning system, published in September 2010, indicated a demand for further guidance on PAC.  We welcome any views on this aspect of the Circular to assist in its revision. Responses to Graham.Robinson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk by March 15, 2013.

• Planning Modernisation Development management System: One Year Review
• Circular 4/2009: Development Management Procedures

Ground investigation work to kick off A9 Dualling

From Transport Scotland web page

Users of the A9 will welcome news a £1.3 million ground investigation contract is expected to be awarded early next month, getting the A9 dualling underway in earnest.

Subject to the mandatory standstill period, Transport Scotland will award the contract to Environmental Scientifics Group Ltd.

When this contract gets underway, it will be the first spade in the ground for the Scottish Government’s ambitious programme to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2025.

Work should begin next month and last for four months.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said:
 
“Following the public exhibitions and useful feedback we received last December, work to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness is now being stepped up.
 
“These important ground investigations will give us the detailed information needed to progress the draft orders for Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section next year. They underpin the careful in-depth planning and design required for one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history.”

Progress is also being made elsewhere on the A9 on the Kincraig to Dalraddy section. Tenders for ground investigation work will be sought early next month and these works are expected to start later this year, paving the way for construction to start in 2015/16.

Mr Brown continued:

“It is further good news that we are starting the tender process for the ground investigation work on the Kincraig to Dalraddy section.

 “When completed, the A9 Dualling programme will bring benefits to road users, communities and businesses who live along or use this important route which links central Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.”