I take issue with Councillor Prag

From HC press release

Residents in the Inner Moray Firth area are reminded that there is just under four  weeks left to let The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service know how they  would like to see their community develop over the next 20 years.

The document out for consultation is called the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan Main Issues Report and it sets out a number of initial options for where development should and should not occur within the Inner Moray Firth area which is from Fort Augustus in the South to Tain in the North and Auldearn in the East and to Garve in the West including the main settlements of Inverness, Nairn and Dingwall. The Main Issues Report looks at how a number of other issues affecting the area can be addressed.

Councillor Thomas Prag, Chair of Planning, Environment and Development Committee, said: “People often tell us that they feel powerless in the planning process. Wwell here is a real opportunity for them to have a say in how their community might develop in the next 20 years. So much is still in the melting pot at this stage and if folk don’t take the chance to chip in on the consultation process now they may not get the chance again for some time. It’s where we live and work and play – it’s up to us to help shape it for the future.”

The Main Issues Report is available to read at online at www.highland.gov.uk.  It is also available at every public library, Council Service Points and area Planning & Building Standards office within the Inner Moray Firth area and at Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness.

Well Councillor Prag, many of us have worked really hard to understand the subject of planning  over the last several years and have contributed to numerous consultations but I for one still feel excluded.  

I have lost faith in the development plan process.  It will take all the effort I can summon to get myself to put pen to paper in response to this plan over the next few weeks.   

The Kindness of Strangers

Over the years APT has welcomed and been grateful for advice, information and support from a range of groups and individuals. 


Only recently I was cheered up by the generosity of academic Peter Joyce*, who not only agreed to my quoting from (my not quite the latest copy of) his book 'Politics'  (Hodder and Stoughton, 'Teach Yourself'), but also sent me a copy of the latest version now called 'Understand Politics' (Link here includes a book preview but of course details of other stockists can be found on line).


I hope to post some items shortly, probably starting with an item to provide some insight into  'Pressure Groups' and perhaps how APT has fared in its role as a 'promotional group' over the last few years.


(* Principal Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University)

Reporter says,"I dismiss the appeal and refuse planning permission in principle."

It would seem to me that the Reporter was not prepared to give the appellants in this case the degree of freedom to develop that they were hoping for...

Links

DPEA Web Page

DECISION NOTICE

Inverness Courier Article

The Reporter stated in the Decision Notice:



5. Section 25 of the Planning Act requires me to determine the appeal in accordance  with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate  otherwise.  Since the  council determined the planning application, the development plan has changed.  I consider that in making my decision I should consider the provisions of the current development  plan.  There was no dispute that this now consists of the Highland wide Local Development Plan (adopted April 2012) and the Inverness Local Plan (adopted March 2006).


(There then followed the Reporter's Reasoning - Decision Notice at  link above)





44. For the reasons set out above, I conclude that the appeal proposal does not comply with the policy and objectives of the development plan.  Based on the information before me, I do not consider that there are any material considerations that are so compelling as to  set aside the provisions of the development plan in this instance. 




The Courier quoted Mr Sutherland of Inverness Estates - an Appellant - as saying:


"We are very disappointed that planning dogma has overridden a project to create almost 400 real jobs at a time when the city is crying out for them. The Scottish Government should be focusing on creating employment rather than their reporter failing to respond to the important issues relating to this site and letting the restaurant complex proceed. It was well recognmised that the local plan referred to was 10 years out of date and time has moved on.

My view - 

I understand that the Planning System is there to balance competing and conflicting demands.  

Within the system a Reporter is engaged to exercise planning judgement and those making an appeal may or may not agree with this judgement.  It is up to all parties taking part to set out their stall of evidence so that the Reporter has the best quality of information upon which to make a decision.

The Reporter in this case seemed to me to be faced with a  degree of uncertainty in terms of the evidence that had been placed (or not placed) before him by the parties involved in the appeal.  For example he notes that:

2. It would appear that the appellant’s current intention is to develop the site as shown  on the site layout plan and  in the transport assessment.  Nonetheless, the planning 

permission would only be for this form of development if it were specified as such in any 

planning conditions. 

3. The proposal is therefore potentially for a much broader range of uses and I consider  that needs to be taken into account when assessing the appeal. 

13. I accept that it is a possible scenario  that there are no suitable alternative sites elsewhere for a mixed use development, including class 3 uses.  Also, that as the class 3 

uses have been promoted because of the close relationship with the other uses at the retail  park (including commercial leisure), the appeal site may be appropriate.  However, I have  been provided with insufficient information to demonstrate this is the case at the moment.

18. In relation to Policy 40, I consider that there is insufficient information to demonstrate 

that there are no suitable sequentially preferable sites or that there is an acceptable impact 

on the city centre or other centres.

33. I consider that there was limited  design information before me.  The appeal documents described the layout plan as illustrative and only showed uses, building 

footprints and road layout.  It did not show massing or provide any analysis as to how the  proposal could create a sense of place or show how the proposal could integrate visually and functionally with existing and proposed development on adjoining land.  

I disagree with the appellant that the submitted information is adequate and that there would be no need 

for a master plan.  I consider it is important that overall design principles be established in case the development commences over a longer  period or takes a different form to that currently envisaged.

West Link Road Charrette

Extract from THC Press Release




...The Highland Council has begun detailed preparation for a major consultation with the public later in the year over future use of land along the route of the proposed Inverness West Link Road, which will provide a new transport link from the Southern Distributor Road at Dores Road to the A82 trunk road via a fixed link across the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal.

A charrette  - a planning masterplanning event -  is being staged between 3-5 September at the Culduthel Christian Centre. It begins with a launch on Monday 3 September (7.30pm start), continues with workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday and concludes with a “wrap up” session on Wednesday evening.
 
The purpose of the charrette is to provide an intensive period of focused discussions to gather people’s views on the possible layout and design of future land uses alongside the proposed West Link Road.  This includes the relocation of sporting facilities that need to be replaced to deliver the road, as well as masterplanning of new developments in the areas of Charleston and Ness-side situated either end of the proposed road.  


More here
 

Elgin 'Bypass Battle'

 From P and J

NEARLY 150 campaigners took to the streets of a Moray town last night to protest against a bypass plan.

A quiet tour around the route of the proposed Elgin western distributor road was gatecrashed by scores of angry residents, who claim the scheme could destroy their community.

The walk was intended to be a low-key event to prepare councillors and stakeholders for a workshop that is being held today.

For the full story, pick up a copy of today’s Press and Journal or read our digital edition now

New committee structure and office bearers

From THC web site here

Extract 

The Highland Council has agreed a new committee structure and elected office-bearers.

There will be four strategic committees, namely: Finance, Housing and Resources; Planning Environment and Development; Transport Environmental and Community Services and Adult and Children’s Services. All of these committees will comprise 22 members and will meet 6 times each year.

An Inverness City Committee, comprising 26 members, will meet 6 times each year and a Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee, comprising 16 members, will meet quarterly. They will pilot specific responsibilities from the outset with a view to paving the way for the following area committees: - Ross and Cromarty (19 members); Nairn and Badenoch (8 members); and Lochaber and Skye (11 members). All will meet quarterly.

The Leaders of the City/Area Committees will be appointed at the first meetings.
Regulatory committees, overseeing planning and licensing issues, will see the continuation of a Planning Review Body of 9 members, meeting six-weekly; as well as a North Planning Application Committee of 17 members and a South Committee of 19 members, both meeting monthly.

Chair of Planning, Environment and Development Committee and the Planning Review Body – Thomas Prag (Inverness South); Vice Chair – George Farlow (North West and Central Sutherland).

How the Inverness Courier reported it:

...Key committee chairmanship roles went to Graham Phillips (transport, environmental and community services); Alasdair Christie (adult and children services); Thomas Prag (planning, environment and development) and Dave Fallows (finance, housing and resources).


More here from Courier

Appealing Decisions

Earlier this year a consultation was undertaken by the 'Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council; Scottish Committee':

'Consultation on Administrative Decisions made by Public Bodies in Scotland where there is no Right of Appeal against the Decision or where the Right of Appeal is inaccessible or inappropriate.'

More details regarding this consultation can be found on and linked to from page 4 of this newsletter


AJTCSC covering letter and questionnaire


As I understand it the consultation report is due to be published shortly and I thought readers may be interested in reading those responses to the consultation that I have been able to find on line.


'Consumer Focus Scotland' response


'Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, SPSO' response


'The Law Society of Scotland's response'



'Friends of the Earth Scotland' response

'Faculty of Advocates' questionnaire responses


On their web site, Planning Democracy mention a meeting with the SCAJTC in respect of this consultation 




However, the most detail regarding the subject of planning appears to be within the  Faculty of Advocates, 'Further Response' - Faculty of Advocates Further Response, Page 7 of 12, paragraph 10 (a) 


Given the recent elections and the setting up of new planning committees within Highland Council some of the sentences in the 'Faculty of Advocates' response struck  particular chords:


...councillors are likely, consciously or subconsciously, to back the decisions of their officers, particularly if no hearing takes place.  Councillors are accustomed to, and indeed are expected to, seek advice from the very professional officers whose decisions they are being asked to overturn.  They will be naturally predisposed towards supporting planning officers...



These responses make very interesting reading and I would certainly recommend getting the full flavour by reading the responses as fully as possible and taking comments in context.

Should schools be sited next to cemeteries?

Why not read the articles below and let me know what your views are:

Planning inquiry gives psychology a starring role

Children will think about fragility of life

Local authority failings have hurt community

Case Study

Waste treatment overcapacity - report's warning

The on-line planning newsletter I receive contains the following article - page linked here:

Britain could soon end up with more residual waste treatment capacity than it needs if all schemes with planning permission go ahead, according to a research consultancy.

Figures from Eunomia Research & Consulting suggest that the market for residual waste facilities could be saturated within three years. The oversupply will increase further if waste arisings continue to decline, the firm adds. 

The researchers calculate that in 2011/12 Britain had 14.8 million tonnes of residual waste treatment capacity in operation or under construction. This left a "capacity gap" of 13.5 million tonnes of waste for which no treatment facilities were available and landfill was the only option. 

But if all currently consented facilities, which have a total capacity of 18.2 million tonnes, go ahead, the current shortfall would turn into an oversupply of 4.7 million tonnes’ capacity by 2015/16, according to Eunomia.

In addition, the researchers predict that if the 4.5 million tonnes of capacity for which planning consent is currently being sought is implemented, the oversupply could grow to 9.2 million tonnes by 2020/21. "The waste treatment industry continues to tell us that the planning system is preventing us from achieving high levels of landfill diversion. The facts tell a different story," said Eunomia director Dr Dominic Hogg.

Why not strive for more genuine public involvement to increase voter confidence

From THC web site:

A meeting of the Highland Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 31 May 2012 at 10.30am.

Agenda

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

13. Notice of Motion

      Brath Gluasaid

The following Notice of Motion has been received in accordance with Standing Order 10.1 –

“The Independent Group is very disappointed at the low turnout in the recent election and we believe people are confused by the STV system.

We propose that this Council forms a short life cross party Working Group to formulate proposals to Scottish Government on ways of increasing voter turnout and engaging with the electorate”.

Signed

Mrs M Davidson, Mrs I Campbell  

So, if this working group is ever set up will it cast its net wide to seek the public view and work to engender public confidence and trust or will it be just another - however well meaning - talking shop?

Highland Council - New committee structure and office bearers to be decided on

PR just up on Highland Council web pages here;


UPDATE: Meeting Agenda here

The Highland Council will be asked at its next meeting on Thursday 31 May to agree a new committee structure and elect office-bearers. A motion from the Administration of SNP, Liberal Democrat and Labour Group members – to be moved by the Leader, Drew Hendry and Depute Leader David Alston - proposes the creation of four strategic committees, namely: Finance, Housing and Resources; Planning Environment and Development; Transport Environmental and Community Services and Adult and Children’s Services. All of these committees will comprise 22 members and will meet 6 times each year.

There will also be a Pensions Committee, comprising 11 members; an Audit and Scrutiny Committee, (22 members; a Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee (15 members); and a Gaelic Implementation Group, (11 members)  and 3 members of Bord na Gaidhlig (or their nominees).  All will meet quarterly.

It is proposed there be an Inverness City Committee, comprising 26 members, meeting 6 times each year and a Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee, comprising 16 members, meeting quarterly, which will pilot specific responsibilities from the outset with a view to paving the way for the following area committees: - Ross and Cromarty (19 members); Nairn and Badenoch (8 members); and Lochaber and Skye (11 members). All would meet quarterly.

The Administration are proposing that the Leaders of the City/Area Committees should be appointed at the first meetings.

Regulatory committees, overseeing planning and licensing issues, will see the continuation of a Planning Review Body of 9 members, meeting six-weekly; as well as a North Planning Application Committee of 17 members and a South Committee of 19 members, both meeting monthly.


A Highland Licensing Committee of 12 members and a Highland Licensing Board of 10 members would meet six times each year.
The Administration will move the following appointments of office-bearers: _ Vice Convener (2) – Maxine Smith (Cromarty Firth); Mr Hamish Wood (Aird and Loch Ness).  


Chair of Finance, Housing and Resources Committee – David Fallows (Badenoch and Strathspey); Vice Chair  – David Alston (Black Isle).


Chair of Planning, Environment and Development Committee and the Planning Review Body – Thomas Prag (Inverness South); Vice Chair – George Farlow (North West and Central Sutherland).


Chair of Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee –
Graham Phillips (East Sutherland and Edderton). Vice Chair  – Bet McAllister (Inverness Central). 


Chair of Adult & Children’s Services Committee – Alasdair Christie (Inverness Ness-side); Vice Chair  - Liz MacDonald (Nairn).


Chair of Pensions Committee – David Fallows (Badenoch and Strathspey)


Chair of Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee –
Drew Millar (Eilean a Cheo)


Chair of Gaelic Implementation Group – to follow  


Champions’ Co-ordinator and Children’s Champion – Linda Munro (North West and Central Sutherland)


Nominations will be sought at the meeting for the following Senior Member posts: Leader of the Opposition; Chair and Vice-Chair of Audit & Scrutiny Committee.


Other nominations can be made at the meeting.


-ends-

Thought provoking discussions - money and morality

As I was driving out this morning I stumbled upon a fascinating discussion on Radio 4's 'Start the Week'.  The programme was even more interesting than their web page blurb (see below) conveys . 


...On Start the Week Andrew Marr discusses the relationship between markets and morals with the political philosopher Michael Sandel. In his latest book, What Money Can't Buy, Sandel questions the dominance of the financial markets in our daily lives, in which everything has a price. But the economist Diane Coyle stands up for her much maligned profession, and points to the many benefits of a market economy. The Russian economist Grigory Yavlinksy argues against viewing the world of money as separate from culture and society: he believes the financial crisis was merely a symptom of a wider moral collapse, and that it is time to examine the way we live.


Web link here for more details about the programme's contributors and their publications.  


Sadly it does not look as if the 'listen again' facility is available for this programme, so no listening and digesting the views at our leisure.   


It is however repeated: 


Mon 21 May 2012 21:30 BBC Radio 4


More food for thought on Woman's hour at Link here (The chat fills the 30 - 40 minute time slot in the programme); Icelandic Politician Birgitta Jonsdottir talks of politics, power and freedom of information amongst other things. 

"The way we live now: What people need and expect from their homes"

'A research report for the Royal Institute of British Architects'

Here

Poverty

As regular readers know I am always very interested to hear from people.  


But it is not just what people say that fascinates me but the lives that people have led; what  they have experienced and what has influenced them the most.  Then of course there is the link between their lifetime's experience and the views they hold and express.


Generally speaking, if we are talking with colleagues, friends, family or neighbours we may rely on our own experiences when we express our views on a wide range of subjects; I guess that my experience of life is probably quite limited - broader than some people's perhaps, but narrower than others.   Running a blog like this one, which is generally factually based, I realised that just relying on my own 'common sense' would not be adequate, so I try, hopefully with some success, to undertake  research.


A recent post on a local blog here made me want to undertake a little research on the subject of 'Poverty'.


'The Child Poverty Action Group' sets out here that:

Individuals, families and groups in the population can be said to be in poverty when they lack the resources to obtain the types of diet, participate in the activities, and have the living conditions and amenities which are customary, or are at least widely encouraged and approved, in the societies in which they belong. [source]

The CPAG web page then goes on to present some very easily digestible facts and stats


'The Joseph Rowntree Foundation' on their web page here outlines and links to a study which:


...finds that Britain is moving back towards levels of inequality in wealth and poverty last seen more than 40 years ago, and that rich and poor are living further apart.

 Amongst the key points of the above study is the statement that:

...Already-wealthy areas have tended to become disproportionately wealthier. There is evidence of increasing polarisation, where rich and poor now live further apart. In areas of some cities over half of all households are now breadline poor.  

On the '21st Century Challenges' web site (Royal Geographical Society with IBG) here and here some insight is provided into the root causes of poverty and what can be done to eradicate it.

For some reason the words, '...punished for being poor' popped into my head so I am just off to do some more research...

Keep up to date with what's happening to the Local Plans

Don't forget to keep up to date with the latest consultation arrangements for the IMFLDP by visiting the Development Plans Team's Blog at


http://hwldp.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/inner-moray-firth-local-development_14.html