"We’re all going to be film stars! "

Another interesting piece from Martin Goodall

Click here

"...You are bright, dynamic, good looking and have a life."

Oh I do so wish that was me, but alas...


However, I have just come across this easy read guide, published in December last year, intended for just such people, which, in the author's own words:

"... is not intended to be a definitive description of property development or an exhaustive DIY  Guide to appraisals and viability studies. It is not long enough for that...I hope that by the time you finish this you will have a better understanding of both the development business and the way in which individual projects are evaluated...This is unashamedly a personal and idiosyncratic account based on personal experience and practice and I will apologise now for any shortcomings that result. Any failings are my fault, so 
please don’t hold the Royal Town Planning Institute responsible! Use it as you will but please acknowledge my work where it is appropriate to do so."


[The author of the guide, 'Development, Viability and Planning' December 2012 is Michael Beaman,  he writes that this is the third version of this guide, revised to support the Royal Town Planning Institute’s on-line course on development viability.   He has qualified both as a Town Planner and a Chartered Surveyor]

I am hoping to set aside some time to go through it in the not too distant future.

IS UK Planning, 'probably as difficult as it gets anywhere in the world'?

According to a 'Planning' on-line which appeared on the Wed 14 August HERE 

...The planning system in the UK is 'probably as difficult as it gets anywhere in the world', the boss of financial services company Legal & General said today.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, the firm’s chief executive Nigel Wilson hit out at planning delays and said that building on part of the green belt would help to solve the housing crisis.

Wilson, who became Legal & General chief executive in June 2012, said: "I’ve worked all over the world. Planning in the UK is probably as difficult as it gets anywhere in the world."....

Really?  Is it that difficult??????????

South Planning Apps Committee has a lot to discuss on Tues 20 Aug

Full agenda can be found here

8.30 am Coach departs the Council Headquarters, Inverness to transport Members to Nairn South for a site visit in respect of Item 5.1

12.30 pm or on completion of site visit, whichever is the later, the Planning Applications Committee meeting will commence in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Inverness.

5.  Planning Applications to be Determined

Iarrtasan Dealbhaidh rin Dearbhadh

There are circulated Reports Nos. PLS/042/13 – PLS/048/13 by the Area Planning Manager (South), and the Head of Planning and Building Standards which are as follows:-

5.1
Applicant: Scotia Homes Ltd, Barratt North East Scotland and Robertson Homes (11/04355/FUL) (PLS-042-13 (7918kb pdf) | PLS-042-13 Plans 1 (6730kb pdf) | PLS-042-13 Plans 2 (6087kb pdf))
Location: Land at Cawdor Road, Nairn South, Nairn (Ward 19)
Nature of Development: Residential development consisting of 319 units (232 houses and 87 flats) and associated infrastructure and public open space
Recommendation: Grant

5.2
Applicant: Inverness Properties Ltd (11/04653/FUL) (PLS-043-13 (6748kb pdf))
Location: Viewhill, Inverness (Ward 20)
Nature of Development: Demolition of agricultural buildings, formation of 16 house plots, upgrade of access and associated works
Recommendation: Grant

5.3
Applicant: WPD Beinn Mhor Limited (13/02293/FUL) (PLS-044-13 (1579kb pdf))
Location: South west of Tomich, Strathglass, Inverness (Ward 13)
Nature of Development: Erection of a temporary 80m meteorological mast at the proposed Beinn Mhor Wind Farm
Recommendation: Grant

5.4
Applicant: Mrs B Munro (13/01949/FUL) (PLS-045-13 (616kb pdf))
Location: 39 Firthview Road, Inverness, IV3 8LZ (Ward 14)
Nature of Development: Erection of house
Recommendation: Grant

5.5
Applicant: Miss Margo Howatson (13/02395/FUL) (PLS-046-13 (363kb pdf))
Location: The Steading, Wester Inshes, Inverness, IV2 5BG  (Ward 20)
Nature of Development: Change of use of an office building (Class 4) to a dog day care facility (sui generis)
Recommendation: Grant

5.6
Applicant: Mr L Mackenzie (13/01554/FUL) (PLS-047-13 (2237kb pdf))
Location: Land West of Farmhouse, Blackpark Farm, Westhill, Inverness
(Ward 20)
Nature of Development: Erection of house with detached garage
Recommendation: Grant

5.7
Applicant: Carbon Free Moy Limited (CFML) (13/01180/S36) (PLS-048-13 (5370kb pdf))
Location: Moy Estate Tomatin by Inverness (Ward 20)
Nature of Development: Application to increase the potential generational capacity of the consented Moy Wind Farm from 41MW to 66MW.
Recommendation: Raise No Objection

"BBC to air second series of The Planners; 'Not in my Backyard' "

(Extract from item on 'Planning' newsletter)

"The fly-on-the-wall BBC documentary series The Planners is to return for a second series under a new name, the broadcaster has announced."

"According to the BBC, the show is to be re-branded "Not In My Backyard". 

The BBC said the new run of eight 60-minute shows would return to some of the cases featured in the first series to discover whether the decisions "had become bricks and mortar reality"."

Item here

Lots more lovely numbers - latest release of 'Census' data

Scotland's Census - Release 1C (Part Two) now available

Release 1C (Part Two) of results from Scotland's Census 2011 is now available on the Scotland's Census website.


This latest release provides 2011 Census estimates of the number of usual residents and the number of households with at least one usual resident for postcodes, census output areas, data zones and inhabited islands in Scotland. The estimates relate to census day, 27 March 2011.

(Extract from email)

Airports, Roads and Railways and 'National Development' status for the Major Roads, University Campus, Airport Business Park and 'Tornagrain' and so much more

The post title features some of the points made  in the Highland Council's response to the Scottish Government's Consultation on the Third National Planning Framework.  There are some huge issues and major principles  which deserve consideration so I hope that you will read on... 

The responses can be found in an Appendix to the Report linked here

Here are some extracts from the NPF3 response which drew my attention and note the use of the term, ' to facilitate developments through the consenting process':

5.1. ...Emphasis should also be given to the growing recreational potential of the Caledonian Canal as a destination for boaters, walkers, cyclists and paddlers. This area should be considered a key national asset and be mapped as such. 

Question 11

6.4. Other large scale projects, for example the new Beechwood Campus in Inverness and 
Inverness Airport Business Park/Tornagrain new town could be included as national 
developments.

Strategic Road Improvements 

7.1. The Highland Council, along with a number of other affected local authorities, regional transport partnerships and Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Planning Authority promoted dualling of the A96; dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness; A9 improvements between Inverness and Thurso and A82 improvements as national developments. NPF3 does not identify any road improvements as proposed national developments. The Highland Council, along with the authorities listed above are 
disappointed that these key road improvement projects have not been identified as proposed national developments and continues to press for their inclusion as national developments for the reasons described below. 

7.2. The Assessment of Proposed National Developments Report states that these strategic road projects are not identified as national developments due to many of them having already been identified in the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan. It is appreciated that for the A9 and A96 there is a Ministerial commitment for the dualling of these roads to be delivered within a specified time frame and a level of funding has been committed. However, for the most part, these projects are not committed in land use terms as they are not identified in development plans and do not have planning permission or other required consents. It is therefore considered that there would be significant merit in designating these roads projects for the purpose that national developments are designated for – to facilitate developments through the consenting process. Through designating the dualling of the A9 and A96 as national developments this would prevent the principle being debated during the consenting process. We are aware of a number of other roads projects that have been significantly delayed due to hold ups during the consenting process. As explained in our submission to the ‘Call for National Developments’ The Highland Council, along with several other relevant public bodies consider the dualling of the A9 and A96 would bring benefits and opportunities would be achieved by this upgrade: economic growth; improved road safety; improved journey times and reliability; improved access to tourism and recreation sites and improved links to pedestrian, cycling and public transport facilities. (APTSec highlight)

8. Areas of Coordinated Action

Area 2: Inverness and the Inner Moray Firth 

8.2. The Highland Council also welcomes the continued identification of Inverness and the Inner Moray Firth as an Area for Co-ordinated Action. As stated, it is an area identified for major change and investment. The specific, additional reference to West Link is welcomed but this should perhaps be broadened to include other strategic, Inverness City, transport improvements. For example the STPR and IIP includes an A9/A96 connection improvement as mentioned in section, we feel should be given greater empahsis. All these strategic City transport improvements are to facilitate sustainable economic growth without compromising placemaking objectives. For example, West Link will allow the creation of new communities in the city whilst reducing city centre congestion and environmental impacts.

[The PEDC  will be asked to officially confirm the Council's NPF3 Consultation Response at its meeting next week, alongside also confirming the Council's response to the parallel consultation on Scottish Planning Policy.]

DEADLINE LOOMS FOR NPF3 MIR AND SPP Consultations

Ending this week

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) Consultation Start date 30/04/2013 - End date 23/07/2013 The SPP is a statement of Scottish Government policy on how nationally important land use planning matters should be addressed across the country. A review of the SPP was announced in September 2012. The SPP Consultation Draft has been informed by a period of pre-draft engagement from October 2012 to early January 2013.

National Planning Framework 3: Main Issues Report consultation Start date 30/04/2013 - End date 23/07/2013 The National Planning Framework (NPF) provides a framework for the spatial development of Scotland. The third NPF (NPF3) will set out the Government's development priorities over the next 20-30 years. The Main Issues Report sets out the Government's preferred option plus reasonable alternatives. The consultation paper seeks the public's views.

National Planning Framework 3 Scottish Planning Policy Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report Start date 30/04/2013 - End date 23/07/2013 A consultation on the Environmental Report covering both the consultation draft Scottish Planning Policy and the National Planning Framework 3: Main Issues Report and prepared under the requirements of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. It seeks the public's views on the assessment of the potential impact of the documents on Scotland's environment.

Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011 - Commencement and Regulations Start date 29/04/2013 - End date 26/07/2013 To seek comments on proposals for commencement of parts of the Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011 and the first set of proposed regulations under the Act which will define a number of terms set out in the Act and create the framework for the creation of new panels of reservoir engineers for Scotland in preparation for implementation of the majority of the Act. Pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan and Draft Environmental Report Start date 17/06/2013 - End date 26/07/2013 Two documents have been produced to inform the development of a marine spatial plan in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters. The Planning Issues and Options Paper explores the existing use of the marine area and the management of resources and sets out a range of options for how marine development and management can be taken forward. The paper aims to facilitate stakeholder and community consultation on the plan's strategic objectives, key themes and policy approaches. It is not a draft version of the plan; rather is suggests planning options to support the preparation of the draft pilot marine spatial plan. The Environmental Report has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. It is part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment, which is a means of considering the environment when preparing public plans, programmes and strategies. It identifies potential environmental effects and where necessary, proposes how these effects can be avoided or reduced. Through consultation, it also provides an opportunity for the public to express their views on the proposed pilot marine spatial plan policies and their potential enviromental impacts.

View all current consultations online

A question of ethics?

Have you heard of Community-based participatory research (CBPR)? 

No?  Me neither. 

Well, according to the web page of the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement,

...Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an increasingly popular approach to research. It involves members of community organisations taking a lead, or working alongside professional researchers, in doing research that is relevant to their communities. It involves sharing power and responsibility and working for beneficial outcomes.

...This type of research tends to generate a range of distinctive ethical issues. This is because it involves people working together in partnership, who may have different skills, perspectives and purposes. Community-based researchers may also often be involved in researching the communities to which they belong.

There is a 4 minute film here under the title, 'Ethics in community-based participatory research' which is quick to watch and easy to follow.

BUT WAIT A MINUTE

Scotland already has, 

The National Standards for Community Engagement, which set out best practice guidance for engagement between communities and public agencies.

Personally I do not think that these standards are functioning well enough.  

Over the years APT has made formal representations to the Council regarding the use of these standards and our statements have fallen on stony ground.  

I think it is time we revisited this subject - look out for more posts in the next few weeks.

How will the National Plan affect YOUR future?

What do you think about the proposals for the Highlands that have been included in the 'DRAFT' NPF3? 

How will it affect your future?

I have a pretty good idea how it will affect mine and the futures of my friends and neighbours; what about you?


Background and details

Derek Mackay MSP, Minister for Local Government & Planning, launched National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) & draft Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) on April 30, 2013.

Followed by a 12-week period of public consultation, 

ending on 

Tuesday July 23, 2013.

The resource pack supporting engagement on the draft Scottish Planning Policy and NPF remains available online with hard copies available by contacting the NPF3 Team

Questionnaires are available to provide a response to the consultation.

Questionnaire - consultation questions for National Planning Framework

Questionnaire - consultation questions for Scottish Planning Policy


Get regular updates from Scottish Government Planning and Architecture Division at @scotgovplanning


Follow progress on Scotland's third NPF at @NPF3Team

Register for updates

Planning eNews

Deadline looming for NPF3 and SPP responses

We definitely cannot afford to let this dual consultation pass us by - and I really need to get on with it!

I cannot access other web sites and pages now to get you the date that the consultation ends.  My PC is making a horrendous noise.

I hope that you have more success than I do!

What is wrong with the Blogger? Why is it taking me so long to use the system these days?

Hi

I have been trying to post up info for days but my whole system seems to have slowed up.  It is taking so long to load  pages on the internet with my PC but it is even slower 'waiting for feedback' on blogger.  Does anyone out there have any ideas?

It was never this slow; it is so frustrating and taking me so much more time than it should 

Still at least I have managed something this morning.


Ta

How did you do? How did we influence the Inner Moray Firth Plan first part?

What a Community Council said (Nairn River);

"Concerned that views of local residents are not considered as much as those of local land owners and developers"

Council regards 'modification sought' as being:

"Reappraisal of population and housing projections with significantly less sites being supported for development in Nairn.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? 

What do you think about the way the Planners have translated what was said into what 'modifications' they felt were being 'sought'?

DETAILS and links at page HERE

Extract

'Main Issues Report

Main Issues Report - Comment Summaries *New*

The Highland Council produced and published a Main Issues Report for the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan in Spring 2012. We sought comments from members of the public and private sectors and the community at large on the main strategic issues and potential policy options for the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan.

The comments received from the consultation stage of the Main Issues Report have now been summarised and are contained within the following pdf files sorted by area of interest and geographic areas. The files contain a summary of issues raised and modifications sought by respondents

• General Feedback (pdf 157kb)
• Wider Area Policies (pdf 407kb)
• Inverness Area (pdf 464kb)
• Inverness City and City Fringe (pdf 691kb)
• Nairn Area (pdf 238kb)
• Ross and Cromarty Area (pdf 900kb) '

(McDonalds) 330sqm drive-through restaurant; 2 x 317sqm restaurants (Chiquito’s, Frankie and Benny’s)

Amongst the Agenda Items this week for SPAC:

4.  Major Applications
Iarrtasan Mòra

There is circulated Report No. PLS-032-13 (25kb pdf) by the Head of Planning and Building Standards, which provides a summary of all cases within the “Major” development category currently with the Planning and Development Service for determination.

The Committee is invited to note the current position of these applications.

5.7
Applicant: Inverness Estates Ltd (12/04555/PIP) (PLS-039-13 (117kb pdf)| Appendix 2 Part 1(3205kb pdf)|Appendix 2 Part 2 (1354kb pdf)|Appendix 2 Part 3 (4589kb pdf)|Appendix 3 (72kb pdf))
Location: Highlander Way, Inverness Retail and Business Park, Inverness
(Ward 18)
Nature of Development: Connectivity strategy for Inverness Retail, Business and Leisure Park, Stoneyfield Business Park and University Campus (Beechwood) and development of four Class 3/drive-through units.
Recommendation: Grant

So a MacDonalds, a Chiquito’s and a Frankie and Benny's at the Inverness retail park?  The decision on this one really will depend on our councillors; I think  they have the freedom to go either way.

South Planning Applications Committee

Consultation: The Legislative Framework Governing Allotments

Last week for consultation here

Extract from foreword: 

"...In the summer last year a consultation on the proposed content of a 

Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill asked people what changes 

should be made to the existing legislation on allotments. The current 

consultation builds on this work and asks more specifically about the ways 

in which it could be revised. Your views will help us be clearer about what 

changes are needed and will shape the future legislation in this area..."

[Please return your completed ‘Respondent Information Form’ (pages 1 and 2 of this document) and  ‘Consultation Response Form’ to allotmentconsultation2013@scotland.gsi.gov.uk by Friday 24th May 2013.]