Dave Thompson MSP

Following a seminar on business development for planners and developers from across the Highland and Argyll and Bute local authority areas, local MSPs are hopeful that new arrangements could aid growth in the area.

The seminar was arranged by Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Mike MacKenzie and attended by Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, to look at issues around the operation of the Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 and discuss ways decisions could be delivered more quickly to reduce expense and uncertainty for developers. The meeting at Lochaber House in Fort William was chaired by Jim MacKinnon, the Scottish Government’s chief planner and was attended by Stuart Black, head of planning and development at The Highland Council; Angus Gilmour, who performs the same role at Argyll and Bute Council, and other representatives of local government, planning agents and private business interests.

Titled “How Planning Can Support Sustainable Economic Growth in Highland and Argyll and Bute”, the seminar looked at how to speed planning decisions and ease businesses through the planning process.

A recent Audit Scotland Report indicated that although there had been significant improvements to Scotland’s planning system, challenges still remain.

Following the seminar, Mr Thompson said: “This was an extremely useful meeting and, I hope, the first of many. Jim will be back early in the New Year to look at progress.

“There were various issues raised by developers and planners have committed to look at these over the next few months and look at ways to move forward on these before reporting back.

“It is very important to help business retain and create as many jobs as possible in the Lochaber area and I hope this meeting is a key part of that process.

The recent Audit Scotland Report indicated that although there had been significant improvements to Scotland’s planning system; challenges still remain. It was good therefore to see Chief Planner, Jim MacKinnon, attend a meeting in Fort William of Argyll & Bute and Highland Council planners and developers, architects, agents and others from across the two Council areas.

Mr MacKinnon chaired a very useful discussion about how the planning system can be improved and promised a return visit where he would be looking for evidence that this had not just been a talking shop but a catalyst for real action to improve the system.

Mr MacKenzie said: “I very much welcome Jim MacKinnon’s pro-active approach and him taking the time to come out to the West Coast to gain an insight into how the planning system works on the ground in our rural areas.

“It is especially important in these difficult times that we have an efficient planning system, and also one that optimises our ability to benefit from the new opportunities of renewable energy and other technologies while safeguarding the quality of our natural and our built environment.

“I am pleased too, to note that senior planners from both Councils share our aspiration for continual improvement and that the route to this is for all parties to work together in a spirit of mutual respect”.