May 2019

Development Plan and Marine Planning

Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan

In November the Comhairle adopted and published a new Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan (LDP), replacing the LDP previously adopted in 2012. The LDP provides the statutory policy planning framework to guide development – what develop is appropriate and where. The LDP is a land use plan for the development of the islands, drawn up by the Comhairle in consultation with the community and stakeholders. It sets out a spatial framework for development, and includes a suite of policies and proposal sites by which planning applications are determined.

Action Programme

Following the adoption of the new Local Development Plan in November, in line with legislation the Comhairle published in March its LDP Action Programme. The role of the Action Programme is to set out how a Planning Authority proposes that its LDP is implemented. It should contain a list of actions required to deliver each of the Plan’s policies and proposals; identify who is to carry out the actions; and the timescale for these actions. The Action Programme is also available in local libraries and Council offices.

Development Plan Scheme

The Development Plan Scheme is a document that sets out the Comhairle’s proposed programme and processes for preparing and maintaining its Development Plan including the LDP and other associated documents and guidance. It is a statutory requirement of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 to prepare and publish a Development Plan Scheme (DPS) and to review and update it annually. The Latest Edition of the DPS was published this month (May) online and copies placed in Council offices and local libraries.

Conservation Area Grants – Buildings and Painting Grant Schemes

The Comhairle administers a series of grant schemes applicable to the four conservation areas in the Outer Hebrides: Stornoway; Gearrannan; Ruisgarry; and Howmore. These schemes aim to offset the additional costs associated with works specific to the conservation area. Further information on these grant schemes and the conditions that apply is available online. Potential applicants are encouraged to speak with the Planning Service before submitting an application, with regards to eligibility and any necessary planning consent.

Thatching Grant Scheme

Due to its perishable nature, a traditional Scottish Thatched roof will rapidly deteriorate unless it is regularly maintained. Historic Scotland encourages owners of historic and traditional thatched buildings to maintain and repair them by providing grants for the maintenance of thatched roofs under the Historic Environment Support Fund, which is administered by the Comhairle, within the Outer Hebrides. The scheme provides grant funding to meet a proportion of the cost of repairing and maintaining traditional roof structures. This can include re-thatching, replacement of top coats, repairs and associated minor works to roofing divots and roof timbers. Information on the thatching grant scheme and eligibility is available online or you can contact Hannah Morrison telephone 01870 604990 or email hmorrison@cne-siar.gov.uk

For further information on any Development Plan matters or the Grants highlighted please contact the Development Plan and Marine Planning team on 01870 604990 or 01851 822690 or e-mail localdevplan@cne-siar.gov.uk

Development Management

Flood Risk - Climate change allowances increased for Western Isles

Climate Change is currently high on the Agenda, with New Guidance on Climate Change just released by SEPA.

In formulating an approach to risk assessment developers are advised to have regard SEPA’s Land Use Vulnerability Classification (») (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) as some Land Uses are at higher risk than other, in a flood event. The latest projections do mean however than that when added together (Still water + Storm Surge + Climate change), that as a broad rule of thumb, developments that fall within the ‘Most Vulnerable’ uses and ‘Highly Vulnerable’ uses per SEPA guidance need to be guided to or ideally above the 5m contour.

Historic Environment Policy for Scotland

On 1 May 2019 a new Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS) which replaced the former Policy Statement was adopted. The Policy takes a proactive approach to securing historic environment assets for future generations.

Customer Survey

The Comhairle Planning Service Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) is available through Survey Monkey Copies can also be collected at Comhairle offices or just contact us if you would like us to send you a copy. Your comments help us to improve the service we provide. The Planning Service Customer Survey Results are published on the Comhairle website.

The Comhairle Planning Performance Framework, which shows the Performance of the Planning Service and areas for improvement, is available online

Performance Information

Building Standards

For Quarter 3 of 2018/19 (01 Oct – 31 Dec), 96% of Building Warrants were responded to within 15 days and 93% of warrants were issued within 6 days. In terms of Certificates of Completion, 82% were responded to within 9 days. The target for these indicators is 85% in each case.

For Quarter 4 of 2018/19 (01 Jan – 31 Mar), 95% of Building Warrants were responded to within 15 days and 93% of warrants were issued within 6 days. In terms of Certificates of Completion, 84% were responded to within 9 days. The target for these indicators is 85% in each case.

Development Management

The Scottish Government has issued its summary of Planning Performance by the Comhairle in the context of Scottish Planning Authorities. Statistical bulletins give the Latest Information on Planning Authority Performance (Opens in a new window or downloads a file).

Contact Details / Area Responsibilities

Building Standards

Planning Service

Online Resources

We would remind and encourage developers to make best use of on-line resources for generic queries thus minimising the draw on the time of local officers.

Preparation of Planning Applications: Validation and Determination Guidance (») (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Submitting Planning Applications: ePlanning.scot (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Viewing Planning Applications: Comhairle Public Access (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Comhairle Planning Service

Scottish Government Planning and Architecture (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Marine Scotland (Marine and Fisheries) (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)

Scottish Water (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)