A draft version of a Development Brief for the Torvean and Ness-side areas of Inverness has now been published for public consultation. The brief sets out a suggested land use planning framework against which future development proposals in the area would be assessed. Importantly, it reflects the policy advice given in the Highland-wide Local Development Plan and Scottish Planning Policy (including Designing Streets and Designing Places).
The consultation process on this document runs from 16th April 2013 – 31st May 2013. During this time the Council is inviting comments on the proposals set out within the Development Brief. In particular we ask for your views on the potential development opportunities, suggested land uses, and the layout and design of these future communities.
Public consultation drop-in exhibitions have been held for people to come along to view and discuss the proposals set out in the brief. These were held on:
- 17th April at Kinmylies Church;
- 18th April at Culduthel Christian Centre; and
- 4th May at Eastgate Centre.
Submit your comments onlineWe would appreciate if all comments are made using the online form and submitted no later than the 31st May 2013.
Any comments submitted will be considered when the Council prepares the final version of the Development Brief which is intended to be adopted as statutory Supplementary Guidance. Once adopted, this document will would be used to assess all planning applications within the development brief area.
Please note that alongside the consultation on this Development Brief the Council is undertaking a parallel public consultation on the detailed route of the West Link Road scheme. If you wish to make comments on the detailed route of the road please go to the consultation webpage. All comments relating to the proposed land uses around the road should be made to the consultation on this document and should be directed to the Development Plans Team as set out above.
Torvean and Ness-Side Charrette
The Council has sought to put the local people at the heart of the process of designing this new community. The preparation of the development brief will be made with involvement from local people and stakeholders at all stages in the design and development process.
The Highland Council held a series of innovative design workshops, known as a Charrette, over the course of several days in early September 2012 to gain a general consensus on the land uses within the brief boundary. The outcome was an Outline Masterplan (pdf 1.7mb). The Charrette was open to all and attended by over 200 members of the community and other interested stakeholders including relevant landowners and representatives from the sports associations. The Charrette process helped to gain general consensus on the uses of the main pieces of land within the brief boundary.
If you require any further information regarding the Torvean and Ness-Side Development Brief please contact the Development Plans Team by email at devplans@highland.gov.uk or on 01349 886 608.