Planning for the Future at Ward Forums
Community Councils, voluntary, community and business representatives in the Black Isle and Cromarty Firth Wards have the opportunity to say what they think their area should be like in the future as The Highland Development Plan, which is currently out for public consultation, will be top of the agenda at both Ward Forums.
The Highland Council begins its consultation today (31 August) on its new land use plan for the Highlands and the Black Isle Ward Forum on Thursday 10 September and the Cromarty Firth Ward Forum on Thursday 17 September will discuss shaping what our towns, villages and countryside should look like in the future.
Simon Hindson, a Graduate Planner from the Council's Planning and Development Service, will be at the Forum on 10 September to find out what people think the main issues are over the next 20 years and to explain more about how a Highland wide Local Development Plan will be used to address these. His colleague Katie Briggs will be at the Cromarty Firth Forum.
Simon said: "As planners, it is really important for us to get a local perspective from people who know each area well. The information and discussions that we have at the Forums and other consultation events planned will be used to fine tune the Plan to address local issues as well as Highland wide challenges," he said.
Black Isle Councillor Isobel McCallum said she and her fellow Ward Councillors hope this would be an opportunity to influence future planning for the area.
"The consultation will be collecting peoples views on what should be done about our environment; woodlands; new houses; transport and green space. Now is the perfect time for people to get in at the start of a Plan and to make their views known." she said.
Dafydd Jones, the Council's Area Planning and Building Standards Manager based in Dingwall will also be in attendance at the meeting to take questions from the Forum and members of the public.
The Black Isle Ward Forum is being held in Culbokie Primary School on Thursday 10 September from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to take part and to ask questions. Refreshments will be available from 5.30 pm.
The Cromarty Firth Ward Forum takes place the following week on Thursday 17 September at Saltburn Hall from 7.30pm - 9.30pm with refreshments served from 7pm.
Ward Forums have been set up across the Highlands to help you have your say in what's happening in your area. The forums meet regularly in public led by the Ward Elected Members in each area.
Representatives of Community Councils and partner agencies, such as the police also attend the forums.
If you have an enquiry about your Forum; would like to submit questions in advance of the meeting; or have any special requirements or needs to help you take part, please contact Diane Agnew (Black Isle Ward) on 01349 868477 or email diane.agnew@highland.gov.uk or Helen Ross (Cromarty Firth) on 01349 855524 or helen.ross@highland.gov.uk.
More information on the Highland wide Local Development Plan consultation can be found on the Highland Council website http://www.highland.gov.uk/developmentplans.htm or by contacting the Development Plans Team on (01463) 702261 or email devplans@highland.gov.uk.
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