Public Invited to Comment on the Lochaber part of the West Highland and Islands Local Plan (30/01/08)

The public is being invited to have their say on proposals published by The Highland Council on how it believes land should be earmarked for building or development over the next 5-10 years within Lochaber.

This land will be shown in the new West Highland and Islands Local Plan, and will become the Council’s principal framework for deciding on future planning applications and will also shape the investment decisions of other public and private bodies.

The plan is currently available on the Council’s website (www.highland.gov.uk/whilp) and is also available locally at all post offices, libraries and principal council offices.

In addition, a series of drop-in “surgeries” have been arranged throughout Lochaber to allow the public and any other interested party to discuss the Plan content with a planning offical. A more formal opportunity to ask questions about the Local Plan will be available at the Joint Ward Forum meeting to be held at 7pm on Monday 4 February at Caol Community Centre, Fort William. The Local Plan will be on display there from 6pm.

The drop-in surgeries are as follows:

• 4 February: Kilmallie Hall (9 – 11am); Braxi Village Hall (1 – 3 pm); Caol Community Centre (3 – 5 pm).
• 5 February: Nevis Centre, Fort William  (noon – 2pm; 7 – 9pm).
• 8 February: Glenfinnan House Hotel (9 – 11 am); Astley Hall (noon – 2 pm);  Mallaig and Morar Community Centre (3-5 pm); Lady Lovat Primary School (7 – 9pm).
• 11 February: Glengarry and District Community Centre (9 – 11 am); Spean Bridge Community Centre (noon – 2 pm); Roy Bridge Memorial Hall (3 – 5 pm); Onich Village Hall (7-9 pm).
• 12 February:  Kinlochleven Community Centre (9 – 11 am); St Mary’s Hall (noon – 2 pm); Ballachulish Village Hall (3 – 5pm); Kentallen and Duror Community Centre (7 – 9pm).
• 18 February: Treslaig Hall (9 – 11am); Ardgour Hall (1 – 3 pm); Lochaline Hall (4.30 – 6.30 pm); Strontian Hall (7.30 – 9.30 pm).
• 19 February: Kilchoan Community Centre (10 am – noon); Salen Hall (10 am – noon); Shielbridge Hall (2 – 4 pm); Glenuig Hall (7.30 pm – 9.30 pm).
• 25 February: Isle of Eigg Community Hall (1 -3 pm).

Any objections to the plan should be sent in writing to the Director of Planning & Development, The Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX before 5pm on Friday 14th March 2008. Objections should state the name and address of the objector, the matters to which they relate and the grounds on which they are made.

Further information can be obtained from: Neil Huggan - tel. 01463-702291; or e-mail whilp@highland.gov.uk; or via the website www.highland.gov.uk/whilp

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