Appendix 3

Question Raised for Tain and Easter Ross Ward Forum on Thursday 29 May 2008

 

1. Nigg Fabrication Yard

 

A question has been raised by a Local Resident regarding the expansion of the Nigg Yard onto the land on the other side of the road from the main Yard Area.  The mains questions raised are:

 

1. Why has no one approached the land owners who reside on Balnabruaich to advise of what is being proposed.

 

Answer- Because as yet there is no proposal. It is one of a number of options being considered should there be insufficient land within the Nigg yard site to accommodate a multi-user development. This resident will of course be aware that the Dow Chemicals/Cromarty Petroleum site is zoned in both the Local  and Structure Plan and has been for some 30 years for an oil refinery or  an oil related development.

 

2. Are there maps available detailing the land being referred and suggestions for use

 

Answer- The Local Plan map details the current planning position for both the Nigg Yard and the Dow Chemicals/Cromarty Petroleum site. When the Masterplan is completed it will contain maps showing the proposed land use framework for the Nigg Yard site and any adjoining land that the consultants consider may be required to maximise the employment and development potential of the site. As you heard yesterday we are nowhere near the position of mapping the potential land uses yet.

 

3. When will the land owners be advised of the suggestions made and how will they be consulted.

 

Answer- After the Nigg Development Masterplan is agreed by the Council in the autumn it will be advertised and published for a formal consultation period lasting from 8 -12 weeks (depending upon the frequency and timing of the respective Committee) in accordance with the National Standards for Community Engagement. This is a requirement as set out in Planning Advice Note 81 if the Council wishes to adopt the Development Masterplan as supplementary planning guidance.