Funding comes from the Planning and Development Service 5 year Capital Programme which provides funding specifically for Environmental Improvement/Regeneration type projects.
The funds are not available as grant aid. The programme is reviewed and rolled forward annually. Projects are prioritised by and agreed with local communities. Projects undertaken with these funds must also fulfil the Council’s Strategic Goals and Values and demonstrate ‘Best Value’.
The aim is to develop and improve derelict or degraded land or buildings for the benefit of local residents and visitors. Not only will such projects improve the overall appearance of an area, but often they will help to provide economic benefits, e.g. by providing facilities for visitors, encouraging them to visit and stay longer in an area.
For further information contact planning.projects@highland.gov.uk or call 01463 702282.
What sort of Projects CAN be undertaken:-
Projects should meet one or more of these criteria:-
- Be of clear benefit to the local community
- Contribute to the local environment or landscape by enhancing its existing quality
- Conserve, create or enhance the wildlife and natural history of the area
- Enhance features in the cultural environment which add to the local character
- Increase awareness and understanding of the local nature and/or cultural heritage
- Remove deriliction or blight
What sort of Projects CANNOT be undertaken:-
We cannot fund works which are already the responsibility of another Council Service. The Capital Funds provided to the Planning and Development Service are specifically for additional Environmental Improvement Projects and must be spent by the Council. Examples are:-
- Grant aid to other projects
- New pavements or "Safe Routes to schools"- but we can fund countryside footpaths
- New streetlighting
- Urban car parks
- Litter bins
- Annual flower planting schemes- but we can fund sustainable planting of shrubs or trees
- Staffing costs
To find out more information see our leaflet:-
Environmental improvement guidance (49kb) - Background Information